International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) – Career & Consultancy Opportunities in Nairobi, Kenya
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is a global research organization that works to improve food security, reduce poverty, and protect the environment through livestock research and innovation. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, ILRI operates as part of the CGIAR global research partnership, collaborating with governments, universities, and development partners across Africa, Asia, and beyond.
ILRI focuses on sustainable livestock systems, climate resilience, food safety, animal health, and improving livelihoods for smallholder farmers. Through research, training, and partnerships, the institute supports policies and technologies that strengthen agri-food systems and address emerging challenges such as climate change, zoonotic diseases, and environmental sustainability.
To support its expanding programs and research initiatives, ILRI is inviting qualified professionals, researchers, consultants, and interns to apply for the following opportunities based in Nairobi, Kenya.
1. Post-Doctoral Scientist – Wastewater Environmental Surveillance
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Program: CapDev
ILRI is seeking a Post-Doctoral Scientist in Wastewater Environmental Surveillance to support research and capacity development initiatives within the CapDev program. The position will contribute to innovative environmental monitoring approaches aimed at strengthening public health surveillance systems.
Job Description
The Post-Doctoral Scientist will play a key role in advancing research on wastewater-based environmental surveillance and its application in monitoring pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and other environmental indicators. The role will involve collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and external partners working in public health, environmental science, and livestock systems.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting scientific research related to wastewater environmental surveillance and monitoring systems.
- Designing and implementing field and laboratory studies to collect and analyze environmental samples.
- Supporting the development and strengthening of surveillance systems for environmental and public health monitoring.
- Contributing to scientific publications, reports, and policy briefs based on research findings.
- Collaborating with research teams, partners, and institutions involved in environmental health and surveillance programs.
- Supporting knowledge sharing, training, and capacity development initiatives related to environmental monitoring and surveillance.
- Participating in research planning, proposal development, and project implementation activities.
This position offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research that strengthens environmental health surveillance systems and informs policies aimed at improving public health outcomes.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official ILRI recruitment platform.
Apply Now
2. ILRI Internship
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
ILRI offers internship opportunities for students and recent graduates seeking practical experience in international research and development. The ILRI Internship Program provides exposure to multidisciplinary research environments and allows interns to gain hands-on experience while contributing to ongoing projects.
Job Description
Interns will work alongside experienced researchers and professionals across different programs within the institute.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting ongoing research, program, and operational activities within assigned departments.
- Assisting with data collection, data analysis, and documentation related to research projects.
- Contributing to literature reviews, background research, and preparation of reports.
- Supporting project coordination and administrative tasks where required.
- Participating in team meetings, seminars, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
- Assisting in preparing communication materials and presentations related to project activities.
- Contributing to learning and knowledge exchange initiatives within the institute.
The internship program provides an opportunity to gain valuable professional experience in a globally recognized research institution while developing practical skills in research, analysis, and program implementation.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the ILRI careers portal.
Apply Now
3. ILRI Internship: Environmental, Occupational, Health and Safety Unit
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
ILRI is offering a specialized internship opportunity within its Environmental, Occupational, Health and Safety (EOHS) Unit. The internship provides an opportunity for students or graduates interested in workplace safety, environmental management, and institutional compliance systems.
Job Description
The intern will support activities that ensure the institute maintains safe working environments and complies with environmental and occupational health standards.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting the implementation of environmental, occupational health, and safety programs within the institute.
- Assisting in monitoring compliance with safety procedures and environmental policies.
- Supporting the documentation and reporting of safety incidents, audits, and inspections.
- Participating in workplace risk assessments and safety awareness initiatives.
- Assisting in organizing safety training sessions and awareness campaigns.
- Supporting record management and reporting activities related to safety compliance.
- Participating in environmental sustainability initiatives within the institution.
This internship provides valuable exposure to institutional safety management systems within a global research environment.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the ILRI careers portal.
Apply Now
4. Consultant Roster – Research Methods
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Program: Impact At Scale
ILRI is establishing a Consultant Roster for Research Methods under the Impact At Scale program. The roster will consist of qualified consultants who can support research design, data analysis, and methodological approaches for research projects.
Job Description
Consultants will provide technical expertise to strengthen research design, evaluation frameworks, and data analysis approaches across ILRI projects.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing expertise in research design and methodology for multidisciplinary projects.
- Supporting the development of data collection frameworks and analytical approaches.
- Contributing to research proposal development and project design.
- Supporting data analysis, interpretation, and reporting of research findings.
- Advising research teams on best practices in research methodologies and evaluation techniques.
- Supporting the development of monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks.
- Contributing to knowledge products such as reports, publications, and technical documents.
Consultants selected for the roster may be engaged on assignments depending on project needs.
How to Apply
Interested consultants should submit their applications through the ILRI recruitment portal.
Apply Now
5. Consultancy – Evidence and Gap Maps and Systematic Reviews on Climate Change and Agri-Food Systems
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Program: Livestock Climate Environment Program
ILRI is seeking consultants to support research under the Livestock Climate Environment Program focusing on climate change and agri-food systems.
Job Description
The consultancy will support the development of evidence and gap maps and systematic reviews that inform climate-resilient agricultural policies and interventions.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting systematic reviews and evidence synthesis related to climate change and agri-food systems.
- Developing evidence and gap maps that identify research priorities and knowledge gaps.
- Analyzing available literature and research findings to support evidence-based decision making.
- Preparing technical reports and knowledge products based on research findings.
- Collaborating with research teams and stakeholders working on climate and agriculture initiatives.
- Supporting dissemination of research outputs to policy makers, development partners, and research institutions.
This consultancy will contribute to strengthening evidence-based policy and program development for climate-resilient livestock and agri-food systems.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their proposals through the ILRI procurement and recruitment system.
Apply Now
6. Request for Proposals (RFP) – Evidence and Gap Maps Livestock and Climate Solutions Hub for LMICs
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
ILRI invites qualified organizations and consultants to submit proposals for developing Evidence and Gap Maps for the Livestock and Climate Solutions Hub for Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
Job Description
The assignment will focus on generating evidence resources that support climate-smart livestock solutions and guide research priorities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing comprehensive evidence and gap maps related to livestock and climate solutions.
- Conducting literature reviews and evidence synthesis on climate-related livestock interventions.
- Identifying research gaps and priority areas for future research and policy action.
- Preparing technical reports and documentation summarizing findings and recommendations.
- Collaborating with stakeholders involved in climate and livestock research initiatives.
- Supporting the development of knowledge products for the Livestock and Climate Solutions Hub.
This project aims to support the development of evidence-based resources that guide climate solutions in livestock systems across LMICs.
