Description
Application Deadline: 2 August 2020
Location: Kitwe, Zambia
Post level: Nationally Recruited Staff
Type of contract: Fixed term 18 months option to renew based on performance and budget)
Language(s) required: English (native/fluent writing and oral skills)
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
WorldFish is an international, non-for-profit research organization that works to reduce hunger, malnutrition and poverty by improving fisheries and aquaculture. With a 45-years track record of leading-edge science, WorldFish generates research evidence and innovations to inform sustainable practices and inclusive policies that enable better livelihoods and healthier diets for millions of poor people, particularly women, who depend on fish for food, nutrition and income. WorldFish is a member of CGIAR , the world’s largest global partnership on agriculture research and innovation for a food secure future. Headquartered in Penang, Malaysia and with regional offices across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, WorldFish leads the cross-disciplinary CGIAR Research Program (CRP) on Fish Agri-Food Systems (FISH).
ABOUT THE POSITION
WorldFish are looking for a Technical Officer that will be involved in the implementation of the genetic breeding program at National Aquaculture Research and Development Centre (NARDC), Mwekera. This is line with the genetic improvement program of the indigenous Orechromis andersonii under the Zambia Aquaculture Development Enterprise Project (ZAEDP).
The successful candidate is expected to work closely with Research Breeding Platform Manager to deliver integrated solutions to accelerate sustainable growth of aquaculture in Zambia:
- Research planning: Together with the Research Breeding Platform Manager, develop farm and activity work plans for research and development of the genetic improvement program of Orechromis andersonii breeding program.
- Research delivery and execution:
- Working closely with the Research Breeding Platform Manager, conduct research activities at NRDC, Mwekera and other locations determined by the WprldFish, ZAEDP project leader for the Orechromis andersonii breeding and genetic improvement program.
- Daily supervise pond workers and students identified by the project to execute scientific and research activities reliably and honestly to ensure integrity of research out puts developed.
- Research technology development:
- Sustain quality of research work by ensuring a consistent process that leads to continued research support and development of the best procedures and practices in the selective breeding and genetic improvement of Orechromis andersonii.
- Demonstrate Aquaculture technology and test on station and on farms.
- Capacity building:
- Develop training modules for fisheries officers, farmers and pond workers in aspects of practical fish breeding and genetics.
- Planning training courses, field days, workshops and other such activities related to research, development and technology transfer.
- Conduct training in fish breeding and genetics practical aspects as scheduled under project.
- Data collection and analysis:
- Coordinate on station field work and lab work to ensure consistent collection and analysis of data to ensure quality research results and technology development.
- Develop data collection tools and mechanisms of traceability under the guidance of the breeding platform manager and project leader to track the dissemination of improved seed.
- Collect, clean and store data on breeding, spawning, mating pairs, experiments and broodstock candidates for the genetic improvement program of Orechromis andersonii. The data should be collected in a standard, accessible and easily understandable format to enable replicating scientific studies and experiments.
- Together with the project team carry out data analysis and interpretation of results to write quality reports and science out-puts including journal articles.
- Generation of reports and communication dissemination:
- Providing timely technical information to breeding platform manager and project leader to facilitate preparation of scientific scientist outputs and reports as required.
- Develop monthly and quarterly reports of activities executed in a timely manner.
- Participate in report writing and delivery for the broader FISH CRP.
- Production of communication products for end users of research under the supervision of the research breeding platform manager and project leader.
- Improved seed dissemination:
- Develop improved seed and develop transportation mechanisms in collaboration with technical team and farmers to ensure quality fry is disseminated to breeding nuclei and other identified farms/ hatcheries by the project.
- Together with the broader WorldFish sustainable aquaculture genetics team and scaling expert, develop a dissemination strategy for the improved seed in Zambia.
- Identify and develop partnerships with private sector and farmers for improved seed distribution under the supervision of the breeding platform manager and project leader.
Requirements
This job is open to Zambian National with the following skills and qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science in Aquaculture or related field. Post graduate training in fish breeding and genetics are encourage to apply.
- Hands on training and experience in selective breeding and genetic improvement programs.
- Experience in managing large tilapia breeding and hatchery programs of improved strains.
- Aquaculture research knowledge and skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Strong organizational skills and able to work under minimum supervision.
- Good relationships with key offices in Government of Zambia.
- Strong in essential computer software/packages like MS Word, MS Excel, MS
- PowerPoint and MS Access etc.
Benefits
This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position with an attractive compensation package. WorldFish’s NRS shall receive comprehensive benefits including (but not limited to) insurance coverage for staff and eligible dependents, and pension / provident fund contribution.
Eligibility, Location and Duration
This position will be based at Kitwe, Zambia. Interviews are expected to be held in August 2020 and only shortlisted candidates 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 eighteen (18) months fixed term contract, with the possibility of contract renewal depending on performance and funding availability.
How to apply
Interested applicants are invited to submit the following information online latest by 2 August 2020:
- A cover letter including a 2-page (max) description of why you are an ideal candidate 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. Our Leadership Team is 50/50 in terms of its gender split and 60% of our management cadre are women. We continue to seek diversity and gender balance across other dimensions and we support individual performance and potential in achieving our organizational goals and mission.
We are an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourage women and men from developing nations to apply.
More Information
- Job City Kitwe, Copperbelt Province, Zambia
