Research Analyst (Aquatic Food Systems)
WorldFish, East Timor

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.

Globally, 800 million people, including many poor and marginalized women, men and youth, depend on fish for food, income and nutrition. Fisheries and aquaculture provide 3.2 billion people with 20% of their annual protein. Fish is a rich source of micronutrients and essential fatty acids, which are crucial to cognitive and physical development. Yet, in Timor-Leste, fish are an underutilized resource in many areas.

We have been working in Timor-Leste, based at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, for 10 years, and our focus is on improving the lives of small-scale fishers and fish farmers through innovation and knowledge to achieve ecological sustainability, good governance, equitable distribution of benefits and social ecological resilience in the face of external shocks.

About the Position

Under the guidance of the Project Leader, the research analyst will further WorldFish’s fieldwork and research capacity in Timor-Leste with a specific focus on data from aquatic food systems (fisheries and aquaculture). This position is very suitable for a dynamic and ambitious individual looking to develop technical research and facilitation skills in the field of fisheries and agriculture sciences. It should be recognized that this role requires digital and numerical abilities and involves capacity building and mentoring of partners and community stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Support research operations, fisheries and aquaculture data collection, validation and reporting on project sites around Timor-Leste.
• Work with government partners to manage Peskas data collectors’ regular and timely collection and digital submission of fish landings and sales from remote sites; provide technical support and data validation.
• Update, deploy, and train local staff and partners in the use of digital data systems, data collection protocols, surveys and basic data management.
• Be a point of contact for local community members, MAF partners and interested stakeholders about project objectives and information.
• Facilitate community meetings and training related to project aspects in aquatic food systems.
• Prepare progress and fieldwork reports.

Requirements

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

• A completed Bachelor’s Degree in a Technical, Scientific or Economic field.
• Strong working knowledge of MS excel and word.
• Competency with digital smartphone/tablet applications.
• At least 3 years’ work experience.
• 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.
• Proven ability and willingness to carry out independent fieldwork in remote locations.
• Experience working in communities.
• Commitment to development objectives in Timor-Leste.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Tetum.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Experience in fisheries science, agricultural science or other natural science research.
• Coding experience in R or Python.
• Quantitative skills and experience in data science, management, databases, and statistics.
• Project management experience.
• A valid driving license.

Benefits

This position is ONLY open to citizens of Timor-Leste. WorldFish offers a competitive remuneration package including comprehensive benefits (but not limited to) insurance coverage for staff and eligible dependents, employer provident fund contribution, paid leave and others. The duration of the contract will initially be for a one-year period with possibility for extension, depending on funding and performance.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit the following information online latest by15 December 2023:

• A cover letter which addresses key requirements stated above;
• A current curriculum vitae; and
• Cont

Job Rewards and Benefits