Project background:
Project background:
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), WorldFish and the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) have partnered to implement the “Enhanced Coastal Fisheries (ECOFISHBD) Activity.” The ECOFISHBD project supports coastal fishing communities and other key stakeholders to improve the resilience of the Meghna River estuarine ecosystem and the livelihoods it supports. ECOFISHBD components aim to improve science-based fisheries management decision-making, strengthen fisheries adaptive co-management; and enhance the resilience and livelihood options of poor fisherfolk. ECOFISHBD aims to enhance ecosystem resilience through the establishment of effective co-management in essential Hilsa shad habitats. ECOFISHBD also seeks to enhance household and community resilience by improving the livelihoods and coping capacities of marginalized and extremely poor, particularly women, and reducing their risk to climate-affected natural hazards.
This project will integrate with the CGIAR Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems (AAS CRP), and operate as an extension of the existing program in Southern Bangladesh. To achieve its objective of “improved resilience and governance of estuarine ecosystem and livelihoods of communities reliant on the Hilsa,” ECOFISHBD will adapt aspects of the AAS CRP approach to deliver three intermediate results (IRs) and nine sub-IRs. This process will include undertaking a number of cross-cutting activities relating to research, dialogue, learning and scaling.
WorldFish is looking to recruit a Scientist to be responsible for building and expediting a coherent program of research and development activities relating to improved science based fisheries management. The work must lead to development outcomes and impacts including:
- Improving science-based fisheries management decision-making;
- Strengthening the adaptive co-management of the Hilsa fishery; enhancing the socio-ecological and economic resilience of coastal communities reliant on the Hilsa fishery.
The post holder will be under the direct supervision of the Project Leader. Hilsa is the national fish of Bangladesh and is of great cultural importance, communicating fluently in both Bengali and English is therefore an advantage, but not essential.
Key responsibilities:
- Strengthen monitoring of target fisheries and gears by building the coordinated roles of government, fishers and their communities;
- Improve the payment for ecosystem services scheme
- Develop, lead, and improve science-based fisheries management decision-making in the Hilsa fishery;
- Provide scientific leadership, mentoring and advice to staff, partners and stakeholders in the planning, implementing, synthesis of learning and documenting of science outputs;
- Maintain productive relations with donors and partners to mobilize resources for the benefit of the project.
Essential skills and qualifications:
- Ph.D. or comparable extensive, technical knowledge of marine science/ecology, fisheries and/or aquaculture;
- At least five years’ experience of fisheries research, preferably covering areas such as ecology, stock assessment, gear technology, or environmental management;
- Appreciation of how improved fisheries management can help achieve poverty reduction and food security
- Proven ability to successfully lead multi-disciplinary teams and partners at all levels, from senior international organizations and national governments to field staff;
- Evidence of experience interacting with national, regional and international research and development practitioners and policy makers;
- Proficiency in spoken and written English with strong research and writing skills.
Knowledge of: ecosystem services analysis and mechanisms for Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES); adaptive co-management; GIS/ relational databases; quantitative data collection; and participatory action research tools and methodology will be an advantage.
Other skills and qualifications:
Candidates should be able to demonstrate competencies in the following areas:
- Ability to use Theory of Change (ToC) concept for planning, prioritizing, monitoring and evaluating Research in Development (RinD) initiatives;
- Ability to reconcile the knowledge of different stakeholders with science;
- Competency in systems thinking and a knowledge of how to apply systems research methodologies;
- Ability to use participatory action research and rural appraisal tools to create a learning culture.
WorldFish is committed to developing an inclusive work environment where diversity of thought, style, culture and experience is valued in support of individual performance and potential, as well as our business goals and mission. WorldFish offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Women are encouraged to apply.