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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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:
- Digital
strategy and transformation, with an emphasis on emerging technologies
including AI and analytics;
- Data
and research systems that support FAIR principles, interoperability, and
actionable insights; and
- 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
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.
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
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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