The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is inviting applications for an MSc Graduate Fellowship under its “Gender and Socioeconomic Insights into Livestock Keepers’ Practices and Adoption Potential for Acaricide-Impregnated Ear Tags” initiative. This full-time opportunity, based in Nairobi, Kenya, is hosted within ILRI’s People, Policies and Institutions (PPI) program under the Capacity Development (CapDev) unit. It presents an invaluable opportunity for an early-career researcher to be part of a transdisciplinary research team focused on improving animal health interventions through social and gender-based lenses.
About ILRI
ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research focused on the efficient, safe, and sustainable use of livestock. As the only CGIAR center dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world, ILRI plays a unique role in the global effort to enhance livelihoods and ensure sustainable development in agricultural communities. With headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ILRI has a strong presence across Africa and Asia. More information can be found at www.ilri.org.
The fellowship falls under the People, Policies and Institutions (PPI) program, which strengthens institutional capacity and policy frameworks to drive sustainable, resilient, and inclusive livestock-based livelihoods. More details on this thematic area are available at: PPI at ILRI.
About the Fellowship Project
The MSc fellow will be engaged in the “Ear Tag” project, which is centered around testing the feasibility and adoption of acaricide-impregnated ear tags as a tick-control technology among livestock keepers in Kenya. While technical and veterinary outcomes are essential, this project also integrates critical socio-economic and gender dimensions to ensure the equitable and effective adoption of the technology. The focus is on understanding how different social groups interact with livestock health technologies and the systemic barriers and enablers that influence these interactions.
The successful candidate will support the project’s qualitative research component and will work closely with ILRI scientists and stakeholders in the project regions, including Busia, Kajiado, and Nandi counties. The project promotes a collaborative learning environment that not only offers mentorship but also encourages academic publishing and stakeholder engagement through knowledge-sharing outputs.
Position: MSc Graduate Fellow – Gender and Socioeconomic Research
Program: People, Policies and Institutions (PPI)
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 1 year
Reference Number: ILRI MSc GF/PPI/01/2025
Application Deadline: 15 August 2025
Key Responsibilities
The fellow will be expected to undertake a range of activities contributing to the design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of the project’s qualitative research. Specific duties and expectations include:
- Literature Review
Conduct a thorough literature review on gender dynamics and the adoption of veterinary products, with a focus on East African livestock systems. This will help to contextualize the study and inform the development of field tools and conceptual frameworks. - Review of Study Tools
Assess existing qualitative study instruments and provide constructive suggestions for improvement to enhance the depth and sensitivity of data collection tools from a gender and socioeconomic perspective. - Field Team Support and Training
Participate in the recruitment and training of a small qualitative field research team, estimated at 2 to 4 field assistants. Ensure the field team is well-versed in ethical research practices, qualitative interviewing techniques, and gender-sensitive data collection approaches. - Fieldwork Implementation
Engage in qualitative data collection activities in selected counties (Busia, Kajiado, and Nandi). This may include conducting in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observations in livestock-keeping communities. - Transcription and Data Processing
Transcribe audio recordings of interviews and discussions accurately and in a timely manner. Maintain detailed notes and metadata related to the data collection process. - Data Analysis
Conduct thematic analysis using NVivo or similar qualitative data analysis software. Collaborate with project researchers in coding, interpreting findings, and identifying patterns and themes across data sets. - Scientific Writing and Publication
Support the preparation of a peer-reviewed journal article based on project findings. The fellow will be given the opportunity to lead or co-author this publication in collaboration with the ILRI Gender team and other project scientists. - Community Engagement Outputs
Prepare at least one public-oriented knowledge product to share study findings with participating communities. This may take the form of a policy brief, a poster, a presentation, or a community feedback session.
Supervision and Mentorship
The selected candidate will be jointly supervised by ILRI scientists and an academic advisor from the student’s home university. The fellowship emphasizes mentorship and capacity development, offering the fellow an opportunity to learn from experienced researchers working at the interface of social science and animal health.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria
- A completed BSc degree in sociology, anthropology, gender studies, community development, agricultural economics, or a related discipline.
- Enrollment in or completion of coursework in a Master’s degree (MSc) program in one of the above or related disciplines at an East African university, with an expected completion date before or by October 1, 2025.
- Proficiency in both English and Swahili.
Added Advantage (Preferred Qualifications and Experience)
- At least one year of experience in a field-based research or development project, especially involving rural communities.
