Publishing Manager II

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is looking for an experienced publishing professional to lead the process that turns world-class livestock research into publications that inform policy, attract investment, and drive real-world change. As Publishing Manager II, you set the standards and manage the pipeline that take scientists’ work from draft to polished, credible output. The incumbent will lead a skilled in-house team and a network of editors, consultants designers and producers. The role goes beyond production and connects ILRI’s publishing outputs to its wider knowledge management strategy, ensuring what gets published continues to inform and influence long after release.

The Publishing Manager will report to the Team Lead,  Knowledge Management and work closely with the strategic communications and advocacy teams to ensure ILRI’s publications are packaged and launched for maximum visibility and influence.

ILRI is an international organisation working for better lives and better planet through livestock. ILRI’s mission emphasises the interconnections between people, animals, and the environment, aiming to improve the lives of more than 300 million people in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that supports equitable and resilient livestock systems, ultimately contributing to food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits. This mission is delivered through two core strategic objectives: co-designing and deploying sustainable, science-based livestock solutions, and leveraging science to inform and influence policy and investment decisions.

ILRI is a member of the CGIAR, a global research alliance that works to transform food, land and water systems in a climate crisis and is the only CGIAR centre dedicated to addressing multiple development challenges through sustainable livestock solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic publications and thought leadership

• Help manage and support the planning, production and delivery of ILRI’s strategic publications, including the livestock flagship report and other thought leadership briefs, ensuring they are delivered to a high standard and on schedule
• Coordinate with communications and advocacy colleagues to ensure strategic publications are packaged and launched for maximum visibility and influence with target audiences
• Review and realign (where necessary) ILRI’s overall publication portfolio to ensure it is strategically aligned with ILRI objectives
• Engage with research programs and scientists to identify, plan and pipeline candidate flagship and thought leadership content, ensuring strategic publications reflect ILRI’s priority research and advocacy messages

Publications management and oversight

• Oversee a publishing pipeline that is fit for purpose for ILRI and supervise publication staff, providing regular performance feedback and support designed to facilitate professional development, learning, innovation, and effective teamwork
• Manage ILRI publishing processes, policies and guidelines to ensure they are efficient, effective and fit for purpose
• Manage and maintain relations with external consultants and service providers (editors, designers, graphic artists, photographers, printers, translators, and videographers), ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality products on behalf of ILRI and its programs
• Ensure quality control of publications and other outputs by doing final branding and consistency checks before products are made openly accessible.
• Engage with research programs to ensure ILRI’s editorial and publishing services are delivered to the highest standards and appropriate planning is done
• Stay abreast of innovations in the editing and publishing fields to enhance the quality of products
• Copy edit, edit, and proofread publications to agreed standards and guidelines
• In close collaboration with other communications staff, support the unit and programs, where required, by producing written and other communications products for ILRI blogs on research products and events

Knowledge management

• Coordinate publishing with CGSpace and curation team to ensure ILRI publications are effectively curated on ILRI and CGIAR platforms.
• Contribute to the ILRI-wide CAKM, sharing and communicating work updates and lessons, participate in CAKM review and planning activities
• Perform any other related duties as may be required

Requirements:

• Masters’ or Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, International Relations, Political Science, or relevant field
• Relevant professional certification
• Seven years relevant experience with masters or ten years relevant experience with bachelors
• Experience working in a busy editorial or communications department, editing and copying materials for publication, preferably with experience managing processes and people, and/or knowledge of international development issues
• Ability to communicate complex research results in a concise and engaging fashion
• Ability to prioritize work and handle multiple tasks; keen attention to detail
• Ability to work independently on agreed priorities and deliverables
• Ability to read, understand and assimilate complex technical information to produce clear, well-written summaries
• skills in desktop publishing, HTML, photography and photo editing
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and well within teams

Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and open to Kenyan nationals only or based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and open to Ethiopian nationals only

Terms of Appointment

This position is at job level HG 17. 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 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 26 July 2026. The position title and reference number REF: CAKM/07/2026 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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