The position is created for the Climate-Adaptive, Inclusive, Nature-based Aquaculture (CAINA) project. The project is funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). It aims to explore and establish nature-based solutions in aquaculture, creating clear standards for nature-based aquaculture (NBA) and tools to assess the environmental, social, and economic impact of NBA operations. The research will be conducted through case studies in Malaysia and the Solomon Islands, and pathways for scaling NBA in Southeast Asia and the Pacific will be developed. The potential benefits of this research include improved food security for 1.12 million undernourished consumers in Malaysia and the Solomon Islands, as well as positive environmental effects through reduced emissions, increased carbon sequestration and ecosystems restoration.
The advertised position is for the Solomon Islands component of the project. The Senior RA will work together with the CAINA Project co-PI in Solomon Island and the overall project team to plan, organize, and implement research activities under the AQUADAPT CAINA Project. This will include supporting the gender component of the project. Duties will include leading field visits, data collection, entry, and analysis, report writing, organizing, and facilitating stakeholder meetings and workshops, and developing budgets for activity implementation.
The Person
The successful candidate will:
Independently organize and undertake field visits to project sites in the provinces and implement timely delivery of project activities, promoting sound and ethical research conduct.
Lead and assist co-PI in data collection, entry, and analysis. Also, contribute to scientific peer-reviewed publications.
Write field trip reports and assist co-PI and overall project team in writing project and donor reports. This may include co-developing of knowledge products for government and stakeholders.
Organize and facilitate meetings and workshops with a range of stakeholders (Government, NGOs, communities, etc.). Also, establish and promote good networking.
Prepare budgets, manage trip funds, and submit timely acquittals to ensure proper management and reporting.
Requirements
This job might be for you if you have the below skills and qualifications:
Post-Graduate Qualification in Agriculture, Aquaculture, Food Systems, Development Studies, or Fisheries Science.
bachelor’s degree with 3 – 5 years’ experience.
Knowledge in nature-based innovations or island food system would be a bonus.
Work independently with little supervision.
Strength in networking and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
Well versed with carrying out research and its applicability.
A team player
Desirable Skills/Experience (Nice-to-have to perform this job)
Experience or training in Island Food System, Nature-based Innovations, and Climate Change.
A good relational skill to foster engagement within rural Melanesian communities.
Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
