Country Representative

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Description

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• Develop and implement the strategic direction for the Timor Leste country office, aligning it  with WorldFish’s Research and Innovation Strategy and national priorities.
• Lead the formulation, funding, and management of ‘research in development’ projects, actively contributing to proposal design and development.
• Ensure strong linkages between country programs and global initiatives, providing necessary data, reports and inputs.
• Oversee the delivery, monitoring and reporting of multi-country programs or regional/global initiatives in the country.
• Provide substantive guidance to senior management on the country’s strategic direction related to aquatic food systems development and research programs.

• Develop and manage relationships with the Timor Leste government, effectively representing WorldFish’s interests.
• Maintain oversight of WorldFish’s hosting agreements so they stay current and relevant.
• Stay informed about donor and government priorities, country plans and initiatives, ensuring alignment with WorldFish objectives.
• Coordinate WorldFish engagement with OneCGIAR regional and global programs.
• Working with WorldFish colleagues, strengthen partnerships with CGIAR units, donors, research partners, government bodies and other stakeholders to enhance the visibility WorldFish’s work.
• Represent WorldFish at national, and when required, regional and global forums.

• Drive the design and execution of a ‘research in development’ program within an aquatic food systems context.
• Collaborate with WorldFish staff and partners to align research programs with national priorities, WorldFish’s strategies and CGIAR’s goals.
• Facilitate the dissemination and uptake of research findings through stakeholder engagement and through coordination with communication teams.

• Lead and/or contribute to fundraising effort at the national and global level, identifying opportunities, collaborating with donors, and assisting colleagues in proposal preparation.
• Monitor the financial position of the country program and ensure alignment with funding targets.
• Take overall responsibility for office management, including budgeting, risk management, data management, and financial reporting.

• Efficiently manage resources, ensuring adequate human, financial, and material assets for research and operations, in consultation with relevant functional units within WorldFish.
• Lead recruitment efforts, staff planning, and professional development, fostering positive team dynamics.
• Oversee the performance of country office staff, fostering teamwork and collaboration and ensuring high-quality science outputs in collaboration with global science teams.
• Implement safety and security protocols for a safe work environment.

• A Master’s or preferably Ph.D. in relevant disciplines such as fisheries, aquaculture, aquatic resources management, international development, environmental science, or related fields, with a minimum of 10 years’ experience in leading research programs.
• Strong technical knowledge in aquatic food systems aligned with WorldFish’s mission.
• Understanding of aquatic resources and food system challenges in the country and region.
• Track record of building partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including senior decision-makers and donor agencies.
• Skills in program management, personnel management, and interdisciplinary team leadership.
• Proficiency in English, additional language skills relevant to the country or region are desirable.
• Strategic leadership, with a commitment to an organisation’s vision, mission and values.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and conflict management.
• People and team management, promoting diversity and inclusion and fostering staff wellbeing.
• Excellent communication skills for different audiences.
• Ability to produce high-quality proposals, reports, and academic papers.
• Skillful at research design, implementation and knowledge dissemination.
• Regular travel within the country, broader region and globally as required.
• Regular office attendance, encouraging strong attendance across the wider team.

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