Deadline: 21 February 2023

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Research Officer to provide research assistance in activities related to ILRI’s Sustainable Livestock Systems program in the Drought Risk Financing Insurance Solutions team and One CGIAR’s work in Kenya and other countries.

I. Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and lead the implementation of research activities - develop and implement experiments for hypothesis-testing, lead survey development and oversee data collection and management.
• Co-author papers for peer-reviewed publication as well as support the broader dissemination of research findings through other outreach materials.
• Strengthening collaboration and existing partnerships, and building new and innovative partnerships for research and development that contribute to ILRl's agenda on index-based livestock insurance, high-frequency data collection in sentinel zones using digital innovations, conflict as well as climate change adaptation and mitigation
• Conduct scoping studies to identify and prioritize appropriate innovations for bundling with index-based livestock insurance as well as approaches for de-risking investments by pastoralists.
• Supervise junior research associates, students/interns, temporary staff, consultants, and BSc students as required and related to the broader agenda on livestock insurance, conflict and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
• Project development and management including mobilizing resources through participation in development of grant proposals, managing budget and reporting, and meeting deliverables schedules.
• Rigorous analysis of diffusion and impacts of innovations including livestock insurance and climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, using advanced econometric techniques and both experimental and observational data.
• Develop capacity of external stakeholders in utilizing adaptation planning tools and frameworks.
• Other duties as assigned.

II. Requirements

• Master’s degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics.
• A minimum of 5 years’ work experience in academia, a development-oriented research organization or comparable institution in the area of impact evaluation and analysis of farmers/pastoralists adoption behaviour.
• Knowledge of microeconomic theory and excellent skills in econometric analysis.
• Excellent knowledge of STATA.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating large data collection surveys in remote areas.
• Demonstrated ability to perform in-depth statistical and econometric analysis and report the results.
• Willingness and openness to learn.
• Demonstrated fluency in written and spoken English.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a team-oriented multi-cultural environment.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task as needed, consistently meet deadlines, and manage time well.
• Demonstrated professional level of attention to detail and accuracy of work.
• Ability to work independently and with initiative.
• A good understanding of impacts of climate change and variability on agri-food systems.

III. Terms of Appointment

• This position is at job level HG 14.
• The position is a 3-year fixed term 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

IV. Applications

• 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 Director, People and Organizational Development HERE
• The position title and reference number REF: RO-SLS/553/2023 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.
• ILRI thanks all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the high 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.

V. About ILRI

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 centres 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.

To find out more, Please visit ILRI website