Research Assistant
WorldFish, Bangladesh

Position: Research Assistant

Location: Rangpur, Bangladesh

Application Deadline: 16 August 2021 or until filled

Type of contract: 16 months fixed-term contract

Language(s) required: English (proficient/fluent writing and oral skills)

The field-based Research Assistants provides technical assistance to support the activities of project fields offices that include: conduct the various gender and other studies in the field, Training of Trainers (TOT) and other training for partners and farmers, links with Feed Dealers, Nursery Operators and other private sector actors to support business development and entrepreneurship within Rangpur Division. This will be focused on increasing smallholder income, diversifying diets, and empowering women. This position will under the guidance of the Aquaculture Specialist cum Divisional Coordinator and with close association and discussion with the other Team members e.g., Market System Specialist, Gender Specialist, Nutrition Specialist, Aquaculture Specialist, Feed amp; value chain specialist, MEL, Training Specialist, and the overall guidance of Deputy and Project Leader. S/he is responsible to work towards achieving the following results:

Result #1: Increased productivity and diversity of fish production systems of the project and to engage with team members and partners to support

Result #2: Increase stakeholder access to quality input and services

Result #3: Improved market linkages

Result #4: improved dietary diversity and consumption

Responsibilities

• Assist to assess the productivity, social and economic performance of existing aquaculture systems across the agro-ecologies of Rangpur Division.
  
• Strong linkage with Local Service Providers (LSPs) to support the private sector particularly feed dealers, hatcheries and nurseries.
• Assistance to implement the interventions for improvements in aquaculture through practicing the SOPs/BMPs.
• Conduct and /or assist the training of project partners and other participants at the field level and stakeholders.
  
• Support to the market assessment team to develop business plans and strategies for scaling of aquaculture improvements via private sector businesses and networks.
• Developed and good relationship and proper liaison with DoF, the private sector and other partners at local level.

• Collaboration with other Team members (Aquaculture, market, nutrition, gender, and MEL) on implementation of activities to achieve impacts on smallholder income, gender and diets at scale

Requirements

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

• Master’s or Bachelor Degree in Fisheries or Biological Sciences
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in research and extension in the fisheries field, preferably in the aquaculture, private and business sector or related discipline.
• Field based experience in conducting demonstrations, training and other field extension activities.
• Experience in conducting field-based assessments.
• Knowledge in application of gender-sensitive value chain approaches, M4P or similar programs and 4 or more years of experience in market-based programs.
• Knowledge of the various smallholder and commercial aquaculture systems in use in Bangladesh- particularly those of importance to the NW of Bangladesh.
• Proven English report and scientific writing skills as well as ability to use computer fluently.
• Excellent analytical and technical skills and expertise with the ability to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal and team skills, with the ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Nice to have experience with quantitative or qualitative research methods.
• Entrepreneurship, business management and private sector investment networks and experience is desired.
• Experience in working with digital tools for e-learning and/or business development is desired.
• Nice to have Valid motorcycle licenses.
• Nice to have experience in working with women’s empowerment and nutrition in small-scale aquaculture.

Benefits

Job Rewards and Benefits