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.
1. Livestock Commodity Lead – Livestock Production and Development Expert
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:
- Collaborate with country and regional partners to understand livestock development needs and identify viable solutions from ILRI’s expertise.
- Synthesize research findings into user-friendly, practical tools, guidelines, and frameworks tailored to stakeholder needs.
- Ensure solutions are context-specific, sustainable, and culturally relevant.
- Foster partnerships to align programs for maximum development impact.
- Represent ILRI in external engagements such as conferences and seminars to share insights and collect feedback.
- Develop robust monitoring systems to track the effectiveness of implemented solutions.
- Advocate for evidence-based livestock policies with policymakers.
- Mobilise resources through collaboration with program leaders and funding bodies.
- Contribute to talent management by recruiting, mentoring, and developing staff, while promoting a collaborative and inclusive culture.
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
2. Head – Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Impact Assessment (MELIA)
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:
- Develop and execute ILRI’s MELIA strategy and interface with research teams and stakeholders.
- Create and refine impact assessment studies and theories of change.
- Design comprehensive monitoring frameworks with appropriate KPIs.
- Oversee data collection, quality assurance, and advanced analysis using statistical and visualization tools.
- Lead and coordinate baseline, midline, and endline impact studies.
- Provide technical backstopping for progress tracking and quality assurance.
- Strengthen team capacity in MELIA methodologies and tools.
- Translate complex impact data into accessible reports, dashboards, and briefs for diverse audiences.
- Contribute to proposal development with strong MELIA components.
- Manage and develop a high-performing MELIA team while promoting inclusivity.
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
3. Head of ICT, Data Systems and Digital Transformation
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:
- Lead ILRI’s digital transformation and data strategy, incorporating AI, analytics, and emerging technologies.
- Manage departmental operations, budgeting, and performance monitoring.
- Develop governance frameworks and security policies to ensure efficient use of technology.
- Build partnerships with CGIAR centers, academia, and industry to enhance shared services and innovation.
- Oversee AI-enabled data strategies and enforce robust data governance policies.
- Lead development of user-centred research and business applications.
- Implement ITIL-based service management frameworks for improved ICT operations.
- Ensure secure, scalable infrastructure and enhance cybersecurity measures.
- Promote emerging technology adoption through innovation pipelines.
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
4. ILRI Research Fellowship – Africa-Asia Bioscience Challenge Fund (AABCF)
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:
- Increase technical and research capacity in livestock and biosciences.
- Foster regional collaboration among researchers.
- Provide practical tools and knowledge for climate-resilient livestock systems.
- Support sustainable livestock productivity through skilled human capital.
Responsibilities of Fellows:
- Participate in all fellowship seminars and collaborative activities.
- Apply training concepts to their ongoing work.
- Provide monthly and final reports detailing the application of acquired skills.
Eligibility:
- Proven interest in climate-resilient livestock or biosciences research.
- Affiliation with a recognized public university or national research institution.
- Support letter from home institution.
- Strong motivation to apply training knowledge to current research.
- Proficiency in English.
Benefits:
- Research costs, flights, visa, stipend, medical insurance.
- Technical supervision and hosting facilities.
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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