Scaling & Innovation Officer I

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Scaling & Innovation Officer I  to support the day-to-day delivery of scaling and innovation activities across CGIAR Initiatives, with a focus on livestock. This is a hands-on, implementation-focused role: the postholder takes ambiguous, half-formed inputs and turns them into usable products, reducing the load on senior staff rather than adding to it. The work spans carrying out scaling activities in the field, working closely with partners, analysing data and evidence, holding quality and evidence standards, and presenting clear plans that move the work forward.

ILRI is an international organisation working for better lives and better planet through livestock. ILRI’s mission emphasises the interconnections between people, animals, and the environment, aiming to improve the lives of more than 300 million people in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that supports equitable and resilient livestock systems, ultimately contributing to food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits. This mission is delivered through two core strategic objectives: co-designing and deploying sustainable, science-based livestock solutions, and leveraging science to inform and influence policy and investment decisions.

ILRI is a member of the CGIAR, a global research alliance that works to transform food, land and water systems in a climate crisis and is the only CGIAR centre dedicated to addressing multiple development challenges through sustainable livestock solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Carry out and support the implementation of scaling and innovation activities across the relevant CGIAR Initiatives, in the field and remotely
• Support the preparation and delivery of scaling studies and assessments, applying ILRI and CGIAR scaling tools and frameworks
• Collect, organize, and analyse data from a range of sources, and assess the evidence behind scaling decisions
• Prepare briefs, reports, presentations, and plans of work, and present scaling plans and recommendations to teams and partners
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with project teams, partners, and other stakeholders, and travel regularly to project and partner sites to support delivery and facilitate workshops
• Maintain trackers and documentation, follow up with teams, and ensure activities are completed on time
• Perform any other related duties as may be required

Requirements

• Masters degree in agriculture, development, social or business sciences, data analytics, or relevant field
• Three years relevant experience
• Experience in project delivery, scaling, innovation, stakeholder engagement, or data analysis

• Experience in agricultural or development settings
• Strong, transferable skill set and the ability to learn quickly, rather than deep prior expertise in livestock or a specific scaling method, which will be developed on the job
• Strong organizational and delivery skills, with the ability to manage tasks reliably and meet deadlines with limited supervision
• Sound judgment and the ability to work independently, while knowing when to seek guidance or escalate
• Good analytical skills and attention to detail when working with data and evidence, including the ability to tell strong evidence from weak
• Clear, well-structured writing and confident presentation skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including in multicultural settings
• Adaptability and a willingness to learn and adjust as priorities and tools evolve
• A practical, hands-on attitude and a strong team orientation
• Proficiency with common digital, presentation, and data tools, and good judgment in using AI tools to accelerate work without weakening accuracy
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to project and partner sites

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

Terms of Appointment

This position is at job level HG13 and it is only open to Kenyan nationals. The position is a 3-year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes pension, medical and other insurances.

How to apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Head of People and Culture through our recruitment portal by clicking on "Apply Now" on or before 28 July 2026. The position title and reference number REF: IS/2278/2026 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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.

To find out more about ILRI, visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org/

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