Internship | Job Vacancies at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Job Vacancies at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Communication Officer III at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks an experienced communication specialist to develop local communication and community engagement strategies to address social and institutional barriers to the adoption of sustainable livestock innovations. This work would mainly take place in Kenya, but the position holder would be expected to work with other staff in Ethiopia and other countries to support similar efforts.

This position will design and implement evidence-based communication and engagement strategies that encourage the adoption of livestock and climate-smart technologies among farmers, extension agents, and local institutions. The officer will also lead efforts to engage with local influencers and media, and foster community-driven change processes that strengthen trust in science and innovation.

The position will support all the components of ILRI’s livestock transformation portfolio which includes projects around stage gating climate technologies, novel feed and forage, vaccine scaling and scaling of improved dairy breeds.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategy & Design

  • Carry out audience research and segmentation (e.g., farmers, youth, women, pastoralists, policymakers) to inform message design and identify best bet delivery channels (local leaders, social media, radio, TV etc
  • Based on analysis, design localized campaigns that address behavioural and institutional barriers to technology adoption with different components of the portfolio
  • Collaborate with scientists and communication specialists to co-create tailored messages for different audiences (farmers, youth, women, policymakers)

2. Implementation, trust building and engagement

  • Coordinate field-level campaigns using a mix of media (radio, social media, community theatre, local influencers, farmer groups).
  • Build partnerships with local media, local influencers, civil society organizations, and county government communication offices.
  • Support participatory community dialogues to address social norms and beliefs influencing livestock and climate practices.
  • Develop and apply M&E frameworks to assess communication reach, behavioural outcomes, and campaign effectiveness.
  • Work with project teams to design indicators and data collection tools that capture behavioural and attitudinal change.
  • Monitor and analyse misinformation and disinformation related to livestock and agricultural innovations.
  • Develop rapid response communication materials and evidence-based narratives to counter misinformation.
  • Support media training, influencer engagement, and knowledge sharing on science-based livestock communication.

3. Capacity Building & Learning

  • Support project teams in integrating SBCC approaches into design and implementation.
  • Build the capacity of local partners, youth networks, and extension workers on effective communication and behaviour change principles.
  • Document lessons and best practices to inform ILRI and CGIAR’s broader work on scaling and adoption.

4. Communication support to the portfolio

  • Develop a set of materials, messages and stories that emanate from the livestock portfolio to ensure visibility of the program
  • Provide regular updates on activities through ILRI social media channels
  • Oversee the production of stories and communication products from the portfolio

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in communication, Development Communication, Behavioural Science, or related field.
  • Seven years of professional experience designing and implementing local SBCC programs in agriculture, health, or climate/environment sectors.
  • Proven experience conducting stakeholder analysis, audience segmentation, and formative research to inform campaign design.
  • Demonstrated experience working with local media, government, and influencers.
  • Knowledge of M&E tools and approaches for communication and behaviour change
  • Strong understanding of participatory communication, gender and inclusion, and digital/social media strategies.
  • Demonstrated experience translating technical or scientific research into clear, engaging content for diverse audiences, including policymakers, donors, and the public.
  • Proven track record in developing communication products for use by local stakeholders
  • Experience working with the media, social media influencers and other local leaders.
  • Fluency in English, Kiswahili and other local languages is preferable
  • Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific ideas in clear, accessible, and engaging language.
  • A positive can-do attitude and ability to work in a complex environment.
  • Strong interpersonal and intercultural communication abilities, with experience working in diverse, multicultural teams.
  • Results-oriented and proactive, with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Strategic and creative thinking, with the ability to plan, execute, and evaluate effective local communication and outreach strategies

Position Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Application Deadline 8 June 2026. Job reference number REF: CKAM/2202/2026

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Program Management Associate at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), on behalf of WorldFish, seeks to recruit a Program Management Associate to provide programmatic and administrative support to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of project activities. The role will support the smooth day-to-day operations of the Nairobi and Mombasa offices while contributing to the coordination, tracking, and delivery of program outputs.

