The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is seeking an outstanding professional to join its team as Leader – Research Support, based in Nairobi, Kenya. This is a unique opportunity to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for ILRI’s research support functions, ensuring that its facilities, laboratories, technical services, and capacity development initiatives meet world-class standards.
This role is central to enhancing ILRI’s research excellence and enabling high-quality scientific work and innovation. The successful candidate will ensure that ILRI’s research infrastructure is safe, efficient, compliant, and optimized to serve as a foundation for cutting-edge research. The position will lead efforts in four major areas: Research Facilities, Research Compliance, Research Methods, the BecA-ILRI Hub, and Capacity Development.
ILRI is part of the CGIAR, a global research partnership focused on food security, climate resilience, and sustainable development. As one of 15 CGIAR centers, ILRI is the only institute dedicated entirely to livestock research for the developing world. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, and co-hosted with Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ILRI operates in East, South, and Southeast Asia as well as across Africa, building evidence-based solutions that transform food systems while addressing climate and environmental challenges.
This is not just a job—it is a leadership role with significant impact on scientific research, innovation, and human development in low- and middle-income countries.
Key Responsibilities
The Leader – Research Support will have a broad and impactful portfolio, providing oversight across strategic planning, infrastructure management, research quality, compliance, and talent development. The responsibilities span six main areas:
1. Strategic Leadership and Planning
- Develop and implement ILRI’s 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 the long-term sustainability of research facilities through effective planning, budgeting, and resource mobilization.
2. Research Facilities
- Oversee the development, maintenance, and optimization of ILRI’s research facilities and infrastructure.
- Ensure laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technology to support world-class research.
- Manage the costing of laboratories and other research facilities for internal and external users.
- Oversee the development, review, and implementation of facility management policies and procedures.
3. Research Compliance
- Develop and review policies and procedures to ensure adherence to international research regulations, ethics, and standards across all ILRI locations.
- Provide expert guidance on research integrity, ethics, and compliance to research teams.
- Oversee audits and risk assessments to ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, biosafety, and biosecurity requirements.
4. Research Methods
- Provide expertise in research design, methodology, and statistical analyses to enhance research quality.
- Develop training programs to build staff capacity in research methods and best practices.
- Collaborate with researchers across ILRI to embed rigorous methods into their work.
5. BecA-ILRI Hub and Capacity Development
- Oversee the operation of the BecA-ILRI Hub, a regional center of excellence for biosciences.
- Develop and implement capacity development programs for researchers, fellows, and interns, including training, mentorship, and coaching.
- Foster strong partnerships with universities, research institutions, and industry stakeholders to strengthen skills pipelines.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to enhance regional and global research capacity.
6. People Management and Administration
- Lead and support talent management initiatives, including recruitment, professional development, and performance management.
- Build and nurture a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture that enhances staff engagement.
- Oversee budgets, operations, and resource management to ensure efficiency.
- Develop partnerships with stakeholders to enhance collaboration, engagement, and long-term impact.
Candidate Profile
ILRI seeks a dynamic and highly experienced leader who can drive continuous improvement in research support functions, ensuring alignment with ILRI’s scientific and strategic priorities.
The successful candidate should bring:
- A PhD in Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, Research Management, or a related discipline.
- At least 12 years of experience in research facility management, laboratory operations, or technical services.
- Proven track record in laboratory-based high-impact research, preferably in a private sector or international research setting.
- Strong knowledge of quality management systems, biosafety standards, and regulatory compliance.
- Demonstrated leadership in managing multidisciplinary teams and complex infrastructure.
- Excellent project management, planning, and organizational skills.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement in research support services.
- Strong ability to influence, build coalitions, and communicate effectively across cultural and disciplinary boundaries.
- A deep commitment to fostering partnerships and strengthening research capacity in low- and middle-income countries.
Post Location
The position will be based at ILRI Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.
Terms of Appointment
- Job Level: HG 21
- Contract: Three (3) years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.
- Compensation: ILRI offers a highly competitive international salary and benefits package, including pension, medical insurance, life insurance, and allowances for education, housing, security, relocation, and home leave.
Why Join ILRI?
Working with ILRI means joining a world-class research environment with a mission that goes beyond science. ILRI’s work directly contributes to improving lives, food security, and climate resilience across Africa and Asia. By joining as Leader – Research Support, you will:
- Play a key role in shaping the future of livestock research in the developing world.
- Influence the development of research infrastructure, compliance, and capacity-building initiatives.
- Lead teams that drive research excellence and strengthen institutional capacity.
- Contribute to an organization committed to equality, diversity, and impact-driven science.
ILRI’s values emphasize integrity, collaboration, innovation, and respect. The institute provides an enabling environment for professional growth, while ensuring staff well-being and inclusion.
Application Process
Applicants should submit:
- A cover letter expressing interest in the position and outlining what they can bring to the role.
- A detailed CV.
- Names and contact details (telephone and email) of three referees knowledgeable about their professional qualifications and experience.
Applications should be submitted online through ILRI’s recruitment portal:
Apply Now
The deadline for submission is 24 September 2025.
Applicants must indicate the position title and reference number REF: LRD/08/2025 clearly in the subject line of the cover letter.
Important Notes
- ILRI does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing, or training).
- ILRI does not request information about applicants’ bank accounts.
- ILRI is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
How to Apply
To be considered for this position, please visit ILRI’s online recruitment portal and submit your application materials.
Apply Now
This career opportunity offers more than a leadership position—it is a chance to shape the future of livestock research and its role in global food systems transformation. If you have the expertise, leadership skills, and passion for impact-driven science, ILRI welcomes your application.
