Solomon Islands: Social Scientist

Dec 30, 2014 | WorldFish
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WorldFish, a member of the CGIAR Consortium, is an international, nonprofit research organization. CGIAR is a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research for a food secure future. CGIAR research is dedicated to reducing rural poverty, increasing food security, improving human health and nutrition, and ensuring more sustainable management of natural resources. It is brought together through 15 CGIAR research programs (CRPs) with WorldFish leading the program on aquatic agricultural systems (AAS) that aims to reduce poverty and increase food and nutrition security for poor and marginalized people who depend on these systems for their livelihoods www.cgiar.org   

A unique opportunity has arisen for gifted individuals to contribute to the work of AAS.

Background:

Worldfish is currently leading the implementation of CGIAR Research Program Aquatic Agricultural Systems (AAS) which aims to improve the livelihoods of those people left behind by the Green Revolution. Through an innovative, community-centered, participatory action research approach the AAS Program aspires to think differently about how agricultural research is undertaken and to be open about sharing the knowledge and learnings it gains. 

The AAS Program is building its community-based research capacity and is looking for a dynamic, energetic Post Doctoral Fellow or Scientist to support AAS research work in Auki, Malaita Province, Solomon Islands. This position will initially be contracted for two years and subjected to renewal.

Responsibilities

• Lead a research project within a larger program of work (i.e. the Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems (AAS))
• Develop and implement research plans to address overarching research questions pre-identified within AAS, bilaterally funded research projects and the WorldFish Pacific research agenda 
• Design and implement research using Participatory Action Research approaches as much as possible, and using a Research in Development approach 
• Provide oversight, quality control and analysis of qualitative monitoring of community engagement and partnership processes, including organizing twice annual ‘reflections; with Solomon Islands researchers and development/research partners 
• Oversee qualitative research data collection and management in the Solomon Islands Program
• Write, edit and contribute to reports and journal publications based on qualitative findings from Solomon Islands from Research in Development on community engagement and partnerships
• Contribute to joint research outputs at country, cross-country and global scales 
• Mentor, train and supervise undergraduate researchers – particularly on qualitative research skills, Research in Development, and Participatory Action Research

Essential skills and knowledge 

• Proven analytical ability, strong initiative, good judgment
• Good social science research skills in an area relevant to AAS priorities; including innovation, development, agriculture or fisheries, gender
• Excellent communication skills with a strong command of accurate writing in English 
• Proven scientific writing skills
• High degree of cultural sensitivity and proven record of effective working relationships in developing countries
• Good leadership and mentoring skills 
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi task
• Knowledge of Pacific Island systems 
• Willing to live in provincial Solomon Islands for a minimum of 2 years with some international travel  
• Candidates should be comfortable traveling to remote locations and living in remote settings
• Demonstrated proficiency in or willingness to learn Solomon Islands Pijin

Required qualification and experience

• PhD-level qualifications in social science, related to innovation, development, agriculture, fisheries or gender
• Post-graduate professional experience in research and/or rural development 
• Understanding of both development policy process, and scientific research process in relevant disciplines
• Strong networks and field experience of research in the Pacific
• Track record in managing funds and small research teams
• Proven publication and report writing and presentation skills

WorldFish and AAS are committed to developing an inclusive work environment where diversity of thought, style, culture and experience is valued in support of individual performance and potential, as well as our business goals and mission. WorldFish offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Women are encouraged to apply.

Interested applicants are invited to submit your application and the following information to worldfish-hr@cgiar.org with subject line “APP051214: Social Scientist/<Candidate Name>" latest by 26 January 2015:

1. a letter of application including a 300 word (max) description of why you are an ideal candidate and what you would bring to the role.
2. a current curriculum vitae
3. names and contacts (telephone, fax, and e-mail addresses) of three professional referees who are familiar with your qualifications and work experience

This position will be based at WorldFish office in Auki, Malaita Province, Solomon Islands.

Please visit our website at www.worldfishcenter.org for more information on WorldFish, and www.aas.cgiar.org for more information on AAS.