The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has announced several exciting career and fellowship opportunities in Nairobi, Kenya, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. These roles are designed to advance ILRI’s mission of improving the lives of people in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that fosters equitable and resilient livestock systems, contributing to global food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits.
ILRI is one of 15 CGIAR research centers dedicated to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, the institute operates regional and country offices and projects in East, South, and Southeast Asia, as well as Central, East, Southern, and West Africa.
Below is a detailed overview of each available position.
Location: Nairobi, Kenya or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Directorate: Research
The Livestock Commodity Lead will play a central role in identifying impact opportunities and working with both internal and external stakeholders to catalyse and scale transformative livestock-based solutions for various livestock commodities. The role focuses on turning advanced research outputs into practical, scalable solutions that improve productivity, sustainability, and livelihoods in livestock systems.
Key Responsibilities:
Post location: Nairobi, Kenya or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Terms: Job Level HG 19, 3-year renewable contract, competitive international salary with benefits.
Application deadline: 13 September 2025
Reference: REF: LCD/08/2025
Location: Nairobi, Kenya or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Directorate: Research
The Head of MELIA will oversee the development and implementation of systems to monitor, evaluate, and enhance the impact of ILRI programs. The role is aimed at fostering a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and data-driven decision-making.
Key Responsibilities:
Post location: Nairobi, Kenya or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Terms: Job Level HG 19, 3-year renewable contract, competitive international salary with benefits.
Application deadline: 13 September 2025
Reference: REF: MELIA/08/2025
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Directorate: Corporate Services
The Head of ICT, Data Systems, and Digital Transformation will be responsible for ensuring ILRI’s digital infrastructure, data systems, and technological innovation align with its institutional goals. This role covers digital strategy, research data systems, and ICT operations.
Key Responsibilities:
Post location: Nairobi, Kenya
Terms: Job Level HG 20, 3-year renewable contract, competitive international salary with benefits.
Application deadline: 13 September 2025
Reference: REF: ICT/08/2025
Location: Nairobi, Kenya or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (depending on research area)
Directorate: Capacity Development (CapDev)
The AABCF Fellowship is designed to strengthen the capacity of national agricultural research and extension (NARES) scientists to implement climate-resilient livestock systems and biosciences. The program is a collaboration between ILRI, the University of Queensland (UQ), and the University of Melbourne (UoM).
Scope:
Up to 18 fellows (three each from Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Vietnam) will participate in a three-month research placement focused on climate-smart livestock production systems. Fellows will engage in training, capacity building, and peer learning, and are expected to apply their knowledge to projects in their home countries.
Objectives:
Responsibilities of Fellows:
Eligibility:
Benefits:
Fellowship Duration: Three months, to be completed by December 2025.
Application deadline: 31 August 2025
Application Process for All Roles:
For the three senior positions (Livestock Commodity Lead, Head – MELIA, Head of ICT), applications should be addressed to the Head of People and Culture and submitted through the ILRI recruitment portal. Applicants must provide a cover letter, CV, and details of three referees. The position title and reference number must be clearly marked.
For the AABCF Fellowship, applicants must submit a personal statement, research proposal, CV, two references, and a support letter from their home institution via the “Apply Now” tab.
ILRI emphasizes that it does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is an equal opportunity employer.
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