The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Technical Assistant II - CRO to provide support in the management of colony husbandry (specifically pigs) and general animal care as well as assist with research support activities of the CRF.

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:

Colony Management

  • Perform reproductive tasks such as oestrus detection, semen handling, and timely insemination.
  • Monitor pregnancy status and support farrowing preparation and scheduling.
  • Support farrowing management including monitoring sows before, during, and after farrowing, and ensuring piglet survival and welfare
  • Observe farrowing, neonatal care, and monitoring of sow and piglet health.
  • Provide essential piglet interventions: drying, navel dipping, iron supplementation, cross-fostering, and weaning.
  • Track piglet growth, survival, and welfare metrics
  • Maintain accurate breeding records and reproductive performance data.
  • Perform daily care including feeding, watering, and environmental management.
  • Conduct routine health assessments and report clinical observations promptly.
  • Ensure proper biosecurity, sanitation, and facility hygiene
  • Maintain feeding schedules and ensure nutrition programs are followed correctly
  • Perform any other related duties as may be required

Veterinary Support

  • Provide therapy (on prescription) and care of animals to ensure good animal health and wellbeing as directed by the Veterinarian
  • Assist Veterinarians during procedures (Clinical examination, surgery, euthanasia, and post-mortem investigation)
  • Conduct relevant observations, examinations, analysis and procedures
  • Perform activities and practices involving the quarantine and/or isolation of animals
  • Handle and store scheduled/unscheduled drugs in an efficient, safe and environmentally sustainable manner
  • Handle and store chemicals and laboratory consumables in an efficient, safe and environmentally sustainable manner
  • Perform any other related duties as may be required

Research support (Facility & Study operation)

  • Assist with research support activities
  • Record and handle raw data to ensure accurate and consistent information for departmental and study use
  • Verify, monitor and control environmental monitoring devices (temperature and Humidity and) and relevant equipment Receive, inspect, store and dispense animal feeds
  • Perform any other related duties as may be required

Compliance

  • Interact and handle animals by following set instructions and procedures to ensure content, well-adjusted and cared for animals housed in the correct appointed facilities
  • Promote principals of either preventing the onset of animal diseases and or controlling the escalation of animal disease ensuring good animal health and wellbeing by following procedures
  • Observe the correct reporting, remedial and corrective actions to be followed by following set instructions and procedures to report and correct any non-conformance issues
  • Adhere to specified internal and external compliance and legislative standards, requirements and practices
  • Always observe the workplace rules and report non-conformance to the relevant person as to ensure that all activities in the workplace are compliant with company rules, policies and procedures
  • Identify and implement preventative measures in accordance with set instructions and procedures in cases where serious diseases are suspected
  • Perform any other related duties as may be required

Requirements

  • Diploma/certificate in animal health and production
  • Min of three -year relevant experience in pig farming, husbandry and health
  • Knowledge in relevant field and use of simple tools and equipment
  • Knowledge of VICH, GCP and GLP will be an added advantage

Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya

Terms of Appointment

This position is at job level HG 8 and it is only open to Kenyan nationals. The position is on 1 Year 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 candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Head of People and Culture through our recruitment portal by clicking on "Apply Now" on or before 21 April 2026. The position title and reference number REF: CRO/2136/2026should 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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