The position

The MSc Fellow will join an interdisciplinary team at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) for the “Ear Tag” project, which tests acaricide-impregnated ear tags to improve tick control for livestock keepers in Kenya. The project also explores gender and social factors affecting adoption to promote equitable access and reduce unintended harms.

The fellow will support qualitative data collection, analysis, and scientific writing, with the opportunity to lead or co-author a publication. They will be mentored by ILRI Gender team staff and collaborate with researchers from other project components, including another MSc students.

Terms and reference

1. Conduct a literature review on gender and adoption of veterinary products in East Africa.
2. Review and make suggestions on qualitative study tools.
3. Help recruit and train a small field team (2-4 people) and conduct fieldwork in Busia, Kajiado, and Nandi.
4. Transcribe audio recordings from fieldwork.
5. Thematic analysis of data using NVivo.
6. Help team in writing a peer-reviewed journal article and be a co-author.
7. Prepare an output to share findings with the community (e.g. poster, one page brief, small talk).

Minimum requirements for the ideal candidate

• BSc degree in sociology, anthropology, gender studies, community development, agricultural economics, or a related topic.
• Completed coursework in an MSc degree in the stated related fields at an East African University by October 1, 2025.
• Fluent in English and Swahili.

Added advantage

• Work experience (1+ years) on a field-based research or development.
• Experience with livestock or agriculture.
• Experience with collecting qualitative data and/ or scientific writing.

Location: ILRI Kenya.

Duration: 1 Year.

Terms of appointment and stipend: ILRI will offer a competitive stipend to cover living expenses in the project location, medical insurance cover and research expenses. The successful candidate will be supervised jointly by ILRI scientists and an academic supervisor.

All applications MUST include the following (applications without the below documents will not be considered):

• a cover letter expressing their interest in the fellowship position and what they can bring to the fellowship.
• CV including names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience.
• academic qualification certificates/transcripts.

Applications should be made to the Senior Manager, Capacity Development, through our recruitment portal by clicking on “Apply Now” on or before 15/08/2025. The position title and reference number ILRI MSc GF/PPI/01/2025 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.