Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Planning

Develop and implement the research support strategy in alignment with the institute’s research and innovation agenda

Advise senior leadership on infrastructure needs, facility upgrades, and technology investments

Ensure long-term sustainability of research facilities through effective planning, budgeting, and resource mobilization

Research Facilities:

Oversee the development, maintenance, and optimization of research facilities and infrastructure.

Ensure that ILRI laboratory facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technology.

Oversee the laboratories and other research facilities costing for internal and external users

Oversee the development, review and implementation of the facility management policies and procedures.

Research Compliance:

Develop and/or review policies and procedures and ensure their implementation and compliance with research regulations, ethics, and standards in all locations across ILRI’s portfolio.

Provide guidance and support on research integrity, ethics, and compliance.

Oversee audits and risk assessments to ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations, as well as biosafety and biosecurity requirements.

Research Methods:

Provide expertise and support on research design, methodology, and statistical analyses.

Develop training programs on research methods and best practices.

Collaborate with researchers to enhance research quality.

BecA-ILRI and Capacity Development:

Oversee the operation of the BecA-ILRI Hub as a regional center for excellence

Develop and implement capacity development programs for researchers/fellows/interns, including training, mentorship, and coaching.

Foster partnerships with universities, training institutions, and industry to strengthen skills pipelines.

Collaborate with internal and external partners to enhance research capacity.

People Management:

Lead and/or contribute to talent management initiatives including recruitment, management and development of a high performing team and foster a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture that enhances staff engagement

General Administration:

Oversee operations and budgets and ensure optimum management of allocated resources

Develop and/or maintain partnerships with relevant stakeholders to enhance collaboration and continued engagement

Requirements

PhD in a relevant field (Biological Sciences, Bio engineering, Research Management or related discipline)

12 years’ experience in research facility management, laboratory operations, or technical services

Laboratory-based high impact research experience preferably in a private sector setting

Strong knowledge of quality management systems, biosafety standards, and regulatory compliance

Proven leadership in managing multidisciplinary teams and complex infrastructure.

Ability to work effectively in a multicultural, decentralized environment.

Strong project management, planning, and organizational skills.

Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Ability to build trust and alignment across scientific, operational, and regional teams in a matrixed and multi-stakeholder environment.

Capacity to influence without authority and to navigate institutional complexity through strategic communication, listening, and coalition-building.

Ability to translate technical vision into organizational priorities and to adapt messaging for diverse cultural and disciplinary audiences.

Ability to communicate with a diverse group of stakeholders and influence change through relationships and referential power.

Ability to build and strengthen partnership with internal teams — including researchers, country offices, and operational units is essential, as is the ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement and digital learning.