Scientist -Livestock Climate Technology Development and Assessment

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Scientist- Livestock Climate Technology Development and Assessment  to support the implementation of the Stage-Gate Assessment System (SGAS), an evidence-based framework designed to identify, assess, validate, and advance livestock greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation technologies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs).

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only 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

The position will focus on climate methane mitigation innovations, technical evaluation, measurement and verification systems, and structured innovation management using Stage-Gate and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) approaches.

Technical Leadership and Innovation Assessment

• Coordinate and support the technical evaluation of candidate livestock methane mitigation and climate-smart livestock technologies using Stage-Gate and TRL-based frameworks.
• Provide scientific and technical analysis of methane mitigation technologies, including assessment of efficacy, scalability, sustainability, and applicability in across livestock systems.  Propose additional technical approaches to complement these technologies where needed.
• Coordinate technical reviews of technologies related to enteric methane reduction; feed additives; manure management; precision livestock systems; digital agriculture; measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems; and climate-smart innovations.
• Identify technical risks, gaps, and mitigation measures related to innovation development and deployment.  Assemble pro-con analyses to support mitigation measures as needed.
• Contribute to portfolio management and prioritization of climate technologies.

Measurement, Testing, and Validation

• Design and oversee protocols for testing and validating methane mitigation technologies under laboratory and field conditions.
• Support MRV systems for livestock GHG emissions.
• Analyze technical performance data, including methane-reduction efficacy, productivity impacts, environmental indicators, and adoption potential.

Stage-Gate Process Establishment and Management

• Develop and operationalize the SGAS, TRL assessment tool, go/no-go decision frameworks, evaluation criteria, technical review tools, and risk assessment frameworks.
• Coordinate implementation of the Stage-Gate process across multiple technologies and partners.
• Review technology testing results, measurement protocols, validation data, and environmental performance indicators.
• Monitor progress against milestones, deliverables, timelines, and gate requirements.
• Support documentation and knowledge management for all Stage-Gate activities.

Stakeholder and Partner Engagement

• Facilitate data-driven and evidence-based discussions during Technical Review Committee (TRC) evaluations and advisory meetings.
• Prepare and compile technical review materials, evaluation reports, performance data, and evidence-based summaries for TRC meetings.
• Engage with startups, private sector companies, investors, research institutions, and development partners.
• Lead technical consultations and technical review committee meetings, workshops, and innovation forums.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary experts in climate science, livestock systems, finance, policy, and commercialization.
• Contribute to identifying and onboarding innovative climate technologies for SGAS evaluation.
• Lead cost-benefit analyses for climate technologies to ensure adoption potential.

Monitoring, Learning, and Reporting

• Prepare and compile technical review materials, evaluation reports, performance data, and evidence summaries for TRC review sessions.
• Document TRC recommendations, decisions, and follow-up actions to support transparency and accountability within the Stage-Gate process.
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) activities related to innovation performance and system effectiveness.
• Develop technical briefs, reports, publications, presentations, and donor updates.
• Support dissemination of evidence and lessons learned to stakeholders and funding partners.
• Contribute to periodic technical and progress reviews.
• Perform any other related duties assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• PhD in Climate Science, Environmental Science, or related discipline with a strong climate mitigation focus
• Minimum of 5–8 years of relevant postdoctoral or professional experience in climate-smart livestock systems or methane mitigation technologies.
• Demonstrated experience with Stage-Gate systems, innovation management frameworks, or Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessments.
• Proven experience in measurement, testing, validation, or evaluation of agricultural or climate technologies.
• Experience with livestock GHG emissions measurement, MRV systems, or environmental impact assessment.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams, startups, private sector partners, and/or innovation platforms.
• Experience in LMIC livestock systems is highly desirable. 
• Carbon accounting, lifecycle assessment, and environmental sustainability assessment skills.
• Knowledge of livestock climate technologies, methane mitigation approaches, and climate-smart agriculture systems.
• Familiarity with donor-funded research, innovation management, and development projects.
• Understanding of regulatory and policy frameworks related to livestock and climate technologies.
• Experience using digital data systems, dashboards, and innovation tracking platforms.
• Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Scientific evaluation, data interpretation, and evidence-based decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver results within deadlines.
• Strong organizational, coordination, publication record, and project management skills.
• High level of attention to detail, professionalism, and accountability.

 

Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya

Terms of Appointment: This position is at job level HG18, and it is open to both national and international applicants. The position is a two and half year (2.5) 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 by clicking on Apply Now button on or before 18  July 2026.

The position title and reference number: REF: SCMM/2227/2026 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.

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