About the Project

Animals, plants and microorganisms harvested and grown in water play a significant role in sustainably feeding and nourishing the world. Globally, 800 million people depend on small-scale fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods. But these vital aquatic food systems are hindered by the insecure livelihoods of those in related jobs, their low capacity to adapt to climate change, and the loss of marine nature.

The Asia-Africa BlueTech Superhighway project, supported through the UK’s Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition (COAST) program under the umbrella of the Blue Planet Fund (BPF), will focus on enabling communities to adapt to and mitigate against climate change as well as responsibly and sustainably manage marine and coastal nature and resources resulting in improved food and nutritional security as well as employment and income opportunities. The project will be implemented in two phases over seven years, starting with Phase 1 in Bangladesh, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Tanzania.

About the Position

WorldFish is looking for a Post-doctoral Fellow, Fisheries Assessment & Management to be based in Mombasa, Kenya. This position is right for you if you have an advanced degree in fisheries ecology, management or a related discipline, extensive field experience in a developing country context, an interest in digital innovation and a genuine desire to make a difference.

This position will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation and coordination of the Kenya activities of the Digital COAST work package of the Asia-Africa BlueTech Superhighway project, funded by the UK Government. The project will be conducted in partnership with international NGO Wildlife Conservation Society, and in close collaboration with relevant agencies in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique (e.g. KMFRI, ZAFIRI, IDPPE). The position will work with national and international fisheries, governance, gender and nutrition specialists to develop and implement research approaches, technologies, and predictive models that guide fisheries decision-making and policy in Kenya.

Central objectives of the Digital COAST work package are to:

• Develop collaborative digital systems to monitor coastal fisheries exploitation in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique
• Use new ecological, biological and social evidence and knowledge to inform sustainable management and development of Kenya’s coastal fishery resources,
• Strengthening collaborative, locally-embedded partnerships to build successful co-management of fisheries resources,
• Strengthen the technical capacity of fisheries stakeholders to utilize and maintain monitoring systems for decision-making.

The successful candidate will be responsible to:

Research Projects

• Work with the project team and senior experts to develop ecological and digital research approaches and tools targeted at improving knowledge of resources, exploitation and sustainable co-management.
• Engage with WorldFish and partner scientists across other geographies to learn from, and contribute to, a growing body of work on coastal fisheries co-management and fisheries technology;
• Work with research, government and NGO partners to build capacity and implement key research activities;
• Take primary responsibility for research implementation, data collection, data validation, quality assurance and analysis under project activities;
• Under the guidance of senior team members, including the work package lead, produce high-quality scientific publications from project findings;
• Contribute to the development of policy advice and action plans on the implementation of digital fisheries monitoring systems and predictive models in Kenya;
• Contribute to the team ethos and shared objectives of WorldFish and project partners.
• Ensure timely reporting of project activities and outcomes per WorldFish and donor requirements.

Stakeholder and Donor Communication

• Ensure strong communication and coordination with local partners (WCS team members, Fishing communities, Beach Management Units, relevant district and national government officers).
• Represent the project and WorldFish in national and international fora.

Requirements

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

• A PhD in Fisheries Management, Ecology or a closely related discipline (aquaculture degree holders will not be considered unless they can demonstrate extensive field experience and publication track record in the area of capture fisheries ecology and management).
• Proven ability to develop and apply novel approaches to research on marine ecosystems and fishery resource status.
• A strong track record of applied transdisciplinary research engaging with fishing communities to co-design management approaches and actions.
• Proven ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time with minimal supervision.
• A strong team-player willing to dedicate time to building capacity among junior and national scientists, partners and students.
• Strong publication track record for stage of career in relevant international peer-reviewed journals.
• Competency with mixed-methods research approaches, methodologies and analyses.
• High degree of cultural sensitivity and proven record of effective working relationships in multi-disciplinary, diverse teams.
• Working proficiency in English and Kiswahili.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• History of applying research outcomes to policy development.
• Experience developing information and education materials for government and community stakeholders.
• Priority will be given to applicants with a track record of living for extended periods in less developed countries.