Livestock Commodity Lead – Livestock Production and Development Expert

Job Description

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Livestock Commodity Lead – Livestock Production and Development Expert to identify impact opportunities, working with internal and external stakeholders to catalyse and scale transformative livestock-based solutions/innovations for the different livestock commodities. The role focuses on translating cutting-edge research into practical, scalable solutions that enhance livestock productivity, sustainability, and improve livelihoods. The incumbent will package research outputs into actionable strategies, provide technical leadership, and engage with internal and external stakeholders to ensure impactful delivery of livestock development programs.

ILRI works to improve people’s lives in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that contributes to equitable and resilient livestock systems to deliver food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits. It is one of 15 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org.

Key Responsibilities

Understanding the demand and identifying solutions

• Work with country and regional (demand partners) to understand the needs on the ground and identify solutions to these drawing from across ILRI and partner capabilities.
• Drawing from across ILRI and partner capabilities, lead the identification and synthesis of research findings into practical, user-friendly tools, guidelines, and frameworks for diverse stakeholders.
• Ensure that the identified solutions are context-specific, sustainable, and culturally appropriate.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Build and maintain partnerships to align efforts and maximize the impact of livestock development programs.
• Work with a variety of internal ILRI stakeholders to design and deliver opportunities for the different livestock commodities.
• Represent the institute at conferences, seminars, and other forums to share insights and gather feedback.

Impact Monitoring and Reporting: Measure the effectiveness of research translation efforts by using robust monitoring frameworks.

Advocacy and Policy Support: Engage with policymakers to promote evidence-based livestock policies and interventions.

Resource Mobilisation: Identify opportunities to raise resources by engaging program leaders, scientists and business development unit to pursue funding opportunities while maintaining a high level of understanding of country plans, donor priorities and planned funding initiatives.

People Management: Contribute to talent management initiatives across regional and country offices, including recruitment, management and development of high performing regional and country-based staff and fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture that enhances staff engagement.

Requirements

• PhD or MSc in animal science, veterinary medicine, agriculture economics, environmental science, social science, development science or relevant discipline.
• 7 years’ working experience with PhD or12 years’ experience with masters, with at least 5 years of experience in livestock development, extension services, or a related role.
• In-depth knowledge of livestock systems and how they relate to addressing the global challenges of hunger, poverty, climate change, human disease and environmental degradation.
• Demonstrated ability to bridge research and practice for development impact.
• Proven experience in building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, networking, partnership building and relationship management at a strategic level.
• A thorough understanding of current national and regional agenda and how ILRI can contribute to addressing these through different livestock commodities.
• Ability to think strategically and to synthesize and distil key messages from complex issues.
• Creative approach to applying research insights to real-world challenges and capacity to adapt solutions to different cultural and environmental contexts.
• Ability to work with and lead cross functional teams.
• Excellent advocacy and influencing skills.

Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Terms of Appointment: This position is at job level HG 19, and it is open to both national and international applicants. The position is a three (3) year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive international salary and benefits package which includes pension, medical insurance, life insurance and allowances for: education, housing, security, relocation, and home leave.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the role, and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about their professional qualifications and work experience.

The applications will be addressed to the Head of People and Culture and submitted through: OUR RECRUITMENT PORTAL by clicking on “Apply Now” on or before 13 September 2025.

The position title and reference number: REF: LCD/08/2025 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer.