The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit the Regional Director, Eastern and Southern Africa to provide strategic direction and implementation of ILRIโs research for development portfolio in the region. The incumbent will be responsible for identification of impact opportunities, working with internal and external stakeholders to catalyse and scale transformative livestock-based solutions/innovations.
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 one of 15 CGIAR research centers 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. www.ilri.org
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Regional Management:
Lead the development and implementation of country and regional strategies that align with the ILRI overall strategy and the regional needs. Develop engagement strategies and the related implementation plan, including partner engagement and resource mobilisation. Contribute to the development of ILRIโs strategic goals and its effective implementation in coordination with institutional leadership.Representation: Represent the institute at the regional and country level and engage different partners and stakeholders to support its mission and goals for impact such as key Government Ministers, Directors and other senior officials.
Partnerships and Communications: Lead the regional strategic alliances and partnerships. Develop, in collaboration with the instituteโs communications team, a Regional Communications and Knowledge Management Plan tailored to key stakeholder groups.
Resource Mobilisation: Develop and coordinate fundraising plans for the region, identify opportunities to raise resources by engaging the program leaders, scientists and the business development unit to pursue these opportunities while maintaining a high level of understanding of donor priorities, country plans and planned funding initiatives.
Operational Management:
Lead the execution of ILRIโs operations in the region. Ensure appropriate levels of programmatic and operational direction, oversight and support to new and existing country/regional level projects. Ensure the implementation and monitoring of financial and operational policies and procedures at the country and regional level. Advise the Director General and members of the Institute Leadership Team on priorities and strategic challenges relating to the region. Provide technical skills to specific projects and other ILRI priority activities as may be required.People Management: Lead talent management initiatives across regional and country offices including recruitment, management and development of high performing regional and country-based staff and fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture that enhances staff engagement.
Requirements
PhD in animal science, animal agriculture, agriculture economics, environmental science, social science, development science or relevant discipline. 12 years of working experience, with at least 3 years working as a Regional or Country Director/ Country Manager in a development or international organization, preferably in sub-Saharan Africa. Alternatively, experience working as a senior Government Official or Chief Executive Officer or Chief of Party for an organisation in the relevant field. Candidates with MSC and extensive experience will be exceptionally considered. In-depth knowledge of livestock systems in the region and how they relate to addressing the global challenges of hunger, poverty, climate change, human disease and environmental degradation. Proven experience in building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, networking, partnership building and relationship management at a senior level. A thorough understanding of current national, regional and pan-African agenda and how ILRI can contribute to addressing these through livestock. Extensive management or leadership experience, leading high performing research and development interdisciplinary, gender-inclusive, and multi-cultural research teams to enable the development of regional strategies and implementation of projects. Demonstrated ability to mobilise resources, lead large funding initiatives and manage large/complex proposals in the region. Ability to think strategically and to synthesize and distil key messages from complex issues.Post location: The position will be based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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 international salary and benefits package which includes pension, medical insurance, life insurances 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 and submitted through our recruitment portal by clicking on \"Apply Now\" on or before 13 September 2025.
The position title and reference number: REF: D/08/2025 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 applicantsโ bank accounts.
ILRI is an equal opportunity employer.
More ILRI jobs
Subscribe by email to ILRI jobs alert