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”

About the Position

WorldFish Bangladesh and South Asia is hiring Research Associate in USAID funded ‘ECOFISH II’ Activity under Small Scale Fisheries (SSF) program to meet its vision: “Be the research partner of choice, delivering high impact, transformative and equitable fisheries and aquaculture solutions to reduce poverty and malnutrition in Bangladesh and South Asia”. The key objective of the ECOFISH II project is to improve the resilience of the coastal-marine and Meghna River Ecosystems (MRE) and improve the livelihoods of communities reliant on the coastal fisheries. The USAID ECOFISH II Activity has been built on the achievements of ECOFISH I, particularly in terms of ecosystem resilience, biodiversity conservation, hilsa management, riverine catfish conservation and livelihood resilience, but will focus mainly on the Zone of Resilience (ZOR) focusing on small-scale artisanal fisheries, Cox’s Bazar with a continuation of the best practices in the lower Meghna River systems and declared Nijhum Dwip Marine Protected Area (MPA). Under the overall guidance of the ECOFISH II Team Leader/Chief of Party (CoP) and direct supervision of Project Manager, the Research Associate will implement the planned activities with the partners and stakeholders. However, the position-holder needs to coordinate and implement relevant field activities with consultation with relevant component Leads (IR-1 & 2 Scientists, Specialists and MEL Manager). The position is located at ZoR (Cox’s Bazar region) in Ukhiya. Overall, the incumbent must hails WorldFish LEAD (Learning, Excellence, Accountability and Diversity) values through ECOFISH II team work in the coastal aquatic food systems.

Responsibilities

The selected candidate will be responsible for following tasks:

• Implement the project activities following Annual Work Plan of ECOFISH II.
• Assist WorldFish and Department of Fisheries (DoF) in monitoring and data-collection activities in coastal and riverine environments. This will include fish catches (especially artisanal marine fish and Hilsa), larval study, fish biodiversity study, marine farming.
• Implement the effective adaptive co-management system with fishing communities, stakeholders of fish landing centers, relevant law-enforcing agencies, and government bodies at local, regional, and national scales.
• Oversee, supervise NGO and partner activities for improved livelihood resilience, nutrition and gender equity, and keep effective liaison with the government agencies.
• Facilitate the artisanal fishing communities for accessing innovative and climate resilient technologies and markets.
• Plan and implement training programs for co-management groups, fishing community youths and women for alternative climate resilient livelihoods, nutrition and income generating activities.
• Assist District and Upazila Fisheries Officers of DoF and Community Leaders to undertake socio-economic and ecological surveys.
• Mobilize the artisanal fishing communities and stakeholders towards fisheries compliance for sustainable natural resources management.
• Work as a team in responsible station / offices by supervising Research Assistant and Office & Admin Assistant (OAA) and make coordination with other project staffs.
• Maintain financial compliance, procurement processes, sincere record keeping and documentation.
• Support to Admin, Finance, HR, ECOFISH II program staff (component Leads, MEL Manager, Specialists and other staff) and staff on other WorldFish projects as per need.
• Any other work assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

This job might be for you if you have the below skills and qualifications:

• At least a master’s degree in Fisheries/Fisheries Management/Aquatic Resource Management/ Aquaculture/Marine Science & Fisheries/Social Science/Anthropology or an equivalent degree from any recognized University/Institution.
• At least 3 to 4 years of working experience in Natural Resources Management (NRM), Environmental Monitoring, Wildlife Conservation, MPA management or similar areas of socio-ecological systems.
• Experience in capturing fisheries, co-management, ecosystem-based approaches, small-scale fisheries, socio-economic and gender aspects of fisheries.
• Experience in climate resilient livelihoods and nutrition interventions.
• Working experience in a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication skills and high proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Ability to work with a minimum of supervision, setting work priorities, solving problems, and making timely and appropriate decisions.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, being committed and motivated to accomplish the given tasks.
• Ability to both work with and lead a team under your supervision.
• Able to undertake regular fieldwork, traveling by motorbike/ boat/ other available means.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Knowledge of small-scale fisheries (SSF)/ aquatic food systems; NRM; water quality monitoring; plankton and juvenile fish sampling and identification; stakeholder engagement, adaptive co-management; life and livelihoods of fishing communities.
• Valid Driving license for motorcycle.
• Willingness to undertake fieldwork at river, coastal sea, and remote sites.
• Knowledge on essential computer software/packages like MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint Excellent interpersonal skills and able to work in a team-oriented multi-cultural environment.

Benefits

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position and WorldFish offers a competitive remuneration package including comprehensive benefits (but not limited to) insurance coverage for staff and eligible dependents, pension / provident fund contribution, paid leave and others.

Eligibility and Location
The position will be based in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, 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 as soon as possible to serve 05 months fixed-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 27 May 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