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

The project aims to increase the productivity and income of, and access to markets by small-scale food producers, especially women, engaged in the integrated aquaculture-agriculture system (IAAS) comprising fish, crops, livestock, and agroforestry sub-systems to combat food insecurity. The approach of the project is focused on two aspects: (i) the development of small-scale and low-cost aquaculture-agriculture production systems that are economically sound and environment friendly and can be easily replicated by small-scale producers, especially women, and (ii) strengthening the role of small-scale producers and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the value chains, especially women-led. Reduction of food loss along the production chain will be a key feature by addressing harvest loss between the beginning and completion of harvesting, loss between harvest and retail, and loss between retail and consumption. The key outcomes are: (i) increased adoption of diversified climate-resilient technologies such as the integrated aquaculture-agriculture system, agroforestry and other climate-smart agricultural technologies that limit emissions of greenhouse gases from food production; (ii) improved forest cover in fishery communities that sequester carbon through reforestation and protects and restores biodiversity; (iii) increased organization of smallholder farmers with strong input and output market linkages between smallholder farmers and private sector actors (cooperatives and SMEs) in the aquaculture value chain; and (iv) increased knowledge among farmers on managing climate change.

Under the Senior Scientist’s and Country Scientist’s overall guidance, the incumbent will assist in carrying out project activities, including fieldwork, database management and analyses, training, meetings and workshops for the forestry component of the project.

Key Responsibilities 

• Working with the Project Leader and the project team in Malawi to formulate and implement reforestation and forestry regeneration activities.
• Assist in training communities and other stakeholders on agroforestry in aquatic food systems.
• Support, mentor, and coach SMEs and cooperatives engaged in seedling nurseries.
• Assist in providing mentorship and coaching to SMEs and cooperatives under the de-risking grant mechanism.
• Assist in training of trainers for cooperatives, SMEs/tree nursery operators, and other relevant actors to deliver extension services on forestry and agroforestry.
• Facilitate mentorship and extension services of cooperatives. SMEs/agro-dealers and other relevant actors to small-scale producers.
• Assisting the Office Administrator in setting up the workshops with partners and private companies.
• Assisting scientists, research staff, and consultants in carrying out specific research to inform the design of key project activities.
• Assist with the implementation and maintenance of systems for data capture, storage, retrieval and analysis of projects.
• Assisting the M&E&L (Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning) Coordinator in setting up project M&E&L systems and databases and developing tools to monitor and evaluate progress in achieving the key outcomes indicated in the Results Framework.
• Assist the communications specialist in developing initial communications outputs for the project.
• Support science publication development by compiling reports and literature references relevant to the technical reports of the projects.
• Carrying out other tasks as determined by the Project Leader.

The Person

This section includes the minimum requirements for the job as “required.”

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry, Ecology, Geography, Environmental Science or a related field. An equivalent higher education and/or experience in rural development is an advantage.
• Ability to think clearly and analytically, set priorities, meet deadlines, solve problems and make timely decisions.
• Strong research methods skills.
• Teamwork within and across the organization with deep respect for others.
• Ability to draft field reports and publications.
• Relevant working experience in aquaculture/fisheries and/or rural development, with proven experience in project implementation, monitoring and coordination.
• Proficiency in Chichewa or other local languages a must.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Proficient in the English language, both verbal and written.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SSPS or other quantitative analysis software.
• Ability to research, plan, and implement technical programs related to your work area.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

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

Our Offer

The position will be based in Zomba. Malawi. Interviews are expected to begin in March 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and expected to attend the virtual interview session. The successful candidate should be available to commence as soon as possible for an initial of three (03) years fixed-term contract, with the possibility of contract renewal depending on performance and funding situation.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit the following information online latest by 7 March 2024:

• A cover letter including a 2-page (max) description of why you are an ideal candidate for this role referring to the key responsibilities and what you would bring to the role.

• Current curriculum vitae.

• Names and contacts (telephone 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. None of referees will be contacted without your permission.

The screening will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Due to the high volume of applicants for WorldFish positions, we appreciate all interest, but only short-listed 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. We aim to also seek balance across other diversity dimensions.

People in WorldFish are treated equally irrespective of gender, ethnicity/race, national or social origin, disability, religion, political affiliation, age, family size, marital status or any other form of personal identity.

We are an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourage qualified women and men from developing nations to apply.