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Field Officer
World Fish
Software Engineering
Timor-Leste
Posted on Monday, November 6, 2023
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.
Ikan Ba Futuru, a five-year program funded by the Minderoo Foundation, aims to support equitable and sustainable development and management of key fishery resources in Timor-Leste, focusing on south coast fisheries, communities and marine habitats. The program has three key outcomes.
The first outcome aims to improve tenure rights and empower women and men fishers through active, equitable and collaborative partnerships for coastal and fisheries management. This outcome will be led by Blue Ventures and activities will include the development and support of community fisheries monitoring groups, guidance on locally significant fisheries management approaches as well as the establishment of community led Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing monitoring and reporting.
Outcome two aims to generate scientific data and information needed to support and guide community fisheries management initiatives and fisheries policy. This will include an investigation of the status of marine resources and habitats along the south coast of Timor-Leste. Habitat and fish population surveys, using cameras, will be conducted during extensive fieldwork periods. Data collected will also be used to feed into the national PeskAAS system and the development of an app for further small-scale fisheries monitoring.
The third outcome will use the lessons learnt and data gathered from outcomes 1 and 2 to further guide and finalize existing draft national policies and regulations, as well as help expand successful approaches to a national scale.
About the Position
The Field Officer will be based at the Ikan Ba Futuru program office in Betano to support outcomes 1 and 2 – supporting ecological research and its integration of community engagement and co-management. The successful candidate will work closely with project partner Blue Ventures.
This is the perfect position for someone with relevant training and an interest in human and ecological aspects of small-scale fisheries management, and who is looking for an opportunity to personally contribute to sustainable development in Timor-Leste.
The successful candidate will:
- Assist with and participate in ocean-based research activities, including:
- preparation and maintenance of technical field and safety equipment.
- significant time spent at sea on a small research boat using technical equipment.
- collation and processing of data generated during field research.
- Assist with community coordination and engagement for both outcomes 1 and 2.
- Assist in the implementation of fisher and household surveys.
- Ensure frequent and effective coordination and communication with community and cultural leaders, fisher groups and government officials.
- Maintain strong working partnerships with relevant local authorities, project partners, the WorldFish Country Office and ensure they are kept well informed of all relevant project activities.
- Foster, establish and maintain links with other related projects and collaborative actors in the various municipalities.
- Work closely with village chiefs and councils to ensure involvement of community members and fishers in program activities.
- Undertake any other duties that might arise as part of Ikan Ba Futuru implementation. Undertake any other duties that might arise as part of Ikan Ba Futuru implementation or related work as requested by your supervisor.
This job might be for you if you have the below skills and qualifications:
- High school with 2-year relevant experience working with the local community.
- Originally from the south coast of Timor-Leste (preferably Betano).
- Interested in marine science and field research.
- Background in community engagement coordination and working with an international NGO.
- Ability to work effectively and efficiently within a team and enjoy working with a diverse group of stakeholders.
- Basic communications skills in English (both spoken and written).
- Fluency in Tetum language and local languages according to site location (Tetum Terik; Mambai; Bunak).
- Ability to conduct long days of boat-based fieldwork in exposed waters.
- Good connections with community authorities and local stakeholders along the south coast of Timor-Leste.
- Ability to take initiative and drive project implementation.
- Computer literate (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Desired Skills and Qualifications
- Experience driving a boat (at sea).
- Knowledge of local fish species.
- Basic first aid training.
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 three-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 by 26 November 2022:
- A cover letter which addresses key requirements stated above;
- A current curriculum vitae; and
- Contact information of three professional referees who may be contacted if you are short-listed for the position.
Location: The post holder will be based in Betano, Timor Leste, with frequent travel to project sites.
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 7 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.