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.

About the Position

The Research Analyst 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 interested 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 be responsible to:

Assist in the development and implementation of ecological fieldwork – including fish population and habitat surveys. This will include, but not be limited to, the following activities:

Conduct boat-based ecological fieldwork.
Conduct video and photo sample processing and data management.
Conduct basic statistical analyses.
Assist with project logistics and administration.
Assist with report writing.
Assist in the development and implementation of any additional fisher and household surveys.
Assist in the development of education and outreach resources for the local communities, fishers and government organizations.

Assist with the implementation of outcome 1 (working with Blue Ventures).
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 communities and fishers to ensure involvement in program activities – specifically the sharing of ecological information.
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:

MSc Degree in Marine Science, Ecology or Fisheries Science with evidence of interdisciplinary skillsets (implementation of research methods, community facilitation, ecological research) and 2 years work experience post-graduation; or
Undergraduate degree in the same areas with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
Basic experience in marine science field research.
Ability to work effectively and efficiently within a team and enjoy working with a diverse group of stakeholders.
Ability to understand, speak and write in English.
Fluency in Tetum language and local languages according to site location (Tetum,Terik, Mambai, Bunak).
Computer literate (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Strong communication skills, with a friendly outlook.
Knowledge of local fish species and marine habitats.
Able to think outside of the box and solve problems.
Interested in developing marine science skills.
Ability to conduct long days of boat-based fieldwork.
Ability to take initiative and drive activity implementation.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

At least 1 year working experience in a science field.
Experience driving a boat (at sea).
Past marine science fieldwork experience.
Local knowledge of the south coast of Timor-Leste.
Experience in GIS and mapping.
Past experience working with cameras and video data.
Basic statistical ability.
Basic first aid training.
Background of community engagement and coordination.
Originally from the south coast of Timor-Leste.

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 2023:

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.

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