POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
SCIENTIST - LIVESTOCK RESEARCH IN PASTORAL AND AGROPASTORAL SYSTEMS IN
THE TROPICS REF: SCLR/T5/03/2008
General: The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) helps reduce poverty, hunger and
environmental degradation by enhancing animal agriculture in developing countries, working in partnership
with a wide range of organisations in developed and developing countries, including many reputed
universities and research institutions in the world. ILRI’s headquarters is in Nairobi, Kenya, with a second
principal campus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and other ILRI staff working in ten partner organizations/offices
in West and Southern Africa and South and South East Asia. ILRI is one of 15 international research centres
sponsored by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). To find more about
ILRI, and details about the positions, visit our Website at http://www.cgiar.org/ilri/
The position: ILRI seeks to recruit a senior scientist to lead a new research project; that aims to improve
resilience and sustainability of livestock-based livelihoods and natural resources in pastoral and agro-pastoral
systems, in the context of the People, Livestock and Environment (PLE) research theme. The scientist will
develop and lead a research agenda that addresses livestock, land and water management issues in tropical
drylands, focusing on issues such as adaptive capacity and resilience of vulnerable pastoral/agro-pastoral
systems. This position requires someone with a sound livestock, natural resource or rangeland research
background, from a social science of biophysical perspective. The successful candidate will be well networked
in pastoral/agro-pastoral areas, with international recognition for their knowledge in this area. Skills in
leadership, inter personal interaction and a broad understanding of livestock research for development issues,
(including a “knowledge to action approach”) as they relate to developing countries are important. Initiating,
fostering and maintaining partnerships with diverse stakeholders, especially those concerned with livestock
research requires a good understanding and ability to communicate on diverse livestock related issues in
different parts of the World. Specific terms of reference for the job will include:
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Engaging with expertise in natural resource management and livestock feeding within the PLE
theme, and working in multi disciplinary teams, spanning ILRI’s themes on Targeting and
Innovation, Market Opportunities and Biotechnology, to ensure appropriate synergies.
Lead and manage teams and to obtain positive results from working in diverse partnerships with
national, regional and international institutions in research, extension, development and in public,
private and civil society.
The scientist will be expected to engage in mobilizing resources to support research, contributing to
capacity building and communication of research findings.
Location: Nairobi, Kenya with research implemented in tropical regions of Africa and to a lesser extent,
South Asia.
The successful candidate will have:
 A PhD in livestock or social science with a sound knowledge and at least five years experience of
livestock focused pastoral/agropastoral research and development in developing countries.
 A systems perspective, especially related to the challenges of sustainability and vulnerability of
pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihoods
 Proven success in field based research, mobilizing resources, managing finances, and developing
partnerships.
 Good publications record with strong written and oral communication skills in English
 Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams and to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural
teams in developing country environments
Terms of appointment: Initial appointment is for three years with the possibility of renewal, contingent
upon individual performance and the availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive remuneration package
paid in US dollars.
Applications: Applicants should send a cover letter expressing their interest, detailed CV, names and contact
details (Telephone, E-mail) of three professional referees to the Human Resources Office, e-mail: recruitilri@cgiar.org by 30th April 2008. The title and reference number of the position for which the application is
made should be clearly marked on the application.
ILRI is an equal opportunity employer and is keen to further diversify its staff in terms of both gender and nationality.
Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.