Consultant (Research Associate)

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 Assignment

The consultant will support the implementation of the Resilient Aquatic Food Systems, East and Southern Africa regional research initiative, CGIAR gender platform research projects and other related gender research activities within WorldFish.

Key responsibilities:

• Co-lead data collection in the field (including supervising a team of data collectors) and activities facilitation at the community level.
• Carry out literature reviews pertaining to relevant topics that will be assigned.
• Be able to carry out quantitative and qualitative research.
• Facilitate meetings, workshops, and trainings with project focus communities, including engagement with external agencies and NGOs as necessary.
• Plan and organize research activities and partnership events/meetings, acting as a liaison for communities and other partners.
• Contribute to the reporting of activities and research for project donors and programs, and provide input to scientific publications.
• Ensure quality communication and engagement with national and county stakeholders, including government and NGO partners, on research activities implementation and findings.

Requirements

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

• A Masters Degree in Agricultural Economics, Social Science, Rural Development, Agricultural Sciences or related field.
• Experience in research or development programs in the sector in Kenya relating to aquaculture, small-scale fisheries, agriculture or natural resources (including research methods).
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate program activities and organize events (workshops, demonstrations, trainings).
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and participating in partnerships at national, municipal and local levels.
• Must be proficient in data collection and data management.
• Must be proficient in SPSS/STATA and willing to learn if not able to use qualitative data analysis software, such as N-Vivo.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office 365 software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Comfortable and confident working within a diverse international team, with good interpersonal and communication skills to a broad range of colleagues and partners.
• Willingness and ability to undertake extended periods of travel within Timor-Leste, and possibly internationally.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Knowledge of fisheries and/or aquaculture and/or agri-food systems.
• Experience applying participatory methods that are fun and engaging and gender-sensitive research approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to analyses quantitative and/or qualitative data to a high standard.
• Experience developing information and education materials for government and community stakeholders.

Terms of Appointment

This position is an excellent opportunity to apply knowledge and experience with an international research and development organization. The consultancy will be carried out remotely and is home-based. The successful candidate should be available to commence as soon as possible for a maximum duration of 12 months. This consultancy contract is only open to citizens of Kenya.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit the following information online by 3 March 2023:

• A cover letter stating why you are interested in and well-suited to the position. Your cover letter should also demonstrate what you hope to gain from consultancy and monthly fees;
• A current curriculum vitae; and
• Name and contacts (telephone and e-mail addresses) of three professional referees (clients), you have consulted previously.

The screening will start as soon as possible, and will continue until the position is filled. Only selected consultant 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 people from developing nations to apply.

Benefits