The Research Analyst (Nutrition) will join our growing Dili-based research team partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Timor-Leste with a focus of improving nutrition outcomes through increased access to fish and other healthy foods for vulnerable people and populations. In line with the new WorldFish Aquatic Foods for Healthy People and Planet research and innovation strategy, the WorldFish Timor-Leste country program is expanding its focus to incorporate components of food systems beyond fish production, including food acquisition and diets, and this position contributes to supporting this new direction.
This position will work closely with a Nutrition and Inclusive Food Systems Consultant as well as with fisheries, aquaculture, and gender specialists to support the development and implementation of research approaches and programs operations related to food systems, food environments and nutrition. The position will also collaborate with the researchers from the University of Wollongong and CSIRO, as well as with representatives from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Development (ACIAR).
The role will focus on the Supporting Healthy Food Systems project, which aims to support healthy, resilient, and equitable food systems in Timor-Leste and the Pacific. The work in Timor-Leste will mainly focus on improving the understanding of different food environments, by developing new methods and tools to identify and assess the key characteristics and attributes of different food environments that influence consumer behavior and ultimately nutrition and health outcomes, such as availability, affordability, convenience, quality and sustainability of foods. Activities will also include engagement of community stakeholders to validate the new methods. Additionally, the work will entail engaging with a range of food system stakeholders representing multiple sectors through interviews and workshops to better understand effective multi-sectoral collaboration.
The nutrition portfolio within WorldFish programs is growing, paying particular attention to the nutrition of mothers and young children, and consider gender relations as integral to improve nutrition outcomes. This position might support other nutrition activities across fisheries and aquaculture and be the nutrition focal point for WorldFish in Timor-Leste.
The successful candidate will be responsible to:
Undertake the project operations of the Supporting Healthy Food System project including research activities planning and field implementation, under the supervision of the Nutrition and Inclusive Food Systems consultant.
Support the development of innovative and rigorous research approaches and tools for qualitative and/or quantitative data collection, and support data quality assurance and analysis.
Lead data collection planning (logistics, budget preparation) and in the field (including supervising a team of data collectors), as well as activities facilitation at the community level (including interviews and focus group discussions).
Synthesis of qualitative research data (e.g., themes emerging from community FGDs).
Prepare information materials for government and community stakeholders, contribute to project reporting for donors and provide input to scientific publications.
Ensure quality communication and engagement with national and municipal stakeholders, including government, Development Partners, and NGOs on research activities implementation and findings as well as with the project and pathway leaders based in Australia.
Organize and facilitate National and Municipal workshops, including content delivery and logistics.
Requirements:
This job might be for you if you have the below skills and qualifications:
MS/MSc Degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Rural Development, Social Science, Food Systems, Anthropology, or Fisheries/Aquaculture Science with evidence of interdisciplinary skillsets (implementation of research methods, community facilitation, nutrition focus) and 2 years work experience post-graduation; or
Undergraduate degree in the same areas with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
Experience in research or programs in Timor-Leste relating to nutrition, health, or food systems.
Experience in implementing quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies, like household surveys, conducting focus group discussions and key informant interviews at national, subnational and community levels.
Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, particularly with Government at national and municipal levels, and identifying the relevant people to participate in workshops and KIIs. Previous work with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the National Public Health Institute (INSP-TL) highly valued.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate program activities and organize events (workshops, demonstrations, trainings).
Deep understanding of Timor-Leste society with a clear understanding of food security, gender and social relations and how these influence nutrition outcomes.
Must be proficient in data collection and data management.
Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to draft research concepts, reports and publications, with evidence of previous reporting in English. Proficiency in INL Tetum high valued.
Must be proficient in Microsoft Office 365 software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Comfortable and confident working within a diverse international team, with good interpersonal skills to a broad range of colleagues and partners.
Willingness and ability to undertake extended periods of travel within Timor-Leste, and possibly internationally.
Desired Skills and Qualifications:
Knowledge of agriculture, fisheries and/or aquaculture, and food trade.
Experience applying participatory methods that are fun and engaging and in nutrition research.
Demonstrated ability to analyse quantitative and/or qualitative data to a high standard.
Experience developing information and education materials for government and community stakeholders.
