Scientist At WorldFish

Key Responsibilities

Main Purpose of the Job

• Work with the supervisor to identify suitable research opportunities that can contribute to resource mobilization and strengthen program objectives.

• Take the lead in research activities, covering study planning, data collection, quality control, data analysis and interpretation in line with project requirements.

• Develop and deliver capacity-building activities for government institutions, program teams and other stakeholders. This includes preparing training resources, technical guidance and knowledge-sharing materials.

• Undertake relevant qualitative and quantitative studies to generate evidence that can inform decision-making, program development and policy processes.

• Lead the design and implementation of innovative gender-focused research within value chains and market systems, with particular emphasis on fisheries and aquaculture across Africa and Asia.

• Develop and strengthen gender-responsive market strategies and business models, including approaches that support women entrepreneurs and promote collaboration with government and private-sector actors.

• Contribute to research on the participation, opportunities and challenges of young people within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, particularly in the growing African context.

• Lead the preparation of high-quality scientific outputs and ensure research findings are effectively communicated to project teams, partners, policymakers and other relevant audiences.

• Support the sharing and scaling of lessons generated through SAAF, the Gender Accelerator, the DéSIRA+ Project in West Africa and other related initiatives.

Engagement, Collaboration and Communication

• Supervise assigned staff by identifying development needs, monitoring performance and creating a supportive, inclusive and cooperative team environment.

• Work with other teams and CGIAR centers to promote coordination, knowledge exchange, integration and collaboration within relevant areas of work.

• Establish and maintain productive relationships with external organizations and research partners to strengthen research activities and support capacity development.

• Work with government agencies, private-sector organizations and development partners to advance research and achieve shared objectives.

• Identify potential funding sources and contribute to the preparation of research proposals and grant applications.

• Develop strategic partnerships that can improve program outcomes and create opportunities for future collaboration.

• Organize peer-learning sessions, knowledge-sharing activities and collaborative platforms to encourage innovation and promote the use of research findings.

Service Delivery and Research Implementation

• Ensure research and program activities are completed efficiently, on schedule and according to expected quality standards.

• Coordinate with relevant teams and CGIAR centers to ensure smooth implementation and effective exchange of knowledge.

• Work with partners to strengthen technical capacity, address implementation challenges and improve research outcomes.

• Provide technical contributions to funding proposals and support engagement with potential donors and partners.

• Promote research uptake through workshops, learning events, policy discussions and other appropriate communication channels.

Requirements

• A PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant field such as Gender Studies, Development Economics, Sociology, Anthropology, International Development, Rural Development, Human Geography or a related discipline.

• Completion of a postdoctoral fellowship, postdoctoral research program or equivalent advanced research experience in a relevant field.

• Demonstrated experience independently conducting applied research, from developing research questions and methodologies through data collection, analysis and reporting.

• A strong publication record in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals, including experience serving as a lead author.

• Experience developing, reviewing or improving research proposals and establishing appropriate data collection approaches.

• Previous involvement in preparing or contributing to grant and funding proposals.

• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams, government institutions and development partners to conduct research and support the application or expansion of research findings.

• Experience working for or alongside an international nonprofit, research or development organization would be an added advantage.

• Advanced knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative research techniques, with the ability to independently design studies, conduct analysis and communicate findings.

• Ability to mentor colleagues and contribute effectively to interdisciplinary and mixed-methods research.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Extensive experience working in Africa, with established professional networks within government institutions and the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

• Experience engaging with major development and philanthropic donors, including the European Union, African Development Bank, World Bank, FCDO and Gates Foundation.

• Evidence of contributing to or successfully securing funding for research, development or related initiatives.

• Strong facilitation skills, particularly when working with multi-stakeholder groups, policy forums and private-sector partnerships.

• Practical knowledge or professional experience in fisheries, aquaculture, agricultural development or natural resource management in Africa or Asia.

• Experience applying gender-transformative approaches, including methods for involving men in gender-related change initiatives and training.

• Demonstrated commitment to developing the skills of colleagues and partners, particularly in gender analysis and gender-responsive approaches.