ILRI is an international organization working for better lives and better planet through livestock. ILRI’s mission emphasizes the interconnections between people, animals, and the environment, aiming to improve the lives of more than 300 million people in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that supports equitable and resilient livestock systems, ultimately contributing to food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits. This mission is delivered through two core strategic objectives: co-designing and deploying sustainable, science-based livestock solutions, and leveraging science to inform and influence policy and investment decisions.

ILRI is a member of the CGIAR, a global research alliance that works to transform food, land and water systems in a climate crisis and is the only CGIAR centre dedicated to addressing multiple development challenges through sustainable livestock solutions.

WorldFish is an international research organization working to transform aquatic food systems to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. It collaborates with international, regional, and national partners to co-develop and deliver scientific innovations, evidence for policy and knowledge to enable equitable and inclusive impact for millions who depend on fish and other aquatic foods for their livelihoods and nutrition. Our work in countries advances progress on multiple 2030 Sustainable Development Goals through science and innovation, with a vision of healthy people, healthy planet and shared prosperity.    Headquartered in Penang, Malaysia, WorldFish has offices in 11 countries, and is part of CGIAR, the world’s largest agricultural research and innovation consortium.

Key Responsibilities

This role supports the coordination of research and development projects by ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of project and administrative services, while strengthening operational effectiveness through continuous monitoring of workflows, resolution of day-to-day operational issues, and support for procurement, requisitions, and risk management processes.  Specifically, the incumbent will:

  • Maintain updated service level agreements
  • Support day-to-day project implementation by monitoring work plans, tracking deliverables and milestones, coordinating activities across teams, and maintaining project documentation, technical reports, dashboards, and donor submissions.
  • Support project budgeting, financial monitoring, audit requirements, proposal development, and coordination with administrative units of WorldFish HQ and Finance teams, while contributing to monitoring, evaluation, documentation of results, lessons learned, and process improvements.
  • Provide project management support to research and development activities by planning and monitoring schedule, cost and quality
  • Assist in documenting risk assessments including implementation plans, and follow-ups;
  • Provide internal communication to campus users in Nairobi and Mombasa about administrative processes, policies, initiatives, activities and performance by developing and/or delivering various communication materials
  • Facilitate the procurement of goods, including office supplies and services
  • Coordinate and manage logistics for meetings, workshops prepare the necessary documentation and participate as applicable
  • Prepare and review general correspondence, cheques and other documentation and ensure dispatch of the same
  • Raise requisitions in ILRI OCS systems and WorldFish OCS systems for staff and service providers
  • Develop and oversee filing systems and databases as may be required
  • Set up and follow up on appointments, attend to visitors, telephone calls and other inquiries
  • Provide orientation to new staff joining the Nairobi and Mombasa offices and follow up with ILRI liaison office all the necessary documentation to facilitate the work of international staff and work with ILRI HR and ICT offices to provide the services needed by staff to function properly in the role they have been assigned to do
  • Participate in systems improvement efforts by observing, documenting and reviewing current workflows, audit findings, collecting and analysing feedback from stakeholders, propose revised systems, and develop and monitor implementation plans
  • Troubleshoot and resolve day-to-day matters through to completion and escalate any unresolved issues appropriately
  • Perform any other related duties as may be required

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, such Business Management, Program Management with a minimum of two years relevant experience Or Diploma in relevant field with five years of relevant experience
  • Work experience in an office environment, preferably with some experience in an international, non-profit or multinational organization.
  • Experience in project or program management, preferably within research, or donor-funded environments
  • Demonstrated experience in accounting
  • Experience in providing administrative and operational support in a fast-paced, multicultural organization, including coordination of logistics, onboarding, and office services.
  • Good working knowledge of standard office ICT tools, including Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with administrative or procurement systems.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to prepare clear internal communications and correspondence.
  • Well-organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and follow through to completion.
  • Experience in maintaining records, filing systems, and databases with accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Able to work independently, handle day-to-day operational matters, and escalate issues when required.
  • Comfortable working with diverse teams and building positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Good interpersonal skills with a service-oriented approach when dealing with staff, visitors, and service providers.
  • Exposure to process improvement efforts, including reviewing workflows and supporting implementation of improved practices.
  • Familiarity with administrative systems and process improvement approaches to support efficient workflows.
  • Basic project coordination skills, including tracking tasks, timelines, and documentation.
  • Knowledge of procurement processes and ability to adapt to organizational systems and tools would be an added advantage.

