The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Research officer III - Eddy Covariance to supervise the performance of two existing experimental sites with eddy covariance (EC) flux towers and other environmental sensors in two semi-arid areas in Machakos County, Kenya to measure ecosystem CO2, CH4 and H2O exchange, and to manage and process the resulting GHG flux data jointly with other environmental sensing data.
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. www.ilri.org
Key Responsibilities:
Supervise the performance of two existing experimental sites with eddy covariance (EC) flux towers and other environmental sensors in two semi-arid areas in Machakos County, Kenya Lead the establishment and maintenance of new EC flux towers in dryland systems in the region subject to funding availability Undertake sampling of soils, aboveground biomass and other environmental variables as required Ensure data quality assurance and control (QA/QC) in accordance with standard operating procedures Conduct processing, visualization, and analysis of the newly derived EC tower data, also in relation to other environmental variables and remote sensing data Lead and contribute to the writing and publication of scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals using the derived EC data Develop conference/workshop presentations describing results and their implications for agricultural and rangeland productivity, GHG emissions, and nutrient management Contribute to communication of findings to stakeholders, including researchers, press, ministries, livestock extension officers, farmers, donors, etc Participate in capacity building of partners, and supervision of graduate students and research assistants Contribute to resource mobilization through significant input to proposal development Perform any other related duties as may be assignedRequirements
Masters in the discipline of micrometeorology, (atmospheric) physics, environmental sciences, eddy covariance fluxes, or related fields Experience with eddy covariance flux measurements (setup, maintenance, data evaluation and processing) proven by at least two years of field experience with eddy covariance towers Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in eddy covariance towers Field experience in related areas (e.g. remote sensing of rangeland vegetation) beneficial Demonstrated ability to integrate eddy covariance flux data with ancillary environmental for synthesis studies on flux budgets, control parameters and processes Ability to handle large datasets, data processing, and strong familiarity with statistical software such as R, SPSS, Matlab and/or python Willingness to coordinate and participate in regular field work campaigns across a range of experimental sites in East Africa Knowledge on agricultural production systems in developing and/or developed countries is preferred The ability to supervise and train research assistants and students, and provide necessary data quality control and assurance A background in remote sensing or modeling of nutrient and water cycles is an asset Working experience in developing countries desirable Enjoying working as part of an international and intercultural team Excellent written and spoken EnglishPost location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya
Terms of Appointment
This position is at job level HG 15 and it is only open to Kenyan nationals.
The position is a 3 years contract. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes pension, medical and other insurances.
How to apply: 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 candidateโs professional qualifications and work experience to the Head of People and Culture through our recruitment portal by clicking on \"Apply Now\" on or before 20 January 2026. The position title and reference number REF: LCE /2060/2026 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.
We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the 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.
To find out more about ILRI, visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org/
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