Position: WorldFish Lead \u2013 Solomon Islands

Location: Honiara, Solomon Islands

Application Deadline: 09 June 2022

Type of contract: 03 years fixed-term contract (option to renew based on performance and budget)

Language(s) required: English (native/fluent writing and oral skills)

About WorldFish

WorldFish is an international, non-profit research and innovation organization reducing hunger, malnutrition and poverty across Africa, Asia and the Pacific. For over 45 years, our work on sustainable aquaculture and fisheries has improved the lives of millions of women, men and youth.

Fish and other aquatic foods grown in and harvested from oceans, lakes, rivers and ponds provide income for more than 800 million people and provide 3.3 billion with 20% of their animal protein intake. Our focus on sustainability makes sure that the way we produce and use these foods today means a plentiful future of generations to come.

Our evidence-based solutions range in scale from households to global policies and spans across six interlinked themes: nutrition, gender, climate, sustainability, economy and COVID-19.

We champion aquatic foods for healthy people and planet and believe that a sustainable blue planet of well-nourished children, women and men is within our reach.

About the Position

WorldFish Lead \u2013 Solomon Islands (WLS-I) will be responsible for the overall country operations. Supporting the Regional Director of SEAP, the post holder will ensure the smooth running of the country office and engage with the Solomon Island Government, donors funding work in the Solomon Islands and other key stakeholders. There will be interactions with other CGIAR entities and as appropriate with other One-CGIAR Regions e.g. Asia and possibly Americas (South Pacific).

The post holder will bring comprehensive technical, policy and program management expertise to coordinate the planning, development and implementation of programs, projects, products and services in accordance with regional, country and research program objectives. Furthermore, the incumbent will be co-responsible for WorldFish Solomon Island inputs on the One-CGIAR Resilient Aquatic Food Systems program and assist with implementation of work packages. The latter will be implemented from Q2 2022 in line with the One-CG and WorldFish 2030 strategic priorities in the SEAP region.

The successful candidate will be responsible to:

Plans and leads Solomon Island multidisciplinary research team inputs, leads and/or participates in organization-wide, cross-impact area/research program committees, project teams, and working groups and provides specialized expertise on technical networks and international/transboundary technical policy related to Pacific Island States including the Small Island States Resilience Initiative (SISRI) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) work in the Region. Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks, and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programs of work, projects, products and/or services. Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications, and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical/policy/ specialist/advice and expertise. Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality/effective research and knowledge sharing activities such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information and learning materials. Promotes cross institutional cooperation/collaboration and research e.g., with Australian research centres, the FAO and Regional Fisheries Science entities among others. Liaison with the ADB in the Pacific and other financial and development partners, government institutions, civil society organizations and community groups. Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the 2030 WorldFish strategy.

Specific Functions

Leads/coordinates and supports research on marine fisheries and aquaculture at the Solomon Island national and subnational levels; as well as the oversight of corporate functions. Scientific inputs on the Solomon Island country program, not limited to, but with special focus in the areas of; Participatory, action oriented and collaborative research e.g., in Co-Managed and Community Based fisheries; Cross scale governance approaches and institutional strengthening of community, state and civil society organizations; Science, society and policy engagement and advice; Capacity building of research staff. Co-leads WorldFish integrated approaches across the following priority areas; Mangrove forest management and integrated production models; Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in relation to Multiple Use Marine Protected Areas (MUMPAs) and the management of trade-offs between small-scale fisheries and other marine ecosystem operators;. Cross scale governance mechanisms tested and refined to account for impacts of external drivers. Supports/technical backstopping of project managers to prepare work plans that align with; Assists with the preparation of annual or bi-annual progress reports against the work plan milestones and objectives, including gender specific ones. Advises and trains as appropriate Government staff in fisheries management principles, tools and activities. Advises on TOR and facilitates the recruitment and management of staff and consultants relating to the country program activities; supports the Regional Director on in-person functions for the Solomon Islands as WorldFish Lead Solomon Islands. Produces training materials, scientific journal articles, technical manuals and policy briefs as appropriate. Participate in the WorldFish policy working group at regional level to; Identify relevant policy contributions; Critically review and collate relevant policies (including reporting into MEL); and Prepare a synthesis of policy contributions. Contribute to WorldFish research quality enhancement through participation in the Research Quality group on MS Teams. Guiding administrative processes in country office in close liaison with the country team and WorldFish headquarters. The overall work plan of specific projects; and Quality control regarding the implementation, evaluation and reporting on the same projects.

Requirements

Master Degree with more than 15 years\u2019 experience in senior technical and management work in aquatic systems, natural science, social or economic science. Proven ability to integrate, inspire and develop multidisciplinary teams and manage talent, with the strong commitment to promote diversity, knowledge sharing and staff development. Strong analytical skills and foundation in system research, with experience in economics, resilience and or environmental sustainability. Demonstrated program development experience. Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills and ability to work collaboratively with people at all levels in a decentralized, respectful, multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary organization. Interdisciplinary technologist with excellent social and natural science skills and experience in capture fisheries, aquaculture and integrated aquaculture-agriculture systems. Excellent computer skills with working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word. Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint) and data analysis software. Ability to effectively communicate a common vision to diverse internal and external stakeholders. Self-motivated and enthusiastic, with an ability to work independently. Minimum of 15 years\u2019 experience in Asia and/or Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Demonstrated ability to serve as an agent of change, in order to build a unified CGIAR culture and dynamic, integrated and agile organization. Uphold the highest ethical standards by inspiring trust and treat all people with respect and personal integrity.

Desired Skills and Experience

Use of fish stock assessment tools. Post-harvest quality control and value addition options for island communities. Local language skills. Economic valuation of marine ecosystem goods and services. Pacific Island Cluster focus for sustainable food production.

Benefits

This position is open to both local and international applicants. WorldFish offers a competitive remuneration package including comprehensive benefits, comprehensive insurance coverage for staff and eligible dependents, and pension/provident fund contribution.

Recruitment Process

Interviews are expected to be held in May / June 2022 and only shortlisted candidates will be notified and expected to attend the interview. The successful candidate should be available to commence as soon as possible for an initial three (03) years fixed-term contract, with a high probability of contract renewal depending on performance and funding situation. Due to the high volume of applicants for WorldFish positions, we appreciate all interest, but only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit the following information online latest by 09 June 2022:

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 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 categories: direct supervisor, internal peer and/or direct report. None of the 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.

This vacancy is archived.

Recommended for you