Post Doctoral Fellow (Aquatic Food Postharvest Solutions) At Post Doctoral Fellow (Aquatic Food Postharvest Solutions)

About WorldFish

“WorldFish is a leading international research organization working to transform aquatic food systems to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. It collaborates with international, regional, and national partners to co-develop and deliver scientific innovations, evidence for policy, and knowledge to enable equitable and inclusive impact for millions who depend on fish for their livelihoods. As a member of CGIAR, WorldFish contributes to building a food- and nutrition-secure future and restoring natural resources. Headquartered in Penang, Malaysia, with country offices across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, WorldFish strives to create resilient and inclusive food systems for shared prosperity. For more information, visit: www.worldfishcenter.org”

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

This post holder will be based in Mombasa, Kenya and focuses primarily on WorkPackage 3 (WP3) of the AABS project. WP3 centres on identifying, piloting, and scaling climate-smart solutions such as drying and cooling systems to reduce aquatic food FLW. While the main activities will be in Kenya, the Fellow will also support collaborative efforts in Tanzania and Mozambique as needed.

The successful candidate will:

• Analysis and Research: Conduct research on the extent, causes, and impacts of aquatic FLW in Kenya and other target countries.
• Participatory Pilot Projects: Co-design, manage, and evaluate pilot projects to test the effectiveness and scalability of climate-smart drying and cooling technologies in aquatic food value chains.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with local stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, private sector entities, and community groups, to foster partnerships and co-develop solutions.
• Knowledge Exchange: Facilitate cross-cultural communication among stakeholders, aligning activities with global best practices and project goals.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Track project progress and provide regular updates, ensuring alignment with project objectives and outcomes.

Requirements

• A PhD in a relevant field, such as Postharvest Food Technology, Agricultural Engineering, Fisheries Science, Aquaculture/Fisheries Value Chains, Agribusiness, or Food Systems Sustainability. A strong foundation in postharvest technologies, climate-smart practices, and value chain improvements for aquatic foods is essential.
• Strong technical knowledge and hands-on experience in:

1. Food preservation methods, with a focus on aquatic food products.
2. Climate-smart technologies (e.g., drying, cooling, and energy-efficient systems) tailored to minimize postharvest losses.
3. Integration of environmentally sustainable practices within value chains.

• Expertise in Climate-Smart Technologies: Understanding of drying and cooling climate-smart technologies and practices, mainly applied to aquatic food systems.
• Community Engagement and Stakeholder Management: Ability to engage with diverse stakeholder groups, including local communities, and mobilize them towards common goals.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Skills in statistical analysis, data interpretation, and effective reporting for project monitoring, evaluation, and learning
• Strong research skills and experience: The candidate should have a proven track record of conducting high-quality research, as demonstrated by publications in reputable journals, conference presentations, and other achievements.
• Excellent Communication Skills: The candidate should possess strong written and verbal communication skills in English. This includes the ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner, tailor messages to different audiences, and effectively collaborate with team members and stakeholders.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Local and Regional Experience: Prior experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a nuanced understanding of developing regions’ socioeconomic and cultural landscape.
• Language Proficiency and Communication: Fluency in a second language, particularly Swahili coupled with excellent communication and interpersonal skills is added advantage. Experience in public speaking, report writing, and creating impactful presentations would be advantageous.
• Strong motivation and work ethic: The candidate should be highly motivated to conduct research and willing to put in the necessary time and effort to succeed. A strong passion for development-based research and making a real-world impact is essential.

Benefits

This is an Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS) position with annual salary ranging between USD 43,000 to USD 52,000 per annum. WorldFish’s IRS shall receive comprehensive health insurance, life insurance, accident, and long-term disability insurance. Internationally recruited staff employed outside of their home base/country of nationality will also be eligible to receive relocation assistance, a housing allowance, home-leave plane tickets for self and eligible dependents and education assistance for school-age dependents between age 4 and high school graduation. All benefits are subject to terms and conditions.

The duration of the contract will initially be for a two-year period with possibility for extension, depending on funding and performance.