Cybersecurity Governance and Assurance Officer

About the role

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks a senior professional to lead its cybersecurity governance, risk management and assurance activities. You will shape the institute’s security strategy, ensure compliance with global standards, and provide expert advice to senior leadership.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, implement and monitor ILRI’s cybersecurity strategy, roadmap and annual work plans.
• Coordinate the rollout of the Cybersecurity Roadmap, track milestones, benefits and report progress.
• Maintain and update cybersecurity policies, standards, procedures and guidelines.
• Manage the institutional cybersecurity risk register, conduct risk assessments and drive mitigation actions.
• Monitor emerging threats, produce dashboards, scorecards and management reports for executives.
• Collaborate with Managed Security Service Providers, third‑party vendors and internal teams on security solutions.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Security, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, IT, Risk Management or related field.
• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CISA, ISO 27001 Lead Implementer/Auditor, CCSP (required).
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in cybersecurity, with at least 3 years in governance, risk or assurance.
• Proven experience with ISO 27001, NIST Cybersecurity Framework and CIS Controls.
• Experience in multi‑stakeholder environments, preferably within research, NGO or international organisations.

Required skills

• ISO 27001 implementation and auditing
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework
• CIS Controls
• Microsoft security technologies
• Cloud security solutions
• Endpoint security solutions
• Cybersecurity risk assessment and mitigation
• Dashboard and security scorecard development