Core Competencies

Accountability

• Takes ownership of responsibilities and demonstrates initiative when solving problems or making decisions.

• Maintains high ethical standards and remains committed to doing the right thing when faced with difficult circumstances.

• Takes responsibility for the quality and outcomes of assigned work.

Collaboration and Communication

• Communicates information and ideas clearly and directly to different audiences.

• Pays attention to verbal and nonverbal communication and adapts interactions where necessary.

• Listens to different viewpoints and encourages colleagues to contribute their ideas and expertise.

• Accepts constructive feedback and uses it to strengthen individual and team performance.

• Builds effective working relationships across teams, disciplines and institutions.

Respect and Inclusion

• Promotes an environment where people are treated fairly and with respect.

• Encourages participation from individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives.

• Considers diverse opinions and experiences when developing solutions and making decisions.

Results and Impact Orientation

• Establishes clear expectations and performance standards to support successful delivery.

• Ensures individual and team priorities contribute to wider organizational objectives.

• Uses evidence, performance information and relevant indicators to monitor progress and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Identifies practical improvements and considers appropriate new technologies that can enhance efficiency and impact.

Functional and Technical Competencies

Analytical, Critical and Systems Thinking

• Examines information from multiple sources and brings it together to reach sound conclusions.

• Assesses complex issues from different perspectives and develops practical recommendations.

• Understands the relationships between different actors, systems and factors that influence research and development outcomes.

Scientific Ethics, Integrity and Writing

• Maintains accurate research records and ensures proper documentation throughout the research process.

• Follows accepted ethical standards when designing and conducting research.

• Presents research findings and data accurately without misrepresentation.

• Produces evidence-based scientific arguments and high-quality research outputs suitable for peer-reviewed publication.

• Maintains academic integrity by avoiding plagiarism and follows responsible data management and sharing practices, including FAIR principles.

Data Analysis and Management

• Brings together information from different datasets and sources to identify patterns, trends and areas requiring further investigation.

• Uses analytical findings to develop meaningful conclusions and recommendations.

• Communicates complex information clearly through reports, presentations and appropriate data visualizations.

• Applies suitable research and analytical techniques to support reliable conclusions.

Capacity Building

• Designs practical and engaging learning activities suited to different groups and levels of expertise.

• Adjusts training methods and materials according to participant needs and feedback.

• Supports colleagues and partners in developing technical knowledge and applying new skills in their work.

Resource Mobilization

• Provides relevant technical input for donor proposals and funding applications.

• Builds relationships with potential funding partners and identifies opportunities for securing additional resources.

• Contributes to partnerships and initiatives that can support long-term program sustainability.

Gender and Sector Expertise

• Applies gender-transformative principles when developing research, programs and capacity-building activities.

• Supports colleagues and partners in strengthening their understanding of gender analysis and gender-responsive programming.

• Demonstrates practical knowledge of fisheries, aquaculture, natural resource management or agricultural development in African or Asian settings.

Leadership and Management Competencies

Managing Team Dynamics

• Understands how individual emotions, behavior and interpersonal relationships can influence team performance.

• Builds confidence and trust among team members by involving them in relevant activities and giving them appropriate responsibility.

• Provides clear direction, regular feedback and fair performance assessments.

• Supports team members in achieving shared objectives while encouraging professional growth.

• Takes an active interest in the well-being and development of people under their supervision.

• Encourages an atmosphere where team members feel respected, supported and able to contribute.

Strategic Leadership

• Recognizes the importance of strong partnerships and professional relationships in achieving organizational objectives.

• Works with partners to establish clear responsibilities, priorities and mutual expectations.

• Supports organizational changes and adjusts procedures or working approaches when priorities evolve.

• Remains open to new ideas, technologies and alternative methods that can improve results.

• Identifies potential operational and team-related risks and recommends suitable measures to reduce their impact.

• Develops a clear understanding of organizational priorities and identifies ways to improve team processes.

• Looks for opportunities to introduce useful innovations and emerging technologies that support strategic goals..

APPLICATION

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