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Research Officer II: Actuary at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Research Officer II – Actuarial to coordinate scaling of the de-risking component of the risk management for vulnerable populations theme, through design of financial products for extensive and mixed livestock-crop systems. 

ILRI is an international organisation working for better lives and better planet through livestock. ILRI’s mission emphasises the interconnections between people, animals, and the environment, aiming to improve the lives of more than 300 million people in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that supports equitable and resilient livestock systems, ultimately contributing to food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits. This mission is delivered through two core strategic objectives: co-designing and deploying sustainable, science-based livestock solutions, and leveraging science to inform and influence policy and investment decisions.

ILRI is a member of the CGIAR, a global research alliance that works to transform food, land and water systems in a climate crisis and is the only CGIAR centre dedicated to addressing multiple development challenges through sustainable livestock solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Research for Development
    • Lead the development of innovative insurance and other financial products including bundled solutions for extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive livestock systems.
    • Generate timely index reports for the indexed financial products.
    • Lead and contribute to research on quality improvement of financial products, especially on product pricing and related tools.
    • Manage the data collection process and conduct advanced analysis of complex datasets using geospatial techniques.
    • Lead project report writing and co-author peer review publications.
    • Contribute to the project’s activities on related aspects/ themes under the guidance of the supervisor.
  • Partnerships and Stakeholder engagement
    • Contribute towards strengthening existing partnerships and identifying new and innovative partnerships towards sharing and implementation of research findings with different stakeholders.
    • Contribute to the engagement with institutional stakeholders, including private sector actors and high-level government representatives to inform about climate risk financing.
  • Capacity Development and Knowledge Management
    • In conjunction with the scientist, plan, survey and coordinate the materials and resources. required to meet the research objectives of the group.
    • Collect, store and curate data generated from the analytics.
    • Review existing course of actions and support in the development of proposals, milestones and implementation of research.
    • Prepare and assure quality of project reports and papers for presentation.
    • Ensure timely delivery of geospatial products for projects as and when assigned.
    • Actively support resource mobilization activities by contributing to proposal writing and creating new opportunities.

Requirements

  • Master’s degree in actuarial science, statistics, finance or other related discipline with at least 5 years’ relevant work experience on financial products development and application of remote sensing and GIS on agriculture/ natural resources.
  • Advanced analytical techniques for the design of innovative indemnity, indexed, and hybrid financial products, especially related to pricing.
  • Experience of statistical analysis and logical development of models.
  • Experience with index calculation and reporting for indexed financial products.
  • Experience with the geospatial analysis of remotely sensed datasets.
  • Experience of working with multi spectral satellites. 
  • Proven knowledge of field data collection for geospatial analysis.   
  • Has good working knowledge of remote sensing and GIS software, Database and  software such as Arc GIS, ENVI and e-Cognition.
  • Substantial experience in scripting such as R/ Python and Google Earth Engine.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills in English with the ability to communicate with diverse audiences.
  • Proven ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams with minimal supervision, and experience working across disciplines and different cultural backgrounds.
  • Willingness to travel frequently to rural and remote areas of project sites in different countries.
  • Record of publications and experience with resource mobilization and contributing to project proposals would be an asset.
  • Communication skills for peer reviewed publications
  • Programmming skills using R/ Python/ Stata

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Clinical Research Facilities (CRF) Study Manager at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Clinical Research Facilities (CRF) Study Manager

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Study Manager to be responsible for the management of study and perform technical procedures at the Clinical Research Facilities (CRF).

