Background
WorldFish has an opening for a Gender Specialist with demonstrated excellence in designing, implementing, analyzing, and producing high quality scientific outputs in relation to gender in rural development contexts.
WorldFish has made a particular commitment to gender mainstreaming in its research programs and to a gender positive environment in its workplace. To that end, the center has assembled a gender team charged with implementing a gendered research for development agenda and to create a positive gender space in the center.
The CGIAR implements its agenda through fifteen research programs that integrate across the CG centers. WorldFish is the convening center for the Aquatic Agricultural Systems (AAS) program. The program aims to improve the livelihoods and nutritional security of over a million people during the next decade in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. WorldFish also participates in the Livestock and Fish program.
Based in WorldFish headquarters in Penang, Malaysia, the Gender Specialist will join the gender team in its contributions to the AAS program and play a key role in our contributions to the Livestock and Fish program, as well as supporting other research.
By addressing issues of gender in stakeholder representation, decision-making authority, and accountability, our work aims to help clarify and tackle a range of key challenges:
Reducing gender inequities reinforced by institutional and legal or regulatory factors beyond the local community
Improving social-ecological resilience by addressing institutions and structures that perpetuate social exclusion and vulnerability to environmental change
Increasing agricultural productivity through improved access and management of natural resources
Increasing income that small-scale producers and processers derive from participation in value chains by changing rules and regulations that discriminate against them
Scaling up innovations by contributing to changes in the policies and practices of governments, corporations, and development partners
Participatory action research is a keystone of our approach – aiding communities, NGOs, government agencies and other stakeholders to directly assess their own governance context, and to build a constituency for policy and institutional reforms.
WorldFish is organized by disciplinary groups and country offices. The position holder will interact with teams from among these to implement the gender research agenda, working closely with external partners.
Key Responsibilities
Provide scientific leadership and engage in high quality, applied gender and social-equity oriented research in AAS and other research programs;
In particular, provide gender leadership in the Livestock and Fish Program, including thought leadership and undertaking high quality research, analysis and scientific writing, as well as fund raising;
Contribute as member of a cross-regional team of scientists working within this topic to design and implement high quality research at global, regional and country levels, and implement these with a focus on outcomes;
Synthesize and communicate the lessons of these experiences internationally through participation in influential research and policy networks.
Essential skills and qualifications
PhD or equivalent degree in relevant social science discipline, law, policy analysis, or other relevant discipline
8 years or more relevant experience in applied research, including participatory approaches
Both qualitative and quantitative research design and analysis skills
Excellent English language writing and speaking skills
In-depth knowledge in the research field, and demonstrated ability to apply that knowledge to the design of outcome-oriented initiatives
Ability to manage multi-partner, cross-regional, and multi-disciplinary teams
Exceptional creative and analytical skills as applied to research, partner relations, strategy development, project design, and other challenges
Strong record of scientific analysis and publications, with an established reputation in relevant research networks
Desired skills and abilities
Practical experience in fisheries, aquaculture, natural resource management or agricultural development in regions where we work
Familiarity with gender in value chains
Knowledge of and ability to navigate within a range of social-cultural and political contexts, and a range of organizational settings from civil society, private sector, government, and development agencies
Our offer
This position will be based in Penang, Malaysia. The initial employment contract will be for a three-year term, with possibility of renewal. It is a senior level position that is open to national (NRS) and International (IRS) candidates. Subject to applicant status, salary and benefits will be in compliance with WorldFish NRS or IRS remuneration policies. Candidates with fewer years of experience are encouraged to apply for consideration at the Scientist grade level.
Our commitment
WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity of thought, style, culture and experience is valued. We support individual performance and potential in achieving our organizational goals and mission. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are encouraged to apply.
How to apply
Interested applicants are invited to submit the following information:
A cover letter including a 300-word (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, fax, and e-mail addresses) of three professional referees who are familiar with your qualifications and work experience.
Screening will start on 2 April 2015, and will continue until the position is filled. Only selected candidates will be contacted.
To apply for this position, send your cover letter and CV to: worldfish-hr@cgiar.org
WorldFish is committed to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.