- Prior engagement in agriculture, livestock research, or development activities.
- Experience in qualitative data collection, transcription, thematic analysis, and/or scientific writing.
Fellowship Terms and Benefits
- Duration: 12 months
- Location: ILRI Campus, Nairobi, Kenya, with travel to field sites in Busia, Kajiado, and Nandi counties
- Stipend: A competitive monthly stipend to support living expenses in Nairobi and during fieldwork
- Insurance: Medical insurance cover during the fellowship period
- Research Support: Funding to cover costs associated with fieldwork and research-related activities
- Academic Output: Opportunity to publish as lead or co-author and participate in dissemination events
This fellowship is designed to provide the successful candidate with practical field experience, enhanced research skills, and a deeper understanding of how social and gender factors influence animal health interventions and technology adoption in East Africa.
Application Procedure
All applications must be submitted through the ILRI recruitment portal by clicking on the “Apply Now” button provided on the job posting. Interested candidates are advised to ensure that the position title and reference number (ILRI MSc GF/PPI/01/2025) are clearly marked in the subject line of their cover letter.
Required Application Documents
- Cover Letter
A statement expressing interest in the MSc Graduate Fellowship, outlining the applicant’s motivations and what they bring to the position. - Curriculum Vitae (CV)
The CV should include names and contact details (email and telephone) of three referees who are familiar with the applicant’s academic background and/or work experience. - Academic Transcripts and Certificates
Copies of official university academic transcripts and degree certificates must be included.
Important Notes
- Applications without the required documents will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- ILRI does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, training, or placement.
- ILRI is not responsible for any bank account or financial information requested by fraudulent actors claiming association with the organization.
Application Deadline: 15 August 2025
Applications must be received via the ILRI recruitment portal by the stated deadline. Early submission is encouraged to allow time for document review and potential follow-up.
About ILRI and the CGIAR
ILRI is a member of the CGIAR consortium, a global partnership that unites international organizations engaged in research for a food-secure future. CGIAR’s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food and nutrition security, and improve natural resources and ecosystem services. ILRI contributes to this mission by focusing on livestock systems research and capacity development, particularly in low-income and livestock-dependent regions.
For more information on ILRI and its programs, visit: www.ilri.org
Apply Now
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The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is inviting applications for an MSc Graduate Fellowship under its “Gender and Socioeconomic Insights into Livestock Keepers’ Practices and Adoption Potential for Acaricide-Impregnated Ear Tags” initiative. This full-time opportunity, based in Nairobi, Kenya, is hosted within ILRI’s People, Policies and Institutions (PPI) program under the Capacity Development (CapDev) unit. It presents an invaluable opportunity for an early-career researcher to be part of a transdisciplinary research team focused on improving animal health interventions through social and gender-based lenses.
About ILRI
ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research focused on the efficient, safe, and sustainable use of livestock. As the only CGIAR center dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world, ILRI plays a unique role in the global effort to enhance livelihoods and ensure sustainable development in agricultural communities. With headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ILRI has a strong presence across Africa and Asia. More information can be found at www.ilri.org.
The fellowship falls under the People, Policies and Institutions (PPI) program, which strengthens institutional capacity and policy frameworks to drive sustainable, resilient, and inclusive livestock-based livelihoods. More details on this thematic area are available at: PPI at ILRI.
About the Fellowship Project
The MSc fellow will be engaged in the “Ear Tag” project, which is centered around testing the feasibility and adoption of acaricide-impregnated ear tags as a tick-control technology among livestock keepers in Kenya. While technical and veterinary outcomes are essential, this project also integrates critical socio-economic and gender dimensions to ensure the equitable and effective adoption of the technology. The focus is on understanding how different social groups interact with livestock health technologies and the systemic barriers and enablers that influence these interactions.
The successful candidate will support the project’s qualitative research component and will work closely with ILRI scientists and stakeholders in the project regions, including Busia, Kajiado, and Nandi counties. The project promotes a collaborative learning environment that not only offers mentorship but also encourages academic publishing and stakeholder engagement through knowledge-sharing outputs.