ILRI works to improve food security and nutrition and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe, and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, ILRI has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa

Key Responsibilities:

Investigator

  • Serve as Investigator as needed on studies as appointed by Test Facility Management
  • Primary role in drafting study protocols and budget development; protocol development, writing, editing and review; study report writing, editing, and review
  • Drafting and submission of research approvals to IACUC and IBC, including addressing any questions received from these committees;
  • Obtaining all necessary approvals from national and international authorities (NBA, NACOSTI, DVS, NEMA etc)
  • Ensure the health and welfare of the personnel involved in the study and the animals during the study through monitoring adherence to the Biosafety Manual and animal welfare policies
  • Overseeing the receipt, dispensing, and disposal of investigational veterinary products according to the study protocol, local regulations, and internal standard operating procedures
  • Overseeing the receipt, dispensing, and disposal of imported biological material according to the import permit and protocol requirements
  • Manage & oversee study phases outsourced to approved external laboratories / consultants / vendors
  • Provide guidance and training on studies to research and technical staff
  • Study sponsor interaction and effective and timely communication to study sponsor representatives, study monitors and site management on study progress and results, including addressing any study related questions
  • Coordinate and/or participate in day-to-day research activities such as dose preparation, administration, observations, sample collection and other related research tasks

Assistant study Investigator

  • Serve as lead support to a Investigator as needed on studies as appointed by Test Facility Management
  • Study master file administration, including, but not limited to the preparation and close-out of files, raw data reviews, and data management tasks
  • Assist in drafting study proposals, protocols, and reports
  • Assist in drafting research approval applications to IACUC and IBC
  • Coordinate study related activities with other applicable departments as necessary
  • Coordinate and/or perform study setup: preparation and review of facility/study logs, study rooms/cages, animal selection and acclimation, environmental enrichment, scheduling study activities, and other related duties as needed
  • Coordinate and/or participate in day-to-day research activities such as dose preparation, administration, observations, sample collection, and other related research tasks
  • Communicate study progress to the Investigator and Study Sponsor when requested
  • Timely reporting of study adverse events to the Investigator

General

  • Team Lead duties which include resource scheduling and updating of departmental worksheets in line with good people practices and in accordance with departmental objectives
  • Coordinate and/or respond to QA, regulatory agency, and sponsor audits in a timely manner
  • Develop, validate, and execute novel study models
  • Identify and implement preventative measures in accordance with set instructions and procedures in cases where serious diseases are suspected
  • Control document development and review as required
  • Perform any other related duties as may be required

Requirements

  • Masters degree  in Natural or Biological Sciences with 7 years of experience
  • Expertise in animal health, animal welfare, biosecurity, bio-safety and the 3Rs (Refine, Replace and Reduce) concept associated with animal health research.
  • Knowledge of VICH GL9 (GCP)
  • Expericne with qPCR and immune assays (ELISA, IFN-y ELISpot and VINT) would be an added  advantage.
  • Ability work in multi-cultural environment and foster teamwork
  • Ability to work the limited supervision and to take initiatives.

Terms of Appointment

This position is at job level HG15 , and it is open to Kenyan Nationals only. The position is on a 3 years contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes medical and other insurances.

Applications:

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the role and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Head of People and Culture by clicking on “Apply Now” on or before 8th May 2026. The position title and reference number: CRF/2179/2026 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the online application.

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Program Accountant at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Program Accountant to Support accounting and reporting at program level, the job holder will provide financial information on supported projects/programs. (S)he will work to ensure projects remain compliant to ILRI policies and donor rules/regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting, Audit & Compliance:

  • Prepare detailed monthly, quarterly and annual internal financial reports for supported projects and Science Programs highlighting issues on over/under expenditure, commitments and project end dates.
  • Identify any incorrect entries and liaise with PM and PI for approval to pass adjusting journal entries in the system.
  • Track donor reporting timelines to ensure timely preparation of reports;
  • Using appropriate templates, prepare donor financial reports/statements in collaboration with PM and PIs for Finance Manager’s (or designate) review.
  • Raise invoices & follow up reimbursements and transfer advices from donors.
  • Compute project accruals annually and during project close outs and ensure they are captured in the system at the right accounting period.
  • Identify projects to be audited at least four months before scheduled start date and liaise with Finance Manager for planning.
  • Work closely with internal and external auditors in facilitating effective project audits by availing required documents and responding to queries (in collaboration with the Finance Manager) to ensure all issues are resolved and clean (unqualified) report provided.
  • Maintain proper financial records of projects – both soft and hard.
  • Perform other post-award functions in relation to receivables and payables reconciliation, budget revisions and project closeout functions.

