Research Assistant Job in Malawi
WorldFish , Malawi

Post level: Nationally Recruited Staff

Type of contract: Fixed term contract

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

About the Position

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of Scientist based in Malawi and the GIZ Project Leader and Senior Scientist based in Zambia, the Research Assistant will provide assistance in helping carry out field activities under the GIZ funded project titled ‘Piloting inclusive business and entrepreneurial models for smallholder fish farmers and poor value chain actors in Zambia and Malawi (2019-2022)’.

The successful candidate will be responsible to:

• Working closely with the Project leader and other team members to implement the following activities:
  1. Monthly, training and mentorship of aquaprenures and write monthly reports showing the opportunities and constraints that the IBEMS face and approaches used to rectify these.
  2. Facilitate farmer quarterly round table discussions in collaboration with our partners.
• Assist in conducting a population census of smallholder fish farmers in selected districts in Southern Malawi.
• Assist in the collection of other types of data to be collected from smallholder fish farmers and private actors.
• Assist in monitoring of performance of IBEMs (aquapreneurs) and other private and public sector partners in line with agreed terms of reference for their support.
• Assist with data entry and cleaning and literature search.
• Perform other related duties relevant to the project as may be assigned by the Project Leader.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture, Aquaculture and fisheries or its equivalent. An equivalent higher education and/or experience in rural development is a plus.
• Ability to think clearly and analytically, setting priority, meeting deadlines, solving problems and making timely decision.
• Strong research methods skills.
• Ability to draft research concepts, reports and publications.
• Relevant working experience in aquaculture/fisheries and/or rural development, with proven experience in project implementation, monitoring and coordination.
• The Research Assistant will be required to work on weekends, when need arises and also travel regularly to project sites to carry out the fieldwork.

Preference will be given to candidates with the following skills

• Proficient in English language both verbal and written.
• Knowledge in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SSPS, GPS etc.
• Ability to research, plan, implement technical programs related to your work area.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision

Benefits

WorldFish offers a competitive remuneration package including (but not limited to) insurance coverage for staff and eligible dependents, provident fund contribution, paid leave and others.

Our Offer

The position will be based in Zomba, at the National Aquaculture Center, Domasi, Malawi. Interviews are expected to be held in March 2021 and only shortlisted candidate will be notified and expected to attend the interview. The successful candidate should be available to commence as soon as possible for an initial of one(1) yearfixed term contract, with the possibility of contract renewal depending on performance and funding situation.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit the following information online latest by 16 March 2021:

• A cover letter including a 2-page (max) description of why you are an ideal candidate for this role referring to the key responsibilities and what you would bring to the role;
• A current curriculum vitae;
• Names and contacts (telephone and e-mail addresses) of three professional referees who are familiar with your qualifications and work experience. Your nominated referees ideally should have persons from each of the following category: direct supervisor, internal peer and/or direct report.

Screening will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Due to the high volume of applicants for WorldFish positions, we appreciate all interest, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Our Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

WorldFish has seven offices across Asia, Africa and the Pacific, with more than 400 staff and 27 nationalities who contribute to a dynamic multicultural work environment.

WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity and inclusion is valued and we seek to have gender balance in the organization. We aim to also seek balance across other diversity dimensions.

People in WorldFish are treated equally irrespective of gender, ethnicity/race, national or social origin, disability, religion, political affiliation, age, family size, marital status or any other form of personal identity.

We are an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourage qualified women and men from developing nations to apply.