Program Leader - More Meat Milk and Fish

The WorldFish Center is an international, nonprofit research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger by improving fisheries and aquaculture. WorldFish is one of 15 members of the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). The CGIAR is a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research for sustainable development with the funders of this work. The funders include developing and industrialized country governments, foundations, and international and regional organizations.

The WorldFish Center is committed to meeting two key development challenges: 1) improving the livelihoods of those who are especially poor and vulnerable in places where fisheries and aquaculture can make a difference and 2) achieving large scale, environmentally sustainable, increases in supply and access to fish at affordable prices for poor consumers in developing countries.

A unique opportunity has arisen for gifted individuals to contribute to the mission of the Center.

The WorldFish Center is seeking a scientist and leader with experience in science management to lead our contribution to the CGIAR Research Program More Meat, Milk and Fish by and for the Poor (the MMF CRP). The CGIAR is in the midst of major reform and has launched fifteen new research programs that integrate across the research Centers. The MMF CRP, led by the International Livestock Research Institute, is the major site of animal-focused research in the system. The Program goal is to increase productivity of small-scale livestock and fish systems so as to increase availability and affordability of meat, milk and fish for poor consumers and, in doing so, reduce poverty through greater participation by the poor along animal source food value chains. WorldFish participation in the program includes our work on genetics and fish improvement, and value chain development, which during this start up phase is in Egypt and Uganda. WorldFish is organized by disciplinary groups and country offices. These combine to jointly implement the research programs. The MMF CRP is being implemented from our headquarters and in the country sites in Africa. Approximately 30 percent of the Center’s budget is dedicated to the MMF CRP. In Africa the Center offices are in Egypt, Zambia and Malawi and a presence in Uganda to be established. The post will be based in a CGIAR office in Africa.

Key Responsibilities • Provide overall science leadership to the WorldFish project portfolio contributing to the MMF CRP to maintain a high quality intellectually coherent program of work; • As leader of the Center’s MMF CRP program management team facilitate and oversee detailed program design, planning and resource allocation for the WorldFish components of the MMF CRP; • Oversee implementation of the WorldFish MMF CRP research projects and provide support to focal country and project managers to ensure that goals and objectives are achieved and reported in a timely manner; • Maintain oversight of research outputs to ensure appropriate quality and focus; • Provide specific research leadership in your area of expertise and contribute as appropriate to the generation of research outputs in support of the CRP; • Facilitate and lead in conceptualizing, developing and evaluating new research ideas that further the CRP’s objectives; • Where possible identify and foster synergies between the Center’s work in the MMF CRP and other CRPs; • Serve as the Center representative on the MMF CRP program management committee; and • Identify opportunities for proposals to further support the objectives of the CRP, devise approaches to pursue these, and coordinate proposal preparation.

Essential Skills and Abilities • Research experience and excellent knowledge of aquaculture or other relevant discipline; • Service-oriented initiative, coordination and organizational skills and excellent written and verbal English proficiency; • Ability to work with all levels of staff across a multi-cultural, multi-layer, multi-discipline organization; • Ability to network and maintain close communication with peers and colleagues in similar or related types of jobs in other Centers and similar organizations; and • Proven record of scientific analysis and publications in international social science journals.

Desired skills and abilities • Practical knowledge of value chain analysis.

Essential Qualifications and Experiences • PhD or equivalent degree in relevant biological, environmental, economics or social science discipline; • At least 5 years experience living and working in a developing country setting; and • Experience in grant management and project management.

How to apply:

The WorldFish Center offers a competitive remuneration package, a non-discriminatory policy and provides an innovative work environment. Interested applicants are invited to submit i) a letter of application, ii) a comprehensive curriculum vitae and iii) names and contacts (telephone, fax, and e-mail addresses) of three professional referees who are familiar with your qualifications and work experience. You are required to submit your application (with indication on the subject line “Application Program Leader – More Meat Milk and Fish to the Human Resources Strategy and Services Unit at worldfish-hr@cgiar.org . Initial screening of applications will begin on 31 January 2012 but position will remain open until filled. This is a global position based at WorldFish offices in Africa. The position holder will respond to the Aquaculture Division Director and supervise an administrative team. Only short-listed candidates will be notified.

WorldFish is committed to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.