Partner Financial Management & Compliance:

  • Prepare projects payment requests for partners in collaboration with Project/Program Manager (PM) and Project Leaders.
  • Ensure project partners’ financial reports are received in time and sample supporting documents are requested and reviewed for compliance with contractual obligations.
  • Support in building the capacity of partners to enhance compliance to ILRI and donor guidelines.
  • Make necessary follow ups to ensure timely payments to collaborators and ensure transfer advices are shared.
  • Enter partner expenditure in Agresso and ensure relevant supporting documents are (scanned) uploaded.

Budgeting and Proposal Development:

  • Provide advise especially in unit costs etc. towards development of proposal budgets.
  • Prepare proposal budgets for review by PM and Project Leader before submission to Finance Manager.
  • Support PM during institutional budgeting.
  • Share project budgets (in recommended format) for uploading in Agresso.
  • Review BvA reports frequently and share proposals for budget adjustments.

Operational & Administrative Support:

  • Review travel advance requests and expense reports for compliance with ILRI policies, ensuring complete supporting documentation and accurate recording of advances and expenses in the financial system
  • Reviewing consultant ToRs to ensure all proposed payments are legitimate and fully supported and making the necessary entries in the financial system.
  • Train the alternate position all aspects of this job to ensure continuity.
  • Provide additional support on demand to the clients of the unit.
  • Can be called upon to work on tasks relating to other programs or sections within finance.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting or related field.
  • Full accounting qualifications – CPA (K) or ACCA.
  • At least three years of relevant work experience.
  • Work experience in non-profit or international organization
  • Work experience in both research and development organizations.
  • Knowledge of computerized accounting software required – preferably Agresso
  • Good computer skills.

Position Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Head of People and Culture by clicking on the “Apply Now” tab above on or before 6 May 2026. The position title and reference number REF: C/2198/2026: should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

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ILRI Internship: Environmental, Occupational, Health and Safety Unit at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

About the position:

The EOHS unit wishes to recruit an intern to support the EOHS-operations team. The intern will do daily monitoring of water quality, food safety, and waste management, ensuring adherence to environmental and health standards. By assisting in workplace inspections, incident investigations, and hazard analyses, they will help proactively mitigate occupational risks. Their role in collecting various EOHS raw data and maintaining databases and documentation will improve data accuracy for audits and regulatory reporting. Additionally, supporting emergency preparedness through fire equipment checks and first aid audits will enhance ILRI’s readiness in emergencies. Overall, this position ensures systematic execution of EOHS programs, contributing to a safer, healthier, and more compliant work environment.

Key responsibilities:

Water Quality

  • Daily freshwater sampling, analyses and recording
  • Assist in coordination for monthly water sampling by the service provider
  • Maintain a database for water quality and use

 Waste management

  • Maintain ILRI waste database
  • Assist with implementation of ILRI waste management guidelines

Workplace inspection

  • Assist with workplace inspection within ILRI
  • Report writing

Food safety:

  • Daily collection of food samples for analysis
  • Assist with kitchen hygiene checks

Emergency preparedness

  • First aid kit audits and replenishment
  • Assist with fire risk assessment within ILRI facilities
  • Fire equipment inspection

Occupational safety

  • Aid in the investigation into all incidents, near misses and accidents
  • Assist in job hazard analysis

General office work: Printing, Filing, record-keeping

Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Position requirements:

The ideal candidate should be: –

  • A continuing undergraduate student in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) or closely related fields.
  • A candidate with a clear focus on promoting workplace safety, health, and overall employee well-being.
  • Proficient in MS Office suite.
  • Have strong communication skills and attention to detail.

Applications must be submitted on or before 20th April 2026.

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ICT Officer III – Research Computing and Linux Systems at The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit an ICT Officer III – Research Computing and Linux Systems to provide advanced technical leadership in the management and optimisation of ILRI’s research computing platforms.

The position is responsible for the operation, performance, and security of ILRI’s high-performance computing (HPC) environment, Linux-based research systems, and institutional research repository platforms, supporting scientific computing and research data workflows across ILRI.

ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centres dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org

Key Responsibilities:

1. Research Computing Administration

  • Manage and optimize ILRI’s High-Performance Computing (HPC) environment, including configuration, user access, job scheduling, performance tuning, and resource allocation.
  • Administer and support Linux/UNIX systems that host scientific computing workloads and research applications.
  • Monitor performance, capacity, availability, and security of research computing platforms across ILRI’s Kenya and Ethiopia campuses.
  • Collaborate with ICT Infrastructure teams on server hardware, virtualisation, and network requirements supporting HPC operations.

2. Research Repository and Platform Administration

  • Administer ILRI’s research repository platforms (e.g., DSpace), ensuring availability, performance, backups, indexing, and secure access.
  • Implement software upgrades, patches, and performance enhancements for the repository and related platforms.
  • Support secure integration and data exchange between ILRI repository systems and CGIAR platforms using APIs or established protocols.

3. Systems Integration, Security, and Documentation

  • Ensure research computing and repository platforms comply with institutional performance, availability, and security standards.
  • Coordinate with ICT Infrastructure on network, firewall, and connectivity requirements for cross-campus and external system access.
  • Develop and maintain operational documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and user guides.

4. Research Support and Capacity Building

  • Provide technical support, training, and guidance to researchers and ICT staff on HPC usage, Linux environments, and best practices for scientific computing.
  • Promote efficient and responsible use of research computing resources through user education and capacity-building initiatives.

5. Continuous Improvement and Innovation

  • Evaluate and recommend improvements to enhance system performance, scalability, automation, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Explore emerging technologies that strengthen research computing, virtualisation, or repository platform capabilities.
  • Contribute to ICT operational standards, system monitoring tools, and disaster recovery procedures for research computing environments.

Perform any other related duties as may be required

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or related field.
  • Professional certification in Linux systems administration, virtualisation, or HPC environments (e.g., RHCE, CompTIA Linux+, or equivalent).
  • About Seven (7) years of relevant experience in Linux/UNIX systems administration, HPC environments, or research computing support.
  • Proven experience managing multi-user Linux environments, job schedulers (e.g., Slurm, PBS, Grid Engine), and data-intensive workloads.
  • Hands-on experience with repository or web application administration, preferably: DSpace, Tomcat, PostgreSQL, MySQL or equivalent systems.
  • Strong scripting skills (Bash, Python, or Perl) for automation and operational support.
  • Solid understanding of networking, system security, backup, and recovery strategies.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
  • Familiarity with FAIRER or open science frameworks is an added advantage.

Post location: Nairobi, Kenya

Terms of Appointment

This position is graded at HG 15 and is open to Kenyan nationals only.

The position is a three-year contract, renewable subject to performance and funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including pension, medical cover and other insurances.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and CV,  including names and contact details of three professional referees, to the Head of People and Culture through ILRI’s recruitment portal by clicking on “Apply Now” on or before 1 February 2026. The position title and reference number REF: ICT/2094/2026 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

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Implementation Manager at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit an implementation Manager who will serve as the operational engine of the investment – working closely with component science leads, the investment manager, and broader ILRI leadership to ensure that internal teams remain focused, barriers to delivery are rapidly addressed, and progress is tracked and communicated consistently.

ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centres dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org

Key responsibilities

This role requires an individual capable of leading through influence rather than authority. The Implementation Manager will be responsible for holding senior scientists accountable for delivery – a new approach within ILRI that will demand courage, tact, and clarity. To succeed, the individual must demonstrate:

• Gravitas and credibility to influence senior experts across disciplines.

  • Conduct daily check-ins with each technical component team to monitor progress against short-term goals and milestones.
  • Track dependencies across teams and ensure timely delivery of internal handoffs.
  • Identify operational bottlenecks or institutional challenges and coordinate with relevant ILRI units (e.g., P&C, Supply Chain, Finance, Legal) to resolve them swiftly.
  • Escalate critical issues to the Investment Manager with suggested mitigation actions.
  • Ensure alignment across component teams by facilitating structured collaboration and promoting a delivery-oriented culture.
  • Prepare materials and inputs for bi-weekly and monthly review meetings.
  • Support documentation of decisions, risks, and adaptations for internal and donor reporting.
  • Collaborate with the Program Monitor to support adaptive management based on monitoring data.
  • Work with teams to update workplans, timelines, and delivery maps as needed.
  • Act as a trusted connector between science leads and institutional support teams.
  • Support engagement with external stakeholders when operational issues intersect with delivery.

