Established in 1970 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (www.icipe.org) is distinct, being the only research organisation in Africa working primarily on insects and other arthropods. icipe is also the sole institution that combines research and development activities across plant health, human health, animal health, and environmental health. icipe generates world-class scientific knowledge and translates it into insectbased, nature-positive, One Health innovations that sustainably transform millions of livelihoods across Africa and beyond. Additionally, icipe nurtures Africa’s talent and leadership in insect science through the Centre’s long-standing programmes in doctoral and postdoctoral training, advancement of research and innovation in applied sciences, engineering, and technology, and the creation of a bioeconomy in Africa. The Centre has about 500 international and national staff, operations in more than 40 countries in Africa, and over 300 partnerships with diverse organisations across the world. For additional information, visit: (www.icipe.org). 

Please also download icipe’s Vision and Strategy 2021–2025:
http://www.icipe.org/publications/corporate-publications/vision-and-strategy.

icipe is seeking to appoint an outstanding, dynamic, and self-motivated scientist for the position of Head of Animal Health Theme. The position is tenable at the icipe Duduville Campus in Nairobi and will be offered for an initial contract of 3 years, renewable subject to continued funding and the staff performance. A competitive and generous compensation package that includes housing and transport allowances, education allowance, comprehensive health and life insurance cover, and an offshore retirement package (all payable in US Dollars), will be offered to the right candidate. Furthermore, the incumbent will receive paid annual vacation and return airfare for themselves and their dependents to their nominated home base each year. If the successful candidate is appointed from outside Kenya, he or she will be offered support to relocate and settle in Nairobi. Qualified candidates from Africa (and especially females) are invited to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

Living in Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi, the vibrant capital and largest city of Kenya, is home to over three million residents and offers a dynamic blend of modern conveniences and rich cultural experiences. The city boasts a wide selection of excellent international schools, 24/7 access to quality medical facilities, and easy connectivity through numerous reputable international airlines. Nairobi is a hub for global research and development, hosting several CGIAR Centres, UN agencies, and other international organisations. Known for its warm hospitality, Kenyans welcome newcomers with openness and generosity. With its comfortable lifestyle, diverse amenities, and thriving professional community, Nairobi is an exciting and rewarding place to live and work.

Overall Purpose of the Job

The Centre has an active portfolio of Animal health research focusing on diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, tsetse, sandflies, fleas, and ticks; epidemiology of arthropod-borne diseases; implementing operational research for developing, appraising and promoting biorational tools and strategies for monitoring and controlling arthropod-borne diseases of livestock; one health and multisectoral approach to disease management; and developing sustainable and locally-adapted solutions for feed shortages. Reporting to the Deputy Director General, Research for Development (DDG-R4D), the successful applicant will be part of a multidisciplinary team contributing leadership and research strategy to the Centre in collaboration with icipe’s other Themes, Platforms and Units. The successful candidate will develop and maintain a portfolio of research, with a focus on Animal vector-borne diseases including epidemiology of arthropod borne diseases, zoonotic diseases, parasitology and one health as aligned with icipe’s strategy and goals. 

Specific Duties

• Work in collaboration with the icipe leadership team, including the Director General, Deputy Director General, Research for Development (DDG-R4D) and Heads of Themes and Platforms, to undertake and facilitate research and capacity building activities as specified in the duties and deliverables above across the Centre.

• Lead and spearhead the development of a coherent vision for the Animal Health Theme.

• Mobilise resources by developing competitive research proposals and expanding partnerships with donors, research institutions, governments, and the private sectors.

• Organise a Theme structure to cost-effectively utilise resources to meet icipe’s research, capacity, and institutional building needs.

• Guide programme/project leaders within the Theme to ensure timely preparation of the Theme’s annual work-plans, budgets, and scientific and technical reports for donors.

• Ensure Theme members continually update skills and methodologies, to keep up with global cutting-edge knowledge.

• Promote and establish collaborative linkages with national, regional, and international institutions in the relevant fields of research of the Theme.

• Actively seek and secure external support for the activities of the Theme, including resources to develop and grow personal research portfolio.

• Manage and grow the Theme’s team to foster scientific excellence and ensure long-term staffing needs are met.

• Facilitate peer-review of the performance of Theme members.

• Initiate periodic reviews of the performance of the AH Theme, to ensure relevance and quality.

• Act as a spokesperson and representative of the Theme and adhering to the institutional, donor, and regulatory requirements.

• Ensure the Theme meets its legal and reporting responsibilities to all stakeholders, including national licensing authorities and donors.

• Promote gender-sensitive research, capacity building, and mentorship for MSc and PhD students and postdoctoral fellows. 

• PhD degree in medical or veterinary entomology, health ecology or a relevant field, from a reputable university.

• Ten (10) years’ experience gained at a senior level in either a research organisation or university.

• Excellent research and publication track record.

• Experience with downstream work that ensures impact through partnerships.

• Experience in capacity building through supervision and mentorship of MSc and PhD students.

• Excellent communication skills.

Core Competencies

• Track records of exemplary leadership qualities are essential.

• Track record of writing successful proposals for large grants.

• Proven record of managing complex projects—with financial, human resources and administrative responsibilities.

• High degree of organisation, adaptability, and prioritisation. 

• Fluency in English and French will be an added advantage.

Reporting This position reports to the Deputy Director General of Research for Development (DDG-R4D).

The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted up to 24th November 2025.

(Ref. No. IRS/675/102025) 

Interested applicants should submit:

(a) a confidential cover letter; (b) a detailed CV with names and addresses of 3 referees (including e-mail addresses); (c) a statement illustrating suitability against the listed qualifications/ competencies/abilities and skills. Candidates are required to apply online through http://recruit.icipe.org or by email: recruitment@icipe.org 

icipe is an equal-opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equity, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Consideration for employment is given to qualified applicants regardless of race, color, age, gender, religion, disability status, national and ethnic origin, or social status.