Dairy Research & Extension Intern

About the role

This is a structured learning placement for recent graduates interested in dairy research, climate measurement (MRV) and last‑mile extension. Interns will work alongside Agri‑Associates, Hub Managers and ILRI researchers to support a Smallholder Dairy Productivity and Methane Intensity Reduction Programme.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct farmer surveys and collect accurate farm, herd, milk production, feeding, animal health and management data using approved field protocols and digital tools.
• Ensure data completeness, accuracy and secure management; maintain farmer tracking records and support basic data cleaning, analysis and reporting.
• Engage farmers in Kiswahili or local languages, obtain informed consent, support extension activities and document farmer feedback.
• Support baseline assessments, feed and forage audits, sample collection and animal health observations, linking data with milk production records to monitor progress toward the 10 L/cow/day target.
• Coordinate field activities with hub and programme teams, participate in meetings and training, and provide regular field reports and learning updates.
• Complete required training, contribute to programme learning and prepare an end‑of‑internship report highlighting lessons, data gaps and recommendations.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Animal Production, Agricultural Education & Extension, or Statistics from a recognised institution.
• Fresh or recent graduate (within the last 2 years) with excellent spoken and written English and Kiswahili.
• Fluency in Kalenjin (Kipsigis) or Maa (Maasai) is a strong advantage.
• Comfortable using a smartphone for data collection and Excel or Google Sheets for data entry.
• Willingness to travel daily for field work on farms and milk routes in Sotik, Bomet, Kilgoris or Kisii areas.

Required skills

• Mobile data collection tools such as ODK, KoboToolbox or SurveyCTO.
• Excel, Google Sheets and basic data cleaning.
• Statistical software (R, SPSS, Stata or Python) for data analysis.
• Proficiency in MS Office or Google Workspace.
• Understanding of smallholder dairy systems, feeding, milk hygiene and record keeping.