Requirements

  • Master’s degree in project management, development studies, public administration, agricultural/livestock sciences, or related field.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage timelines, multitask under pressure, and translate strategy into operational action.
  • Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills; ability to work across cultures and disciplines.
  • Experience using project management tools and dashboards (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project, Asana).
  • Familiarity with ILRI, CGIAR, or Gates Foundation processes is an asset
  • At least 4 years of experience managing or coordinating complex, multi-stakeholder programs in an international development, science, business or research environment.
  • Proven experience in building relationships with an ability to network effectively with high-level stakeholders.
  • Excellent planning and organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent interpersonal, cross- cultural communication, and team building skills
  • Commitment to providing exceptional, courteous service to support ILRI staff

Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya

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ILRI MSc Graduate Fellowship at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

 The position

This study will focus on control of the Brown Ear tick, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. The preference of the R. appendiculatus for feeding on the ears of their hosts makes this species a prime candidate for control by acaricide-impregnated ear tags. Although this tick is not the only tick species commonly found on livestock in East Africa, its presence often dictates the frequency with which cattle should be dipped or sprayed (currently up to twice a week with unsafe products) because of the damage caused to the ears by high tick burdens and the risk for East Coast Fever.

The MSc student will conduct field trials to assess the efficacy of a commercial ear tag to control ticks on cattle. The availability of a convenient, safe, efficient solution to control this tick species would be a game changer in tick- and tick-borne disease control in East Africa serving.

Terms and reference

  • Coordinate field data collection activities at remote field site.
  • Follow study protocol and VICH GL9 (GCP) guidelines for the implementation of this study.
  • Conduct clinical examinations of cattle.
  • Administer veterinary medicines as required.
  • Collect data following ALCOA+ principles either as hardcopies or electronically.
  • Collect biological samples from calves and cattle.
  • Carry out tick counts and identification.
  • Conduct clinical pathology tests including blood smear analysis and haematocrit.
  • Analysis of data.
  • Preparation of thesis.

Minimum requirements for the ideal candidate

  • Bachelors in veterinary medicine.
  • Enrolled in MSc (applied parasitology, public health or epidemiology).
  • Experience in preparing and conducting field work.
  • Experience using data capturing tools (e.g., paper based DCFs, ODK, Medrio).
  • Laboratory experience – such as making blood smears and handling samples.
  • Experience with conducting studies under VICH GL9 Good Clinical Practice (GCP).

Location: ILRI Kenya.

Duration: 1 Year.

Terms of appointment and stipend: ILRI will offer a competitive stipend to cover living expenses in the project location, medical cover and research expenses. The successful candidate will be supervised jointly by ILRI scientists and an academic supervisor.

All applications MUST include the following (applications without the below documents will not be considered):

  • a cover letter expressing their interest in the fellowship position and what they can bring to the fellowship.
  • CV including names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience.
  • academic qualification certificates/transcripts.

Applications should be made to the Senior Manager, Capacity Development, through our recruitment portal by clicking on “Apply Now” on or before 22/10/2025. The position title and reference number ILRI MSc GF/Health/03/2025 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

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People and Culture Officer III at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Key Responsibilities:

Disciplinary & grievance management

  • Review and assess submitted disciplinary and grievance cases.
  • Conduct investigations and gather relevant facts.
  • Coordinate and facilitate disciplinary hearing panels.
  • Prepare documentation including show cause letters, hearing invitations, and related correspondence.
  • Organize logistics for hearings and meetings.
  • Compile panel recommendations for management approval.
  • Manage appeals and grievance resolution processes.

Redundancy process support

  • Analyze revised organizational structures and organograms.
  • Manage separation processes, including letter preparation, clearance tracking, and severance calculations.
  • Facilitate emotional support and counseling for affected staff.
  • Organize change management training (e.g., financial literacy, building resilience workshops)

P&C projects

  • Review existing HR practices, frameworks, and procedures to identify gaps and improvement areas.
  • Propose enhancements to improve efficiency, compliance, and alignment with institutional and P&C goals.
  • Contribute to review of compensation and benefits structures and systems.
  • Review P&C data, trends, and dashboards to identify service improvement opportunities.
  • Prepare briefing papers, reports, and communication materials on ongoing P&C initiatives.

Regional coordination & staff engagement

  • Liaise with regional HR managers to address staff concerns and ensure consistent service delivery.
  • Follow up on issues raised by the Staff Association and ensure timely resolution.
  • Promote effective communication and coordination across regional HR teams.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, Law, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Relevant professional certification
  • Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in HR roles, with exposure to strategic HR projects and employee relations.
  • Strong understanding of HR principles, labor laws, and organizational dynamics.
  • Experience in HR reporting and stakeholder engagement is highly desirable.
  • Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
  • High level of discretion, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Proficiency in HRIS, data analysis tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.

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Head of ICT, Data Systems and Digital Transformation

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit the Head of ICT, Data Systems and Digital Transformation. The incumbent will be responsible to ensure that ILRI’s digital infrastructure, data capabilities, and innovation systems are fit-for-purpose, scalable, and aligned with its scientific and institutional goals.

The role will provide strategic oversight across three interdependent areas:

  1. Digital strategy and transformation, with an emphasis on emerging technologies including AI and analytics;
  2. Data and research systems that support FAIR principles, interoperability, and actionable insights; and
  3. Core ICT operations, including infrastructure, service delivery, and business applications.

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to improve people’s lives in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that contributes to equitable and resilient livestock systems to deliver food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits. It is one of 15 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world

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Head – Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Impact Assessment (MELIA)

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit the Head – Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Impact Assessment (MELIA) to lead the development and implementation of systems to monitor, evaluate, and enhance the impact of the institute’s programs. This role will ensure data-driven decision-making, fostering a culture of accountability, and promoting continuous learning. The incumbent will develop and refine impact assessment strategies and theories of change aligned with institutional goals. The role will work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to design frameworks, analyze outcomes, and provide actionable insights to improve program effectiveness and scalability. Impact assessments will be published aligned to ILRI’s institutional goals for 2030.

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to improve people’s lives in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that contributes to equitable and resilient livestock systems to deliver food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits.. It is one of 15 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world.

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Livestock Commodity Lead – Livestock Production and Development Expert

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Livestock Commodity Lead – Livestock Production and Development Expert to identify impact opportunities, working with internal and external stakeholders to catalyse and scale transformative livestock-based solutions/innovations for the different livestock commodities. The role focuses on translating cutting-edge research into practical, scalable solutions that enhance livestock productivity, sustainability, and improve livelihoods. The incumbent will package research outputs into actionable strategies, provide technical leadership, and engage with internal and external stakeholders to ensure impactful delivery of livestock development programs.

ILRI works to improve people’s lives in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that contributes to equitable and resilient livestock systems to deliver food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits. It is one of 15 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world

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Senior Resource Mobilization Specialist – IFPRI

International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Senior Resource Mobilization Specialist on behalf of International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in its Director General’s Office (DGO). This is a one-year, renewable appointment based in Nairobi, Kenya. The ideal candidate will be innovative, self motivated and goal-oriented, with experience creating and executing fundraising strategies and developing successful proposals to secure restricted and unrestricted funding from foundations and government and multilateral agencies. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting senior staff and research leads with strategic resource mobilization, proposal development, and coordination efforts across the institute.

The Senior Resource Mobilization Specialist will play a key strategic role in advancing IFPRI’s funding priorities by proactively identifying, cultivating, and sustaining high-impact relationships with current and prospective donors. Beyond coordinating proposal development, the role will focus on strategic donor intelligence, fostering partnerships, positioning IFPRI within donor networks, and helping shape the institute’s external funding narrative. The successful candidate will be adept at navigating the donor landscape—across foundations, bilateral and multilateral institutions, and philanthropic actors—and at connecting IFPRI’s research agenda to emerging donor interests and priorities.

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