WorldiFsh
Penang, Malaysia

As the Research Program Leader for Sustainable Aquaculture Research Program, the selected applicant will provide global science leadership and strategic oversight spanning the multiple geographical regions in which WorldFish works to ensure our research agenda within the program tackles the right questions and that high standards of quality and effectiveness in research are maintained. The selected applicant will be accountable for:

  • science direction, innovation and quality within a core research domain.
  • achievement of program outcome targets for research and impact.
  • supporting and nurturing strategic research partnerships in key research domains.
  • alignment of research with priorities of beneficiaries, donors and WorldFish geographical focus.
  • development and execution of a funding stream of global bilateral projects to support program objectives.
  • integration with relevant CGIAR research programs.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the development and implementation of the WorldFish Sustainable Aquaculture (SA) research program and associated global, regional and national implementation strategies, ensuring delivery of high quality and innovative science that contributes to the achievement of development outcomes.
  • Foster a high-performing climate of cross-country and cross-regional collaboration among researchers to define and contribute to common program objectives, integrating country-level outcome priorities.
  • Convene scientists within the program to agree on program-level priority science outputs, and key research outcomes or impacts that will be measured through project or CRP monitoring and evaluation activities, and oversee efforts to ensure timely delivery of both.
  • Identify and develop a set of global bilateral projects to support program objectives, in addition to ensuring quality science inputs to regional/country bilateral project development. Through both these avenues, meet agreed annual targets for secured funding.
  • Prepare and oversee implementation of plans for successful delivery of outputs and outcomes from the CRP FISH flagship 1: Sustainable Aquaculture.
  • Represent WorldFish in high-profile external fora and take lead responsibility for prioritizing and maintaining strategic science partnerships within the research domain, through direct engagement and through guidance and coaching of team members.
  • Assess science staffing needs within the program (in conjunction with country leaders), manage recruitment to meet these, and directly manage performance of senior science members within the research program to set and maintain high standards, while mentoring more junior members.
  • Ensure effective integration of WorldFish research planning internally (other CRP Flagships/WorldFish research programs, country and bilateral projects) and with relevant external initiatives.
  • Contribute high-quality peer reviewed science output, provide feedback and review to researchers, and reinforce high science quality standards across the program.
  • As a member of the senior leadership team, contribute to strategic deliberations regarding key challenges and objectives of the full organization at several junctures over the course of the year.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • A completed PhD in relevant discipline.
  • At least 8-years aquaculture research management experience, with proven leadership and mentoring skills.
  • Proven ability to identify, develop and manage multi-partner and multi-disciplinary aquaculture research projects.
  • Ability to deliver quality and innovative science at the frontiers of aquaculture research.
  • Ability to provide scientific leadership and engage effectively with research partners, development stakeholders and investors.
  • Demonstrated fund raising capacity, with a track record of leadership on successful multi-country proposals.
  • Proven ability to provide technical guidance and leadership in scientific matters in a specific aquaculture or integrated research domains, such as fish genetics, fish health, nutrition or aquaculture systems.
  • Strong quality publication track record and international profile in a relevant research area.Well-developed communication skills, including excellent command of written and spoken English.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Intercultural sensitivities and experience living and working in one or more WorldFish program countries.
  • Existing network of science partnerships with advanced research institutions in the research domain.
  • Working knowledge of one or more national languages in WorldFish program countries.
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