Scientist – Livestock GHG MRV and Circular Bioeconomy

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Scientist who will lead and contribute to research on the measurement, mitigation and monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock systems, with particular emphasis on enteric methane, manure management, biogas and circular bioeconomy solutions.

 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.

About the position: The role will design and implement rigorous laboratory, on-station and field studies; develop and apply measurement and analytical methods; generate evidence for emission factors, inventories and mitigation decisions; publish research; and mobilize resources. The Scientist will also provide scientific oversight of Mazingira laboratory infrastructure, analytical quality, safety and technical staff. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to interdisciplinary research on livestock GHG emissions, circular bioeconomy, resource recovery, climate mitigation and adaptation, and animal productivity.
• Design, implement, analyse and report laboratory, on-station and on-farm experiments and measurement campaigns, ensuring scientific rigor, animal welfare and appropriate quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC).
• Develop, validate and apply methods for measuring enteric and manure-related GHG emissions and evaluating biogas systems using appropriate laboratory, field, mobile and remote measurement platforms.
• Generate and analyse data required to improve IPCC Tier 2 enteric methane and manure emission factors, including feed and activity data, volatile solids (VS), maximum methane-producing capacity (Bo), methane conversion factors (MCF) and manure management system distributions (MS%).
• Develop and evaluate manure-management, anaerobic-digestion, biogas-utilization and bioslurry interventions for low- and medium-input livestock systems.
• Advance livestock GHG MRV methods, protocols and tools that support national inventories, nationally determined contributions (NDCs), mitigation programs and credible carbon-market applications.
• Apply statistical analysis, data management, modelling and, where appropriate, machine-learning approaches to integrate measurements, assess mitigation effects and quantify uncertainty.
• Prepare research protocols, data-management plans, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), risk assessments and QA/QC procedures, and ensure that research data and documentation meet institutional and partner requirements.
• Publish scientific papers and prepare technical reports, conference presentations, research briefs, policy briefs and other communication products for scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Lead and contribute to proposal development, partnership building, budgeting and the mobilization of financial and institutional resources.
• Collaborate with CGIAR programs, national research and government partners, universities, development organizations, the private sector and farming communities in the design and delivery of research.
• Supervise and mentor research technicians, research associates, interns, MSc and PhD students, and contribute to staff capacity development.
• Provide scientific oversight of Mazingira’s advanced laboratory infrastructure, analytical methodologies and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), including equipment selection, calibration and maintenance, method development and validation, data integrity, quality assurance and quality control, capacity planning, cost recovery, and the prioritization of internal and external analytical requests.
• Work with relevant institutional units to ensure laboratory safety, regulatory compliance, equipment servicing, timely procurement and effective use of shared research infrastructure.
• Perform other related duties consistent with the scientific responsibilities of the position.

Requirements

• PhD in animal science, environmental science or engineering, agricultural engineering, biogeochemistry, microbiology or another field relevant to livestock GHG research and circular bioeconomy.
• At least ten years of relevant post-PhD research experience in livestock GHG measurement, manure management, biogas, circular bioeconomy or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating research activities, producing peer-reviewed publications and technical outputs, and contributing to competitive proposals and funded projects.
• Experience working in low- and middle-income-country livestock systems, particularly in Africa, is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of livestock GHG measurement methods and experience operating, calibrating and maintaining gas analysers and related laboratory or field instrumentation.
• Knowledge of IPCC inventory methods, emission factors, MRV, uncertainty analysis and QA/QC for livestock emissions.
• Strong quantitative, data-management and statistical skills, including proficiency in R, Python or comparable software.
• Experience with mobile, remote-sensing or spatial measurement platforms is an advantage.
• Strong scientific writing, communication, proposal-development and project-management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams and a wide range of partners and stakeholders.
• Experience supervising and mentoring technical staff and graduate students and promoting safe, inclusive and high-quality research environments.
• Ability and willingness to undertake fieldwork and travel within Africa and internationally, as required

Post location:  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 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 by clicking Apply Now on or before16 November 2026.

The position title and reference number: REF: Scientist -GHG-LCE/2332-10/2026 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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