The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Leader - Research Support to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the instituteโs research support functions, ensuring that facilities, laboratories, technical services, and capacity development initiatives meet world-class standards. The role will ensure that research infrastructure is safe, efficient, compliant, and optimized to enable high-quality scientific work and innovation. The Leader will drive continuous improvement in research support services, enhance institutional capacity, and maintain strong alignment with the instituteโs scientific and strategic priorities to enhance research excellence across the organization. The Leader will focus on four key areas: Research Facilities, Research Compliance, Research Methods, the BecA-ILRI Hub and Capacity Development.
ILRI works to improve peopleโs 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
Strategic Leadership and Planning
Develop and implement the research support strategy in alignment with the instituteโs research and innovation agenda Advise senior leadership on infrastructure needs, facility upgrades, and technology investments Ensure long-term sustainability of research facilities through effective planning, budgeting, and resource mobilization
Research Facilities:
Oversee the development, maintenance, and optimization of research facilities and infrastructure. Ensure that ILRI laboratory facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Oversee the laboratories and other research facilities costing for internal and external users Oversee the development, review and implementation of the facility management policies and procedures.Research Compliance:
Develop and/or review policies and procedures and ensure their implementation and compliance with research regulations, ethics, and standards in all locations across ILRIโs portfolio. Provide guidance and support on research integrity, ethics, and compliance. Oversee audits and risk assessments to ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations, as well as biosafety and biosecurity requirements.
Research Methods:
Provide expertise and support on research design, methodology, and statistical analyses. Develop training programs on research methods and best practices. Collaborate with researchers to enhance research quality.
BecA-ILRI and Capacity Development:
Oversee the operation of the BecA-ILRI Hub as a regional center for excellence Develop and implement capacity development programs for researchers/fellows/interns, including training, mentorship, and coaching. Foster partnerships with universities, training institutions, and industry to strengthen skills pipelines. Collaborate with internal and external partners to enhance research capacity.
People Management:
Lead and/or contribute to talent management initiatives including recruitment, management and development of a high performing team and foster a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture that enhances staff engagement
General Administration:
Oversee operations and budgets and ensure optimum management of allocated resources Develop and/or maintain partnerships with relevant stakeholders to enhance collaboration and continued engagementRequirements
PhD in a relevant field (Biological Sciences, Bio engineering, Research Management or related discipline) 12 yearsโ experience in research facility management, laboratory operations, or technical services Laboratory-based high impact research experience preferably in a private sector setting Strong knowledge of quality management systems, biosafety standards, and regulatory compliance Proven leadership in managing multidisciplinary teams and complex infrastructure. Ability to work effectively in a multicultural, decentralized environment. Strong project management, planning, and organizational skills. Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement Ability to build trust and alignment across scientific, operational, and regional teams in a matrixed and multi-stakeholder environment. Capacity to influence without authority and to navigate institutional complexity through strategic communication, listening, and coalition-building. Ability to translate technical vision into organizational priorities and to adapt messaging for diverse cultural and disciplinary audiences. Ability to communicate with a diverse group of stakeholders and influence change through relationships and referential power. Ability to build and strengthen partnership with internal teams โ including researchers, country offices, and operational units is essential, as is the ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement and digital learning.Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya
Terms of Appointment: This position is at job level HG 21, 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.
Applications: 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 https://ilri.simplicant.com on or before 17 September 2025.
The position title and reference number: REF: LRD/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 applicantsโ bank accounts.
ILRI is an equal opportunity employer.
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