About the Position

The Research Analyst in Nutrition-Sensitive programs will join our growing Dili-based research team partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Timor-Leste with a focus of improving nutrition outcomes through increased access to fish for vulnerable people and populations. In line with the new WorldFish Aquatic Foods for Healthy People and Planet research and innovation strategy, the WorldFish Timor-Leste country program is expanding its focus on components of food systems beyond production, and this position contributes to supporting this new direction. This position will work closely with a Social Scientist and Nutrition Consultant as well as with gender, aquaculture and fisheries specialists to support the development and implementation of research approaches and programs operations.

The role will focus on one main program, yet it is expected to support other projects on a need’s basis. The inclusive Nutrition-Sensitive Fisheries Management (NSFM) project work within local food systems to explore the flow of benefits from diverse fish production systems, as well as the factors enabling and limiting fish consumption. This program pays particular attention to the nutrition of mothers and young children and consider gender relations as integral to improve nutrition outcomes.

This position will be based in Dili with frequent travel to project sites. The geographic focus of the position includes Timor-Leste, and NTT province, Indonesia.

The successful candidate will be responsible to:

• Facilitate meetings, workshops, and training with project focus communities, including engagement with local authorities, external agencies and NGOs as necessary.
• Plan and organize research activities and partnership events/meetings, acting as a liaison for communities and other partners.
• Support the development of innovative and rigorous research approaches and tools for qualitative and/or quantitative data collection, and support data quality assurance and analysis.
• Carry out data collection in the field (including supporting a team of data collectors) and facilitate activities at the community level.
• Prepare information materials for government and community stakeholders, contribute to project reporting for donors and provide input to scientific publications.
• Ensure quality communication and engagement with national, municipal and community stakeholders, including government and NGO partners, on research implementation and findings.

Requirements

This job might be for you if you have the below skills and qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in public health nutrition, community or rural development, agricultural or fisheries sciences, food technology, social sciences or related field.
• Experience in research or development programs in Timor-Leste, relating to nutrition, agriculture, rural development, or natural resources (including research methods).
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate program activities and organize events (workshops, demonstrations, trainings).
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and working with national, municipal, and local partners. Previous engagements with MoH and INS are highly valued.
• Sound knowledge of Timor-Leste society with a clear understanding of food security, gender, and social relations and how these influence nutrition outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience in engaging communities and facilitating activities and trainings.
• Must be proficient in data collection and data management.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office 365 software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to draft research concepts, reports and publications.
• Comfortable and confident working within a diverse international team, with good interpersonal and communication skills to a broad range of colleagues and partners.
• Willingness and ability to undertake travel within Timor-Leste, and possibly internationally.
• Good verbal and written English language skills, with evidence of previous report writing in English desirable.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Knowledge of fisheries and/or aquaculture.
• Experience applying participatory and gender-sensitive research methods that are fun and engaging.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze quantitative and/or qualitative data to a high standard.
• An interest in nutrition and the potential of fish to improve diet quality among vulnerable groups.
• Experience developing information and education materials for government and community stakeholders.
• Fluency in a main language of Baucau, Lautem or Viqueque: Makasae, Fataluku or Naueti.

Benefits

This position is ONLY open to citizens of Timor-Leste. WorldFish offers a competitive remuneration package including comprehensive benefits (but not limited to) insurance coverage for staff and eligible dependents, employer provident fund contribution, paid leave and others. The duration of the contract will initially be for 18 months with possibility for extension, depending on funding and performance.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit the following information latest by 14 January 2024:

• A cover letter which addresses key requirements stated above;
• A current curriculum vitae; and
• Contact information of three professional referees who may be contacted if you are short-listed for the position.

Location: The post holder will be based in Dili, Timor Leste, with frequent travel to project sites.

The 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 7 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.