Post Doctoral Fellow (Fisheries Assessment and Technology)

“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. For more information, visit: www.worldfishcenter.org”

About the Position

WorldFish is looking for a Post Doctoral Fellow, Fisheries Assessment & Management to be based in Mozambique (location flexible upon discussion). This position is right for you if you have an advanced degree in fisheries ecology, management or a related discipline, extensive field experience in a Portuguese speaking developing country context, an interest in digital innovation and a genuine desire to make a difference.

This position will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation and coordination of the Mozambique activities of the Digital Coasts work package of the Asia-Africa BlueTech Superhighway project, funded by the UK Government. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with MIMAIP and its relevant agencies (ADNAP, IDEPA), and in partnerships with universities and NGOs. The position will work with national and international fisheries, governance, gender and nutrition specialists to develop and implement research approaches, technologies, and predictive models that guide fisheries decision-making and policy in Mozambique.

Central objectives of the Digital Coasts work package are to:

1. Develop collaborative digital systems to monitor coastal fisheries exploitation in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique.
2. Use new ecological, biological and social evidence and knowledge to inform sustainable management and development of Mozambique’s coastal fishery resources.
3. Strengthening collaborative, locally embedded partnerships to build successful co-management of fisheries resources.
4. Strengthen the technical capacity of fisheries stakeholders to utilize and maintain monitoring systems for decision-making.

The Person

The successful candidate will be responsible to:

Research Projects

• Work with the project team and senior experts to develop ecological and digital research approaches and tools targeted at improving knowledge of resources, exploitation, and sustainable co-management.
• Engage with WorldFish and partner scientists across other geographies to learn from, and contribute to, a growing body of work on coastal fisheries co-management and fisheries technology.
• Work with research, government and NGO partners to build capacity and implement key research activities.
• Take primary responsibility for research implementation, data collection, data validation, quality assurance and analysis under project activities.
• Under the guidance of senior team members, including the work package lead, produce high-quality scientific publications from project findings.
• Contribute to the development of policy advice and action plans on the implementation of digital fisheries monitoring systems and predictive models in Mozambique.
• Contribute to the team ethos and shared objectives of WorldFish and project partners.
• Ensure timely reporting of project activities and outcomes per WorldFish and donor requirements.

Stakeholder and Donor Communication

• Ensure strong communication and coordination with local partners (WCS team members, Fishing communities, Beach Management Units, relevant district and national government officers).
• Represent the project and WorldFish in national and international fora.

Requirements

This job might be for you if you have the below skills and qualifications:

• A PhD in Fisheries Management, Ecology or a closely related discipline (aquaculture degree holders will not be considered unless they can demonstrate extensive field experience and publication track record in capture fisheries ecology and management).
• Proven ability to develop and apply novel approaches to research on marine ecosystems and fishery resource status.
• A strong track record of applied transdisciplinary research engaging with fishing communities to co-design management approaches and actions.
• Proven ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time with minimal supervision.
• A strong team-player willing to dedicate time to building capacity among junior and national scientists, partners, and students.
• Strong publication track record for stage of career in relevant international peer-reviewed journals.
• Competency with mixed-methods research approaches, methodologies and analyses.
• High degree of cultural sensitivity and proven record of effective working relationships in multi-disciplinary, diverse teams.
• Working proficiency in English and Portuguese.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• History of applying research outcomes to policy development.
• Experience developing information and education materials for government and community stakeholders.
• Priority will be given to applicants with a track record of living for extended periods in less developed countries.
• Working proficiency in Kiswahili.