WorldFish is an international, non-profit research organization that harnesses the potential of fisheries and aquaculture to reduce hunger and poverty. Globally, more than one billion people obtain most of their animal protein from fish and approximately 800 million depend on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods. Utilizing its scientific expertise, its networks and partnerships, and an innovative ‘research in development’ approach, WorldFish increases the productivity and sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture and improves the lives of poor people who rely on them. WorldFish is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future.

A unique opportunity has arisen for gifted individuals to contribute to the mission of the organization.

VALUE CHAIN SCIENTIST

(Penang, Malaysia)

Background

In fish agri-food food systems, value chain research is important to link production, productivity and consumption of fish for increased income and well-being of producers, processors and traders as well as sustainability, and improved nutrition and health. Shifting production and consumption towards more sustainable and nutritious foods requires an understanding of the complex range of factors at work in fish value chains, including those affecting aquaculture and fisheries production, price transmission and economics through the value chains, and demand factors.

WorldFish's value chain research focuses on improving the efficiency of producing, processing and trading fish from aquaculture and small-scale fisheries, and improving the working conditions of those engaged in these activities, many of whom are poor women; reducing waste and loss and negative effects on natural resources; and increasing access of poor consumers to fish, including through developing and marketing nutritious and safe fish and fish products.

The Value Chain Scientist will lead the research on innovations in fish value chains and fish agri-food systems. This research seeks outcomes from fish food systems that deliver against the CGIAR outcomes for improved livelihoods, environmental sustainability and nutrition. Nutritional outcomes will receive particular attention, seeking to conduct research that ensure that production gains made through sustainable aquaculture and resilient small-scale fisheries increase access of nutritious, safe and affordable fish and fish products, with focus on poor consumers and the first 1,000 days of life. S/he will collaborate with research and development partners, in the private and public sectors, also through social marketing approaches for scaling demand as well as utilization of fish and fish products in vulnerable population groups for improved nutrition and health.  

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement innovative and impactful fish value chain research activities.
Develop value chain work plans and lead implementation to ensure quality and timely deliverables and monitor and evaluate progress.
Develop and ensure effective tools, methods and indicators for fish value chain research.
Publish quality research results in peer-reviewed journals as well as briefs, reports and through other media.
In collaboration with WorldFish staff and partners, develop and submit project proposals that include fish value chains.
Ensure a pro-poor, innovative and gender responsive market-oriented approach.
Develop and strengthen our partnerships with global, regional and national researchers in fish value chains within the WorldFish-led CGIAR Research Program (CRP) on Fish Agri-food Systems (FISH).
Strengthen partnerships as well as with the CRP on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH) and on Policies, Institutions and Markets (PIM).
Mentor young researchers in key program countries and build the research capacity for WorldFish and partners.

Requirements

·    A PhD in agriculture value chains, economics, food systems or related fields.

At least 3 years post-doctoral experience in value chains or food systems research.
Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in multi-cultural, interdisciplinary teams as well as develop close and effective working relationships with a range of partners.
Strong professional network with researchers in the field of agriculture value chains research.
Competency with quantitative research analytical tools, methodologies and analyses.
Ability and willingness to lead and carry out field work in developing countries.
Peer-reviewed publications track-record, and excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Salary & Benefits
This is an International Recruited Staff (IRS) position with annual salary ranging between USD 54,000 – USD 57,000 per annum. WorldFish's IRS shall receive comprehensive benefits including (but not limited to) housing allowance*, relocation and repatriation assistance*, dependent education allowance*, home leave entitlement*, comprehensive insurance coverage for staff and eligible dependents, and pension/provident fund contribution.

Note: Items marked * are not applicable to staff recruited as Home Country Internationals (nationals of the country of posting). All benefits are subject to terms and conditions.

Our offer

The position will be based in Penang, Malaysia. The initial employment contract will be for a 3-year period, with possibility for renewal depending on performance of and the availability of funding. Interviews will be held via video conference in May 2018, and the successful candidate should be available to commence as soon as possible. Due to the high volume of applicants for WorldFish positions, we appreciate all interest, but only short-listed candidates will be notified.

Our commitment

WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity of thought, style, culture and experience is valued. We support individual performance and potential in achieving our organizational goals and mission. We are an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourage women and nationals from developing countries to apply.

How to apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit the following information here latest by 5 May 2018:

·     A cover letter including a 2-page (max) description of why you are an ideal candidate and what you would bring to the role;

·     A current curriculum vitae;

·  Names and contacts (telephone, fax, and e-mail addresses) of three professional referees who are familiar with your qualifications and work experience. Your nominated referees ideally should have persons from each of the following category: direct supervisor, internal peer and/or direct report.

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

Job Email id: A.Abdul(at)cgiar.org
Download Attachment: WorldFish - Value Chain Scientist.pdf