Scientist (Improved Science-Based Fisheries Management)

Project background:

The Enhanced Coastal Fisheries (ECOFISH) Project is a 5-year project funded by USAID to improve the resilience of estuarine ecosystem and livelihoods of communities reliant on the Hilsha fishery.

 

Fisheries and aquaculture are important for many in Bangladesh as a source of income, livelihood and nutrition, especially the poor. In particular, Hilsha fish species is the most important national fish both in terms of both consumption and value. WorldFish and our research partners are researching technologies to increase the supply and access of Hilsha both under domestication and encatchment.

 

As one of three sub-leaders of this project, the Scientist will be responsible to enhance socio-ecological and economic resilience of target communities and strengthen adaptive co-management of Hilsha fisheries, and improve science-based fisheries management decision-making. Under the direct supervision of Country Director of WorldFish Bangladesh and Project Leader (Senior Scientist) of ECOFISH project, this position will be required to supervise and provide support to staff assigned to the ECOFISH project as follows:

 

 

Key responsibilities:

• Improve application of science and community engagement into resource and conservation planning and decision making
• Strengthen community-based monitoring of target fisheries and technologies
• Improve payment for ecosystem services scheme
• Develop and lead a stream of research to deliver improved science-based fisheries management decision making in Hilsha fisheries in Bangladesh
• Provide scientific leadership, mentoring and advice to sub-IR scientists, staff, partners and stakeholders in the planning, implementation and writing up of research papers and other science products
• Synthesis of learning and produce quality scientific documents as required by the funding agency, for internal WorldFish requirements and broader national and international science and development communities
• Advance understanding of the impact and roles of fisheries management in achieving CGIAR intermediate development outcomes and sustainably meeting food, nutrition and poverty reduction
• Maintain productive relations with donors and partners to mobilize resources in support of the project and broader WorldFish research in development agenda

 

 

Skill and qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Fisheries and/or Aquaculture, preferably with research on coastal fisheries management and/or Hilsha fish species covering areas such as ecology, policy, economics, or resource assessment
• Up to 5 years’ experience in project programming, implementation, and supervision, training and capacity building in direct reports
• Ecological knowledge of Hilsha or other coastal fisheries, and/or aquaculture production, including species identification and interactions, and threats analysis at an estuarine and/or community scale
• Experience in stakeholder participation and community engagement, with a specific understanding of the role of social norms/cultural beliefs in fisheries management in producing gender-equitable outcomes
• Experience of interacting with national, regional and international Research and Development practitioners and policy makers
• Excellent proficiency of 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/database analysis, quantitative data collection skills, information technology skills for rapid data collection/storage/retrieval/sharing; and/or participatory action research tools and methodology will be added advantage(s)
• Proven ability to successfully lead a multi-disciplinary team and partners at all levels from senior international organisations and national government, to field staff
• Bangladeshi national is preferred, although an expat with similar experiences would be entertained

 

This position will be based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and is open for Bangladeshi (NRS) and International (IRS) candidates.  Subject to applicant status, salary and benefits will be in compliance with WorldFish NRS or IRS remuneration policies. WorldFish is committed to developing an inclusive work environment where diversity of thought, style, culture and skill 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.

 

Interested applicants are invited to submit your application through Bdjobs online latest by 30 June 2014.Only short-listed candidates will be notified.