Scope of the Fellowship

Through the AABCF Fellowship, ILRI, UoM, and UQ are seeking up to 18 highly qualified applicants, three each from six selected countries in Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania) and Southeast Asia (Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Vietnam), to take part in training related to climate-smart livestock production systems. Selected applicants will participate in a three-month placement engaging in research, capacity-building, hands-on, and peer-learning activities throughout the fellowship. Fellows are expected to apply their newly acquired knowledge to strengthen their projects or areas of work back home, thereby contributing to regional research advances. Depending on their research topic, successful applicants may conduct their fellowship stays at ILRI in either Kenya or Ethiopia.

Objectives of the Fellowship Program

•  To increase the research and technical capacity of early and mid-career scientists from the NARES in livestock and biosciences.
•  To foster regional collaboration among national researchers and institutions.
•  To provide scientists with more knowledge, skills, and practical tools in climate-resilient livestock production systems applicable to their research and geographical contexts.
•  To contribute to sustainable livestock productivity and innovation through trained human capital.

Purpose

This Terms of Reference (ToR) document outlines the criteria, process, and responsibilities involved in selecting qualified early- and mid-career scientists to participate in a research induction program. The goal of the program is to enhance the scientists' research skills and promote regional capacity and collaboration for sustainable livestock development.

Terms of Reference (ToRs): (Detailed listing of what the fellow is expected to accomplish during the fellowship)

Responsibilities of Fellows

•  Participate actively in all the entry, progress and exit seminars.
•  Engage in peer learning and collaborative activities.
•  Apply learned concepts to their research or work area.
•  Submit training evaluations and feedback.
•  Prepare a brief report or presentation demonstrating how they intend to utilize training in their research.

Reporting

•  Fellows are required to submit monthly progress and final reports or presentations.

Position Requirements (Qualifications that the ideal candidate should have):

Eligibility Criteria

•  Demonstrated and proven interest in ongoing research in climate-resilient livestock mitigation or biosciences-related climate resilience.
•  Affiliation with a recognized public university or national research institutions in Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Hanoi, Philippines and Vietnam.
•  Support/recommendation letter from the home institution
•  Demonstrated motivation and commitment to applying training/placement knowledge in their research context.
•  Proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking).

Selection Criteria

•  Relevance of research focus to livestock and biosciences.
•  Academic excellence and research experience.
•  Clear motivation statement indicating how the training will benefit their current or future projects and career development.
•  Two Supporting references or recommendation letters.

Selection Process

•  Establishment of a selection panel comprising representatives from ILRI, BecA-ILRI Hub, University of Queensland, and University of Melbourne.
•  Evaluation of applications based on set criteria.
•  Shortlisting candidates for interviews.
•  Final selection based on merit, relevance, and motivation.
•  Notification of successful candidates

Fellowship duration

Three (3) months to be completed by December-2025

Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship will cover the following:

•  Research costs
•  Flight and visa costs
•  Monthly stipend
•  Medical insurance
•  Technical supervision by ILRI Scientists
•  Hosting costs (including space, ICT services etc.)

For any issue related to the application please contact

Nasser Yao at N.Yao@cgiar.org or Leah Symekher at L.symekher@cgi