The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Manager for the Kapiti Research Station and Wildlife Conservancy to lead the management and operations at Kapiti to deliver on the ILRI Corporate Strategy 2030. The incumbent will be responsible for the development and execution of the long-term strategy of Kapiti and engaging and communicating with a wide variety of stakeholders.
About ILRI
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.
About Kapiti Research Station and Wildlife Conservancy
ILRIโs Kapiti Research Station and Wildlife Conservancy spans across 13,000-hectare located in Machakos County, southern Kenya, 60kms away from ILRIโs Nairobi campus. The facility has three functional arms, namely, Research, Conservation and serves as a Commercial Livestock Ranch. Community engagement, capacity building and education cut across the three areas of work.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Ranch/Farm Management
Provide strategic leadership and oversight of Kapiti Research Station and Wildlife Conservancy, including supporting the Board of Kapiti with strategy development and operational planning aligned with institutional goals. Lead budgeting and resource allocation across ranch, conservancy, and team functions. Develop and implement annual work plans for the different teams in line with institutional objectives and investment plans. Lead the development and implementation of organizational policies, guidelines, and procedures. Oversee fundraising for conservation efforts at Kapiti and partner management. Oversee all ranch operations and activities ensuring effective and efficient use of financial and other resources including revenue generated from both livestock and farming operations.Livestock farming and forage production
Oversee daily farm activities including feeding, breeding, and health management of livestock. Monitor and maintain animal health and well-being of livestock including vaccination, disease management. Develop and implement breeding and multiplication program to improve production, productivity and commercialisation. Maintain accurate records of farm activities. Develop short-term and long-term plans for production and commercialisation of fodder.ILRI, CGIAR and partners research facilities
In close coordination with the ILRI and the CGIAR research and development leadership manage and support research projects under implementation at Kapiti. Develop and implement a costing for project implementation at Kapiti.Conservancy Management and community relations
Ecotourism and hospitality
Oversee Kapiti housing and conferencing facility. Ensure optimum guest management and collaboration with local communities.Requirements
Masterโs degree or PhD in veterinary or animal science, conservation, business administration, or relevant field. Relevant professional certification. Ten yearsโ relevant experience with mastersโ degree or five years relevant experience with PhD. Experience in managing similar research facilities. Experience with operating environment of ranches and conservancies in Kenya or East Africa. Strong success in leading organizations in the areas of conservation, community/rural development, livestock farming, tourism, fund raising. Proven experience implementing and monitoring strategies and establishing long term partnerships. Ability to research information and analyse data to arrive at valid conclusions, make recommendations effectively, and execute plans of action within a team dynamic. Prior experience working with donor organization in conservation.Post location: The position will be based in Kapiti-Machakos, Kenya.
Terms of Appointment: This position is at job level HG18, and it is open to Kenyan Nationals only. 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 and other insurances.
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 by clicking on \"Apply Now\" on or before 28 August 2025.
The position title and reference number: REF: MK/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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