The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a consultant to support local researchers and extension officers in livestock feed development activities including use of G-FEAST, training on forage establishment, management and use, and participatory evaluation of new feed options including planted forages.

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

General Background

AfricaRice has received a grant from the PROJET DE RÉSILIENCE DES SYSTÈMES ALIMENTAIRES À MADAGASCAR (PRSA or FSRP) for the project APPUI A LA TRANSFORMATION ET A LA RESILIENCE DES SYSTEMES ALIMENTAIRES DE MADAGASCAR A TRAVERS LA RECHERCHE POUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT (Support for the development and resilience of food systems in Madagascar through R4D). ILRI is a partner supporting Africa Rice in implementation and is focussing on working with the national research and extension system in Madagascar, other local research organisations, private sector and NGOs that aim to build a resilient and productive livestock sector. Part of this assignment is to build capacity in the area of feeds and forages, seed systems and sustainable intensification of crop-livestock systems

Scope of the work

The consultant will be expected to carry out the following tasks:

• To lead ILRI research engagements with local scientists, livestock experts’ other local stakeholders linked to the FSRP project
• To guide, document and oversee implementation of agreed activities related to the implementation of feed interventions across project sites; in close collaboration with ILRI scientists, local scientists, and livestock experts associated with FSRP.
• Liaison between ILRI staff and FSRP stakeholders.
• Take responsibility for logistical arrangements for implementing project activities, e.g. preparing farmers for meetings, coordinating evaluation surveys and establishment and monitoring of feed/forage trials including data collection.
• Organize G-FEAST training and support participants in preparation of G-FEAST reports.
• Organize forage seed handling training in collaboration with ILRI forage scientists.
• Draft material for progress reports, maintain communication and feedback with the research focal points.
• Participate in project meetings and other activities that may arise within the project.
• Any other related activities as may be defined by ILRI Scientists

Consultancy Fee: By mutual agreement based on agreed milestones and deliverables.

Post location: Near the project sites in Madagascar (Expected places of travel: Project sites in Madagascar

Contract dates: Twelve months (APRIL 1, 2025 TO– MARCH 31,2026)

Final Products

1. Compile comprehensive reports on G-FEAST and forage seed training sessions, detailing participant engagement, materials covered, feedback, and practical outcomes.
2. Provide quarterly reports on the establishment, monitoring, and evaluation of feed/forage trials, including data collection, challenges, and key findings.
3. Deliver updates on coordination efforts with local scientists, extension officers, and FSRP stakeholders, highlighting meetings, feedback, and collaborative plans.
4. Deliver quarterly progress summaries covering all activities, including training, trials, and stakeholder engagements, to ensure alignment with project objectives.

Essential skills and qualifications

The selected Consultant should possess:

• MSc in Animal Science, Livestock Management, Agricultural Sciences, or a related field.
• Proven expertise in livestock training, feed formulation, and forage production.
• Knowledge of climate-smart practices and CIS for agricultural use.
• Experience in developing and disseminating CIS for rural communities in Madagascar.
• Experience monitoring livestock productivity indicators such as milk yield.
• Proficiency in English, French, Malagasy

How to apply:

Applicants should send a CV and cover letter expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job. Applicants should additionally include 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 Chief, People and Culture Officer by clicking on the “Apply Now” tab above before 20 March 2025. The position title and reference number LCE /1779/ /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.

To find out more about ILRI, visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org/

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer