DIRECTOR

Policy, Economics and Social Science

For someone committed to reducing poverty and hunger in the developing world

We seek a senior researcherwith excellent leadership and management skills to direct our Policy, Economics and Social Science discipline. As a member of our senior executive this is a unique opportunity for a gifted individual to contribute to the mission of the WorldFishCenter and make a personal impact on the lives of millions of people in developing countries.As an international research institution within the CGIAR, we offer the right person a unique opportunity to lead research of global significance and profile.You will be based at our headquarters in Penang, Malaysia.

Who we are

Our mission is to reduce poverty and hunger by improving fisheries and aquaculture. The WorldFishCenteris a world-class scientific research organization, and employsapproximately 270staff in nine countries. We engage in collaborative research with our partners from more than 50 countries spanning the globe.

We provide a gender-and-diversity-friendly work environment.The Center believes that gender and nationality diversity within its staff contributes to its intellectual strength and problem-solving capabilities.We particularly encourage women and developing country professionals to apply.We also try to be responsive to the needs of dual-career couples.

We offer an attractive salary package, with benefits comparable to leading international organizations. These include generous home leave, housing and transportation support, education allowance for children and full medical insurance for the staff member and dependents.

Your role

Reporting to the Director General the Director of Policy, Economics and Social Science discipline willdevelop, lead and mentor a college of globally recognised expertise to ensure WorldFish leadership in this discipline at global and regional levels.Your role will be to harness and develop the strengths of this disciplinary group (comprising approximately 50 people)and to ensure that research is innovative and directly contributes to WorldFish’s mission. You will work the Natural Resource Management and Aquaculture disciplines to develop transdisciplinary research programmes that overcome traditional obstacles in the search for solutions in Development Science. As one of three Discipline Directors, you will play a key role in establishing the research direction and priorities for the Center and actively supporting-co-ordination within WorldFish and with our partners. The work will be demanding and challenging and will involve considerable travel.

Selection criteria

Qualifications: Ph.D in a relevant discipline

Research and Management Experience: Normally 10 years, but could be lower under exceptional circumstances

Track Record of Outputs: A major body of published peer-reviewed work that has made a substantial contribution to understanding and advancement of policy, economics, social science or a related discipline.

Academic Standing: Recognised as an eminent scholar in a particular field of knowledge who has demonstrated a profound understanding of a discipline, a capacity to extend knowledge in that discipline and the ability to communicate the results of scholarly endeavour in, and the precepts of, the discipline

Demonstrated Capacities:

  • Ability to lead and inspire a group of researchers.
  • Ability to identify and develop relevant research programmes and provide scientific leadership for stakeholders and potential investors.
  • Ability to develop and manage large multi-partner and multi-disciplinary teams to deliver quality projects
  • Ability to attract resources through proposal development and presentation to funding bodies.

Living in Penang

Penang city lies on a small and very scenic island just of the Malay peninsula, about 5° north of the equator. English is widely spoken and is the second language after Malay. The island is a cultural and architectural melting pot with Chinese, Malay and Indian influences. There are many international expatriates living in Penang, working in commercial companies, multinational firms, etc. Hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, sports and entertainment centers, recreational venues and religious places of worship are aplenty. Several private hospitals offer state of the art medical services. There are also a number of very good international schools.For more details on Penang:

More information

To find out more about this position, the work of the WorldFishCenter, life in Penang and how to file an application, please visit our website at Serious candidates are also invited to telephone/ e-mail the WorldFish Director General, Dr Stephen Hall () if they need further information about the role.