About WorldFish

“WorldFish is a leading international research organization working to transform aquatic food systems to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. It collaborates with international, regional, and national partners to co-develop and deliver scientific innovations, evidence for policy, and knowledge to enable equitable and inclusive impact for millions who depend on fish for their livelihoods. As a member of CGIAR, WorldFish contributes to building a food- and nutrition-secure future and restoring natural resources. Headquartered in Penang, Malaysia, with country offices across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, WorldFish strives to create resilient and inclusive food systems for shared prosperity. For more information, visit: www.worldfishcenter.org”

Position Background

Scientist (Fisheries Conservation) is an integral member of the Resilient Small-scale Fisheries Program, Bangladesh Country Program, and of the project team delivering the USAID-funded ECOFISH II Activity. The key objective of the ECOFISH II project is to improve the resilience of the coastal-marine and Meghna River ecosystems and improve the livelihoods of communities reliant on the coastal fisheries. Under the guidance of the ECOFISH II Chief of Party/Team Leader and in coordination with Scientist (Fisheries Co-management), the Scientist (Fisheries Conservation) will be responsible for generating improved science outputs for decision making and policy support related to the small-scale artisanal fisheries that support towards the maximum sustainable yield from the coastal and marine resources and improve the resilience of the coastal and marine fishing communities in Bangladesh. The incumbent will work in a Team and facilitate implementation of the Intermediate Result-1 (IR1) of the project, which is ‘Improved management and governance of natural resources’ that includes, science for decision making, co-management and policy support. The position will be temporary basis up to ECOFISH II Activity Period (up to November 2024).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead in designing research program and formulate implementation strategies that contribute in generating science outputs for decision making and policy supports for the fisheries management.
• Design and deliver research to inform, evaluate and complement the objectives of the Resilient Small-scale fisheries research program, and specifically those of the ECOFISH II project deliverables.
• Support innovative research to be conducted under One CGIAR activities that generate science-based information necessary for fisheries management and related policy formulation.
• Support partnerships with the Department of Fisheries (DoF) and other key research organizations, focusing on Universities to implement research agenda.
• Contribute to MEL team regarding data acquisition, data analysis, report writing and publication as well as synthesize learning and best practices from the project and produce quality scientific outputs and other communication materials and share with stakeholders.
• Lead research implementation in the field levels contribute in ECOFISH II Team building through mentoring field research teams.
• Lead innovative Citizen Science approach through engaging skilled fishers in catch monitoring and biodiversity conservation in the coastal and marine habitats.
• Contribute to improve coastal ecosystem health through engaging local youth volunteers focusing on the reduction of plastic and net materials and conserving megafaunas.
• Contribute to enhance Fisheries Blue Economy through fish stock assessment and policy formulation.
• Work closely with Scientist (Fisheries Co-management) to integrate science outputs into the activities of the adaptive co-management.
• Any other relevant  duties as assigned by the Chief of Party/Team Leader, ECOFISH II, Country Representative, WorldFish Bangladesh and South Asia and Resilient Small Scale Fisheries (RSSF) of One CGIAR initiatives.

Requirements

• A PhD degree in Fisheries Science or Marine Science or Environmental Science or similar discipline with strong knowledge on fish stock assessment, fisheries management, ecosystem and community wellbeing.

• High quality candidates with PhD degree in Fisheries Science/ Marine Science/ Environmental Science or similar discipline from reputed university may be considered if the person demonstrate a very strong research track record in a relevant area (e.g., fish population dynamics, stock assessment, co-management, small-scale fisheries, policy formulation, or biodiversity conservation).
• At least five years working in a fisheries and development context where the delivery of high quality research has been an integral part.
• Outstanding research track record of international standing, demonstrated by publications in international peer reviewed journals.
• Solid understanding of development practice, gender and social inclusion, livelihood initiatives and the like, with an ability and knowledge of local or international partners best situated to deliver and ensure high quality delivery of the ‘development’ aspects of research for development.
• Demonstrated ability to design high quality field research, with appropriate knowledge and engagement with theories and framings such as human well-being, adaptive capacity, sustainable livelihoods approach and ecosystem approach to fisheries management.
• A demonstrated awareness and commitment to social and gender inclusion in building research teams and designing research.
• Knowledge on essential computer software/packages like MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and practical experience in using stock assessment software like FiSAT (FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tools).
• Excellent communication skills and high proficiency in written and spoken English
• Excellent interpersonal skills and able to work in a team-oriented multi-cultural environment.

Desired Skills/ Experience

• Ability to use Theory of Change (ToC) concept for planning, prioritizing, monitoring and evaluation of Research in Development (RinD) initiatives
• Ability to relate individual and organizational activities/outputs to the broader Intermediate Development Outcomes (IDOs) and System-Level Outcomes (SLOs) of the CGIAR Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems
• Ability to analyse the context of a given development challenge (problem or opportunity) “situation analysis”
• Ability to reconcile the knowledge of different stakeholders with science
• Competency in systems thinking and a knowledge of how to apply systems research methodologies
• Ability to drive multi-stakeholder groups towards common and mutually acceptable objectives;
• Ability to use/embed participatory action research and rural appraisal tools to create a learning culture; an ability to understand and manage change processes and deal with resistance.

Benefits

Eligibility, Location and Duration

This is a six (6) months temporary position and the post holder will be based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Interviews are expected to be held in June 2024 and only shortlisted candidates will be notified and expected to attend the interview. The successful candidate should be available to commence in July 2024 for an initial six (6) months short term contract, with the possibility of contract renewal depending on performance and funding availability.

How to Apply
Interested applicants are invited to submit the following information online latest by 19 June 2024:

• A copy of your curriculum vitae,
• A cover letter which addresses key requirements stated above; and
• Contact information of three professional referees who may be contacted if you are short-listed for the position.

The screening will start as soon as possible and will continue until the position is filled. Only selected candidates will be contacted.

Our Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

WorldFish has seven offices across Asia, Africa and the Pacific, with more than 400 staff and 27 nationalities who contribute to a dynamic multicultural work environment.

WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity and inclusion is valued and we seek to have gender balance in the organization. Our Leadership Team is 50/50 in terms of its gender split and 60% of our management cadre are women.

We continue to seek diversity and gender balance across other dimensions and we support individual performance and potential in achieving our organizational goals and mission.

We are an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourage women and men to apply.