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Research Analyst (Nutrition)
World Fish
IT
Díli, 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.
About the Position
The Research Analyst (Nutrition) will join our growing Dili-based research team partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Timor-Leste with a focus of improving nutrition outcomes through increased access to fish and other healthy foods for vulnerable people and populations. In line with the new WorldFish Aquatic Foods for Healthy People and Planet research and innovation strategy, the WorldFish Timor-Leste country program is expanding its focus to incorporate components of food systems beyond fish production, including food acquisition and diets, and this position contributes to supporting this new direction.
This position will work closely with a Nutrition and Inclusive Food Systems Consultant as well as with fisheries, aquaculture, and gender specialists to support the development and implementation of research approaches and programs operations related to food systems, food environments and nutrition. The position will also collaborate with the researchers from the University of Wollongong and CSIRO, as well as with representatives from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Development (ACIAR).
The role will focus on the Supporting Healthy Food Systems project, which aims to support healthy, resilient, and equitable food systems in Timor-Leste and the Pacific. The work in Timor-Leste will mainly focus on improving the understanding of different food environments, by developing new methods and tools to identify and assess the key characteristics and attributes of different food environments that influence consumer behavior and ultimately nutrition and health outcomes, such as availability, affordability, convenience, quality and sustainability of foods. Activities will also include engagement of community stakeholders to validate the new methods. Additionally, the work will entail engaging with a range of food system stakeholders representing multiple sectors through interviews and workshops to better understand effective multi-sectoral collaboration.
The nutrition portfolio within WorldFish programs is growing, paying particular attention to the nutrition of mothers and young children, and consider gender relations as integral to improve nutrition outcomes. This position might support other nutrition activities across fisheries and aquaculture and be the nutrition focal point for WorldFish in Timor-Leste.
The successful candidate will be responsible to:
- Undertake the project operations of the Supporting Healthy Food System project including research activities planning and field implementation, under the supervision of the Nutrition and Inclusive Food Systems consultant.
- Support the development of innovative and rigorous research approaches and tools for qualitative and/or quantitative data collection, and support data quality assurance and analysis.
- Lead data collection planning (logistics, budget preparation) and in the field (including supervising a team of data collectors), as well as activities facilitation at the community level (including interviews and focus group discussions).
- Synthesis of qualitative research data (e.g., themes emerging from community FGDs).
- Prepare information materials for government and community stakeholders, contribute to project reporting for donors and provide input to scientific publications.
- Ensure quality communication and engagement with national and municipal stakeholders, including government, Development Partners, and NGOs on research activities implementation and findings as well as with the project and pathway leaders based in Australia.
- Organize and facilitate National and Municipal workshops, including content delivery and logistics.
This job might be for you if you have the below skills and qualifications:
- MS/MSc Degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Rural Development, Social Science, Food Systems, Anthropology, or Fisheries/Aquaculture Science with evidence of interdisciplinary skillsets (implementation of research methods, community facilitation, nutrition focus) and 2 years work experience post-graduation; or
- Undergraduate degree in the same areas with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
- Experience in research or programs in Timor-Leste relating to nutrition, health, or food systems.
- Experience in implementing quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies, like household surveys, conducting focus group discussions and key informant interviews at national, subnational and community levels.
- Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, particularly with Government at national and municipal levels, and identifying the relevant people to participate in workshops and KIIs. Previous work with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the National Public Health Institute (INSP-TL) highly valued.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate program activities and organize events (workshops, demonstrations, trainings).
- Deep understanding of Timor-Leste society with a clear understanding of food security, gender and social relations and how these influence nutrition outcomes.
- Must be proficient in data collection and data management.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to draft research concepts, reports and publications, with evidence of previous reporting in English. Proficiency in INL Tetum high valued.
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office 365 software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Comfortable and confident working within a diverse international team, with good interpersonal 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 agriculture, fisheries and/or aquaculture, and food trade.
- Experience applying participatory methods that are fun and engaging and in nutrition research.
- Demonstrated ability to analyse quantitative and/or qualitative data to a high standard.
- Experience developing information and education materials for government and community stakeholders.
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 2 ½ 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 Dili, 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.