Position: MSc Graduate Fellow – Gender and Socioeconomic Research
Program: People, Policies and Institutions (PPI)
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 1 year
Reference Number: ILRI MSc GF/PPI/01/2025
Application Deadline: 15 August 2025
Key Responsibilities
The fellow will be expected to undertake a range of activities contributing to the design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of the project’s qualitative research. Specific duties and expectations include:
- Literature Review
Conduct a thorough literature review on gender dynamics and the adoption of veterinary products, with a focus on East African livestock systems. This will help to contextualize the study and inform the development of field tools and conceptual frameworks. - Review of Study Tools
Assess existing qualitative study instruments and provide constructive suggestions for improvement to enhance the depth and sensitivity of data collection tools from a gender and socioeconomic perspective. - Field Team Support and Training
Participate in the recruitment and training of a small qualitative field research team, estimated at 2 to 4 field assistants. Ensure the field team is well-versed in ethical research practices, qualitative interviewing techniques, and gender-sensitive data collection approaches. - Fieldwork Implementation
Engage in qualitative data collection activities in selected counties (Busia, Kajiado, and Nandi). This may include conducting in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observations in livestock-keeping communities. - Transcription and Data Processing
Transcribe audio recordings of interviews and discussions accurately and in a timely manner. Maintain detailed notes and metadata related to the data collection process. - Data Analysis
Conduct thematic analysis using NVivo or similar qualitative data analysis software. Collaborate with project researchers in coding, interpreting findings, and identifying patterns and themes across data sets. - Scientific Writing and Publication
Support the preparation of a peer-reviewed journal article based on project findings. The fellow will be given the opportunity to lead or co-author this publication in collaboration with the ILRI Gender team and other project scientists. - Community Engagement Outputs
Prepare at least one public-oriented knowledge product to share study findings with participating communities. This may take the form of a policy brief, a poster, a presentation, or a community feedback session.
Supervision and Mentorship
The selected candidate will be jointly supervised by ILRI scientists and an academic advisor from the student’s home university. The fellowship emphasizes mentorship and capacity development, offering the fellow an opportunity to learn from experienced researchers working at the interface of social science and animal health.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria
- A completed BSc degree in sociology, anthropology, gender studies, community development, agricultural economics, or a related discipline.
- Enrollment in or completion of coursework in a Master’s degree (MSc) program in one of the above or related disciplines at an East African university, with an expected completion date before or by October 1, 2025.
- Proficiency in both English and Swahili.
Added Advantage (Preferred Qualifications and Experience)
- At least one year of experience in a field-based research or development project, especially involving rural communities.
- Prior engagement in agriculture, livestock research, or development activities.
- Experience in qualitative data collection, transcription, thematic analysis, and/or scientific writing.
Fellowship Terms and Benefits
- Duration: 12 months
- Location: ILRI Campus, Nairobi, Kenya, with travel to field sites in Busia, Kajiado, and Nandi counties
- Stipend: A competitive monthly stipend to support living expenses in Nairobi and during fieldwork
- Insurance: Medical insurance cover during the fellowship period
- Research Support: Funding to cover costs associated with fieldwork and research-related activities
- Academic Output: Opportunity to publish as lead or co-author and participate in dissemination events
This fellowship is designed to provide the successful candidate with practical field experience, enhanced research skills, and a deeper understanding of how social and gender factors influence animal health interventions and technology adoption in East Africa.
Application Procedure
All applications must be submitted through the ILRI recruitment portal by clicking on the “Apply Now” button provided on the job posting. Interested candidates are advised to ensure that the position title and reference number (ILRI MSc GF/PPI/01/2025) are clearly marked in the subject line of their cover letter.
Required Application Documents
- Cover Letter
A statement expressing interest in the MSc Graduate Fellowship, outlining the applicant’s motivations and what they bring to the position. - Curriculum Vitae (CV)
The CV should include names and contact details (email and telephone) of three referees who are familiar with the applicant’s academic background and/or work experience. - Academic Transcripts and Certificates
Copies of official university academic transcripts and degree certificates must be included.
Important Notes
- Applications without the required documents will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- ILRI does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, training, or placement.
- ILRI is not responsible for any bank account or financial information requested by fraudulent actors claiming association with the organization.
Application Deadline: 15 August 2025
Applications must be received via the ILRI recruitment portal by the stated deadline. Early submission is encouraged to allow time for document review and potential follow-up.
About ILRI and the CGIAR
ILRI is a member of the CGIAR consortium, a global partnership that unites international organizations engaged in research for a food-secure future. CGIAR’s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food and nutrition security, and improve natural resources and ecosystem services. ILRI contributes to this mission by focusing on livestock systems research and capacity development, particularly in low-income and livestock-dependent regions.
For more information on ILRI and its programs, visit: www.ilri.org
