Senior Scientist (Socio-Economist)

Job Description

Title: Senior Scientist (Socio-Economist)

Company Name: WorldFish

Vacancy: Not specific

Job Location: Dhaka

Employment Status: Contractual

Educational Requirements:
∎ A PhD in economics, rural sociology, anthropology or a related field. Applicant with Master of Science qualification will be accepted if the candidate demonstrates extensive research experience, backed up by substantial peer-reviewed publications.

Experience Requirements:
∎ At least 10 year(s)

Job Context:
∎ Background:
∎ `The Aquaculture: Increasing Income, diversifying diets and empowering women in Bangladesh and Nigeria` (IDEA) project project aims to develop North Western Bangladesh aquaculture sector by providing innovative, science-based solutions and bringing the best of private sector partnerships and digital approaches to solve aquaculture`s most pressing issues. As part of Word Fish Bangladesh team, the senior socio-economist will provide overall support and advice to the `increasing income, diversifying diets, and empowering women through Aquaculture in Bangladesh and Nigeria` (IDEA) project manager. The incumbent`s primary duties will be to lead socio-economic research involving project activities, in close coordination with Monitoring and Evaluation activities already in place. Field related activities will be a major part of the deputy`s duties.
∎ Eligibility, Location and Duration:
∎ This position will be based at WorldFish`s Country Office in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Interviews are expected to be held in November 2020 and only shortlisted candidates will be notified and expected to attend the interview. The successful candidate should be available to commence in December 2020 for an initial two (2) years fixed term contract, with the possibility of contract renewal depending on performance and funding availability.

Job Responsibilities:
∎ Develop a research agenda focusing on social network analysis of local service providers; case studies on women empowerment; case studies on local service providers successfully changing farmers behavior; case studies on private sector engagement; understanding behavioral economics of aquaculture farmers in North West Bangladesh, system characterization of aquaculture in Bangladesh, systematization of the overall project experience, its lessons learned and documentation of impacts, among other research topics to be defined. Provide the project with a clear, achievable, cost-effective research agenda that fits into the overall project work plan.
∎ Lead the implementation of the proposed socio-economic research agenda research agenda, in close coordination with the rest of the team.
∎ Provide advice and technical support on training activities and other activities required by the project manager.
∎ In close coordination with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning team, support quantitative assessment activities.
∎ Support the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning team, and the project manager in synthesizing research results and developing yearly and final reports.
∎ Collaborate in developing and writing high quality, well written qualitative research reports, white papers and research papers with the potential to be published in peer-reviewed publications.
∎ Support the Project Manager in identifying new partnerships with research organizations, interested in joint research activities. Develops and expands professional networks and partnerships for the IDEA project.

Additional Requirements:
∎ Minimum 10 of experience in rural socio-economic research, both qualitative and quantitative. Profound understanding of Bangladesh's rural dynamics, preferably in the aquaculture sector.
∎ Flexibility and willingness to travel frequently.
∎ Proven proficiency in spoken and written English with strong speaking and report writing.
∎ Clear understanding of innovation dynamics in rural setting, and innovation system transitions.
∎ Command on case study and other qualitative research approaches (ex. ethnography) and experience in conducting research with farmers.
∎ Command of social network analysis/research tools and practical experience in applying these tools in the field.
∎ Desired Skills:
∎ Experience in conducting research based on behavioral economics approaches in rural setting.
∎ Strong research publication history is a plus.
∎ Experience in conducting research on innovation, influencing local knowledge systems and linking expert knowledge with local knowledge.

Compensation & Other Benefits:
∎ This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position with approximate annual salary ranging between BDT 1,920,819 - BDT 2,226,755 per annum. WorldFish NRS shall receive comprehensive benefits including (but not limited to) insurance coverage for staff and eligible dependents, and pension / provident fund contribution.

Application Deadline: 12 Nov 2020

Company Information:
∎ 3 Nov 2020
∎ WorldFish
∎ Business : WorldFish is an international, nonprofit research organization that harnesses the potential of fisheries and aquaculture to reduce hunger and poverty. Globally, more than one billion people obtain most of their animal protein from fish and approximately 800 million depend on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods.
Utilizing its scientific expertise, its networks and partnerships, and an innovative `research in development` approach, WorldFish increases the productivity and sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture and improves the lives of poor people who rely on them.
WorldFish is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future.

Category: NGO/Development