Leader - Research Support at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Develop and implement the research support strategy in alignment with the institute’s research and innovation agenda
• Advise senior leadership on infrastructure needs, facility upgrades, and technology investments
• Ensure long-term sustainability of research facilities through effective planning, budgeting, and resource mobilization

Research Facilities:

• Oversee the development, maintenance, and optimization of research facilities and infrastructure.
• Ensure that ILRI laboratory facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
• Oversee the laboratories and other research facilities costing for internal and external users
• Oversee the development, review and implementation of the facility management policies and procedures.

Research Compliance:

• Develop and/or review policies and procedures and ensure their implementation and compliance with research regulations, ethics, and standards in all locations across ILRI’s portfolio.
• Provide guidance and support on research integrity, ethics, and compliance.
• Oversee audits and risk assessments to ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations, as well as biosafety and biosecurity requirements.

Research Methods:

• Provide expertise and support on research design, methodology, and statistical analyses.
• Develop training programs on research methods and best practices.
• Collaborate with researchers to enhance research quality.

BecA-ILRI and Capacity Development:

• Oversee the operation of the BecA-ILRI Hub as a regional center for excellence
• Develop and implement capacity development programs for researchers/fellows/interns, including training, mentorship, and coaching.
• Foster partnerships with universities, training institutions, and industry to strengthen skills pipelines.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to enhance research capacity.

People Management:

Lead and/or contribute to talent management initiatives including recruitment, management and development of a high performing team and foster a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture that enhances staff engagement

General Administration:

• Oversee operations and budgets and ensure optimum management of allocated resources
• Develop and/or maintain partnerships with relevant stakeholders to enhance collaboration and continued engagement

Requirements

• PhD in a relevant field (Biological Sciences, Bio engineering, Research Management or related discipline)
• 12 years’ experience in research facility management, laboratory operations, or technical services
• Laboratory-based high impact research experience preferably in a private sector setting
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems, biosafety standards, and regulatory compliance
• Proven leadership in managing multidisciplinary teams and complex infrastructure.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural, decentralized environment.
• Strong project management, planning, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement
• Ability to build trust and alignment across scientific, operational, and regional teams in a matrixed and multi-stakeholder environment.
• Capacity to influence without authority and to navigate institutional complexity through strategic communication, listening, and coalition-building.
• Ability to translate technical vision into organizational priorities and to adapt messaging for diverse cultural and disciplinary audiences.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse group of stakeholders and influence change through relationships and referential power.
• Ability to build and strengthen partnership with internal teams — including researchers, country offices, and operational units is essential, as is the ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement and digital learning.