Research Associate (Climate Information Services) (Temporary)
WorldFish, Bangladesh

Climate variability has a profound influence on aquaculture and fisheries in South Asia, including the service industry and value chains. Progress in weather and sub-seasonal/seasonal forecasting has significantly increased the information available. Yet gaps still exist in the delivery and impact of climate information services (CIS), including reliability, uncertainty, scaling and delivery. Timely, reliable and contextualized CIS can, therefore, be used in decision making to reduce climate risk provided that risks factors and associated uncertainties are well identified, characterized, and prioritized. In this line, CaFFSA (Capacitating farmers and fishers to manage climate risks in South Asia) project funded by CGIAR research programme on Climate Change Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) aims to bring innovation in the delivery of CIS to approximately 100,000 fish farming households in Bangladesh (Khulna, Sylhet, Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions). The project has several national (BMD, DoF, BFRI, Private hatcheries) and international partners (CIMMYT, ICRISAT, WorldFish, IRI), and been working in a consortium.

Responsibilities

• Provide significant input to operationalize a digital platform for providing aquaculture CIS
• Develop mechanism to reach 100,000 fish-farmers with CIS in the aforesaid project study regions
• Liaison with relevant government, NGOs and private sectors to reach the project goal
• Co-ordinate with project partners
• Substantive contribution in peer reviewed scientific publications (at least one) from assigned project activities and co-author as appropriate
• Organize virtual workshops/webinars
• Write project’s Outcome Impact Case Reports
• Perform any other project related duties as and when necessary, as per the guidance of the hiring manager

Requirements

This job is open to Bangladesh Nationals with the following skills and qualifications:

• Masters degree in Aquaculture/Fisheries Management/Natural Resource Management/Climate Change or closely related field with strong knowledge on Climate Information Services or a PhD degree in any above mentioned relevant field will be an added advantage.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience on climate change, variability or climate information services Ramp;D in line with Bangladesh aquaculture systems.
• Demonstrated research experience as supported by publications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in working with interdisciplinary research staff.
• Strong fluency in written and oral English.

• Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Positive and can-do attitude towards tasks beyond the job description.
• Skills in using common statistical software (like SPSS/R/others).

Competencies Desired

• Working knowledge and experience with ICT, digital services and their application in R4D particularly aquaculture.
• Working knowledge and experience with international development agencies or NGOs in Bangladesh will be an advantage.
• Proven ability to implement digital platform on diverse aspects of aquaculture systems.

Benefits

This is a nine (9) monthstemporary position with salary ranging in between BDT 79,425 - BDT 89,394. WorldFish temporary staff shall receive comprehensive benefits including (but not limited to) insurance coverage for staff.

Eligibility, Location and Duration

The post holder will be based at WorldFish’s Office in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Interviews are expected to be held in March 2021 and only shortlisted candidates will be notified and expected to attend the interview. The successful candidate should be available to commence in April 2021 for an initial nine (9) months temporary contract, with the possibility of contract renewal depending on performance and funding availability.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit the following information online latest by 12 March 2021:

• A cover letter including a 2-page (max) description of why you are an ideal candidate and what you would bring to the role.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• Names and contacts (telephone and e-mail addresses) of three professional referees who are familiar with your qualifications and work experience. Your nominated referees ideally should have persons from each of the following category: direct supervisor, head of HR and peer.

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

Job Rewards and Benefits