The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), in collaboration with WorldFish, is pleased to announce a new career opportunity based in Mombasa, Kenya. We are seeking a dynamic, highly qualified, and motivated Research Officer II – Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) to join our interdisciplinary team of experts. The successful candidate will be a key player in advancing the implementation of the BlueTech Superhighway project, focusing on sustainable aquaculture systems in coastal and marine environments.
This full-time position offers the unique opportunity to contribute to a leading-edge research initiative that combines the disciplines of aquaculture, marine sciences, climate adaptation, and rural development, with a clear vision for ecological sustainability and economic empowerment.
About ILRI and WorldFish
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe, and sustainable use of livestock. As the only CGIAR research centre solely focused on animal agriculture, ILRI plays a pivotal role in transforming food systems in Africa, Asia, and beyond. ILRI is co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia and operates across East, South, and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern, and West Africa. Learn more at www.ilri.org.
WorldFish is a renowned international nonprofit research and innovation institution that creates, advances, and translates aquatic food systems science into scalable solutions. WorldFish is deeply committed to sustainable aquaculture and resilient aquatic food systems that ensure food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. For more information, please visit www.worldfishcenter.org.
Position Summary: Research Officer II – Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture
The selected candidate will be a crucial part of the research team implementing work package 2 of the BlueTech Superhighway project in Kenya. This work package focuses on Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), which combines the cultivation of different species such as finfish, bivalves, and seaweed within a sustainable production system.
The Research Officer II will contribute to designing, implementing, analyzing, and reporting on IMTA systems and technologies. S/he will support interdisciplinary research efforts with a focus on the ecological, technical, and economic aspects of coastal aquaculture and mariculture.
Duty Station: Mombasa, Kenya
Position Type: Full-time, one-year fixed-term contract
Job Level: HG 14
Eligibility: Open to Kenyan nationals only
Application Deadline: 2 July 2025
Reference Number: REF: R0/WF/2025
Key Responsibilities
The Research Officer II will report to the work package leader and the Kenya-based Scientist leading IMTA initiatives. The main responsibilities of the position include:
- Project Design and Implementation
- Lead the planning, design, and field implementation of technical, environmental, and economic aspects of IMTA systems in collaboration with project scientists and the BlueTech Superhighway leadership.
- Assess coastal aquaculture and mariculture technologies and practices to identify sustainable and scalable options.
- Establish technical and economic baselines in target communities and identify suitable combinations of finfish, bivalves, and seaweed for integrated seawater farming systems.
- Data Collection and Analysis
- Collect, clean, validate, and analyze research data using statistical software such as STATA, SPSS, and Microsoft Excel.
- Coordinate the development and maintenance of databases and support interdisciplinary data management activities.
- Conduct data analysis to determine constraints and opportunities in integrated aquaculture value chains.
- Research Outputs and Publications
- Draft technical and outreach articles, scientific publications, technical briefs, and research reports based on findings.
- Prepare and deliver presentations for scientific conferences, stakeholder workshops, and internal project meetings.
- Capacity Development
- Organize and conduct training for students, field researchers, and project partners on data collection methods, data quality assurance, archiving, and sharing practices.
- Mentor junior researchers and interns in the project.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Support interaction with local communities and stakeholders engaged in aquaculture practices to build trust and knowledge exchange.
- Maintain a professional network in IMTA research and the broader aquaculture sector in Kenya and beyond.
- Administrative and Reporting Duties
- Lead the writing of project progress reports in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
- Assist in the coordination and logistics of field missions, workshops, and meetings related to work package 2.
Key Competencies and Experience Required
Candidates interested in this role must demonstrate:
- A master’s degree (MSc) in aquaculture, sustainable aquaculture, aquaculture production systems, aquaculture economics, or related disciplines.
- A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience, with hands-on involvement in the design and execution of aquaculture research and development projects.
- Proven experience in conducting field surveys, managing biological and social science data, and performing quantitative and statistical analysis using tools such as STATA, R, SPSS, or Matlab.
- Demonstrated background in producing technical briefs, outreach articles, and peer-reviewed publications.
- Excellent English communication skills (both written and spoken) and ability to prepare high-quality reports.
- Capacity to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams across fields including gender studies, climate change, human nutrition, and value chain analysis.
- Familiarity with mobile data collection platforms like Open Data Kit (ODK) or KOBO Toolbox.
- Knowledge of aquaculture practices in Africa, Asia, or the Pacific, particularly in coastal and rural community settings.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, for data analysis and reporting.
- A track record of working effectively with local or international aquaculture industry stakeholders and institutions.
Desirable Skills and Attributes
- Strong motivation for research with a high level of detail orientation.
- Logical and analytical thinking with solid mathematical aptitude.
- Adaptability and willingness to work in field conditions and remote community settings.
- Experience in the development of scalable innovations in aquaculture.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines under minimal supervision.
Terms of Appointment
This position is offered on a one-year fixed-term contract and is only open to Kenyan nationals. ILRI offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including pension contributions, medical insurance, life and disability coverage, and education benefits, as applicable.
The role is graded at Job Level HG 14 and is based at the ILRI-supported WorldFish office in Mombasa, Kenya.
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit a detailed cover letter and curriculum vitae (CV) expressing their interest in the position. The cover letter should outline the candidate’s motivation, experience, and what they can bring to the role. Applicants should also include the names, email addresses, and phone numbers of three referees familiar with their professional qualifications and work history.
Applications must be submitted through the application portal by clicking on the “Apply Now” tab at the top of the listing. The deadline for applications is 2 July 2025. Please ensure the subject line of your cover letter clearly indicates the position title and reference number: REF: R0/WF/2025.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted due to the high volume of applications received.
ILRI does not charge any application, interview, or processing fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Further, the institute does not collect information about applicants’ bank accounts.
For more information on ILRI, visit www.ilri.org.
For more information on WorldFish, visit www.worldfishcenter.org.
ILRI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background.
