ILRI Vacancy: Program Leader – Health (Closing date: 16 November, 2024)

Are you passionate about driving cutting-edge research and shaping the future of innovation? ILRI’s Research and Innovation Directorate, Health Program is seeking a dynamic and driven leader to spearhead cutting-edge research, inspire a dynamic team, and drive transformative innovations. The Program Leader shall provide leadership and management by developing an evolving and expanding portfolio of research.

ILRI works to improve food security and nutrition and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe, and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 11 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, ILRI has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa.

About the Health Program

This program focuses on the health and welfare of farmed livestock, people, and their shared environment through better control of animal and agriculture-associated health constraints, and increase the supply of safe, healthy, animal source foods for better nutrition for people. It includes two areas: animal health management and health challenges at the interface of animals, people, and the environment.

Responsibilities

Science and Program Leadership

• Provide scientific and strategic leadership of the program and develop the program strategy in line with ILRI’s Strategy and CGIAR Research Programs strategies.
• Lead complex research and provide outstanding technical expertise as well as innovative and creative science.
• Stay up to date on scientific and technological advances, supervise research and analysis across a range of disciplines, topics, and fields to inform the development of new schemes/products and initiatives.
• Lead the collaboration and partnership efforts of the program and support teams to network and obtain positive results in partnerships with national, regional, and international institutions.
• Represent ILRI in various local and international forums, meetings, and visits, requiring liaison, collaborations, and negotiations with partners.
• Lead and oversee resource mobilization efforts to support research and capacity development in line with the program and ILRI strategies.
• Lead the wide publication, dissemination, and communication of research findings.
• Lead a group of (senior) scientists, post-docs, graduate students, support staff, and administrators, creating a culture of collaboration and transparent communication.
• Responsible for the implementation of all programmatic and platform activities, ensuring that performance schedules are observed and outputs are completed.
• Provide regular reports to the Institutional Leadership Team (ILT) and ILRI board in line with the business’s Critical Success Factors.
• Lead and manage the Program team, maximizing effectiveness and efficiency.
• Provide technical expertise to the team, motivate and coach the team towards delivery of set goals and objectives.
• Foster a performance culture to encourage learning, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Perform any other related duties as may be required.

Requirements

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in biomedical sciences, health sciences, public health, epidemiology, or related fields of science and innovation expertise.
• Minimum of 12 years’ experience post PhD; working in public or private sector research management at a senior level.
• A significant track record in research, grant writing and reviewing, and fundraising.
• Sound experience in research capacity strengthening.
• Knowledge and thorough understanding of science, innovation, and program design and planning.
• Proven experience in successfully developing, leading, and supervising complex initiatives and high performing teams.
• Proven ability to develop and manage program/platform budgets and timelines.
• Proven experience in building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• A good understanding of current international, national, and pan-African issues in research priorities.
• Sound knowledge of research processes in a similar environment – nationally and internationally.

Post location: The position is based at ILRI’s Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Extensive travel to other countries and regions will be required.

Terms of Appointment: This position is at job level HG 21 and it is open to both national and international applicants. The position is a three (3) year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

How to apply: 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 of three referees to the Chief, People and Culture Officer through our portal ilri.simplicant.com on or before 16 November 2024.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.