Scientist – Innovation in livestock systems

Vacancy Number: SMK/03 /10

Department: Markets Opportunities

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Duration: 3 years

The Africa-based, globally networked International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) helps reduce poverty, hunger and environmental degradation by

enhancing livestock agriculture in developing countries.

ILRI positions its work at the dynamic interface of poverty alleviation and sustainable livestock livelihoods. Our staff work in partnerships and alliances with diverse organisations in developed and developing countries, including some of the finest universities and research institutes in the world.

ILRI’s headquarters are in Nairobi, Kenya, with a second principal campus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Our staff are also based in 7 partner institutions in other parts of Africa and in Asia and Latin America. We employ more than 700 staff from about 40 countries and are one of 15 centres around the world sponsored by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).

ILRI seeks to recruit a Scientist to join its research project on ‘Innovation in livestock systems’ within the ‘Improving Market Opportunities’ Theme. The project aims to strengthen the linkages between ILRI’s research outputs and development outcomes that improve the well being of livestock dependent poor people.

The project works in collaboration with other ILRI Projects, to strengthen the capacity to innovate in specific livestock contexts through interventions that strengthen the links and networks between research and non-research actors and identifying policy and institutional changes that enable livestock innovation.

The research focuses on two major livestock development challenges, livestock intensification and vulnerability of livestock keepers and livestock to shocks, emphasizing innovations in breeding and feeding strategies, livestock value chains, and risk coping and management instruments to address vulnerability in intensifying crop-livestock and pastoral systems.

The successful applicant will:

Contribute to design, implementation and reporting of research using political and institutional economy methods
to analyse incentives, policy and institutional options that stimulate innovation processes in specific livestock systems
to analyse change processes and the dynamic interface between institutions and processes through which multi-level actors can engage to accelerate innovation in the livestock sector
to support design and piloting of pragmatic interventions among livestock value chain actors that stimulate innovation, and monitor resulting outcomes
Contribute to the formation of strategic research and development partnerships
Provide strategic guidance to development partners in experimentation, action research and monitoring and evaluation activities that enhance understanding and learning of how relevant livestock-related knowledge is generated, used and applied in ways that bring sustainable improvements in the well-being of livestock dependent poor people and their communities
Contribute to development and implementation of pro-poor policy advocacy strategies through development partners
Contribute to preparation of peer-reviewed articles, research reports, briefs, and other strategic communication products including research materials for website content and publication
Contribute to resource mobilization and fund raising efforts
Supervise post-graduate and post-doctoral staff

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with frequent travel to areas where there are ILRI activities.

Preferred Skills:

A passion for the generation of scientific knowledge that advances pro-poor development
Ph.D. in Innovation Systems Studies, Science and Technology Policy, Political economy, Institutional and policy studies or a relevant discipline in the social sciences related to innovation systems in developing country
At least 2 years post-doctoral experience particularly in a developing-country context. Familiarity of smallholder livestock systems would be an advantage.
Strong conceptual skills and familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods and analysis
Strong analytical skills in one or more of the following areas: political economy analysis; development policy analysis; institutional analysis; applied systems analysis; scenario analysis
Experience in developing successful proposals for donor funding
Demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams
Strong English language skills, both written and spoken (proficiency in other languages is an advantage); and a strong publications record, including in peer-reviewed journals

Terms of appointment: This is an internationally recruited position for three years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and the availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive international remuneration package paid in US dollars.

Applications: Applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae and the names and addresses (including telephone, fax and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience, to e-mail: recruit-ilri @ cgiar.org by 20th April 2010.

The title and reference number of the position: ‘Scientist – Innovation in livestock systems Ref SMK/03/10’ should be clearly indicated on the email subject line. We regret but only online applications will be considered and only short listed candidates will be contacted.

To find more about ILRI, visit our website www.ilri.org

ILRI is an equal opportunities employer.

Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.