Post Doctoral Fellow (Knowledge Sharing and Learning Specialist)

Job code: APP290513

Location: Penang, Malaysia (HQ)

Closing date: 28 Jun 2013

Type: International

This is a research position in which the results of your work have the opportunity for rapid impact in guiding the establishment and implementation of “Harnessing the development potential of Aquatic Agricultural Systems”, a major new research for development program of the CGIAR.

The Research Program
The Consortium of CGIAR Centers is launching its new portfolio of research programs. WorldFish is the lead center for the CGIAR Research Program (CRP) on Aquatic Agricultural Systems. The central hypothesis driving the approach of the CRP is that the CGIAR can have greater impact on AAS by moving beyond the linear production model that has dominated much agricultural research and embracing a more integrated, innovative view of how to achieve development in agricultural systems.

We will do this through an action research and partnership-driven approach to development that moves far beyond the view of development as a purely technical process, as well as the persistent views of development as charity. In its first five year phase, the program is targeted to specific aquatic agriculture systems in Bangladesh, Cambodia, The Philippines, The Solomon Islands and Zambia.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting the design and implementation of participatory action research in the AAS program including adaptation and development of methods
• Carrying out research to identify, understand and foster the mechanisms by which AAS intervention triggers developmental change
• Providing support and professional advice to program collaborators on participatory methods for adaptive program management through monitoring and evaluation for learning
• As part of AAS research theme on knowledge sharing and learning support implementation and learning from community and stakeholder engagement
• Within the AAS integrated knowledge management processes assist in process documentation and information management for the program
• Publishing results of the research

Candidates are sought with

• A completed PhD university degree in at least one of the following disciplines: Sociology, Social Anthropology, Gender in Development, Rural Development Studies, Economics, Human Geography, or related fields; optimally with several years of relevant experience in rural development in developing countries
• Familiarity with different stages of the project/program cycle (design, implementation, supervisions, monitoring and evaluation)
• Ability to travel extensively
• Work experience in Asia and Africa
• Strong capabilities in participatory action research methodologies
• Strong academic publications record
• Demonstrated quality of judgment and the ability to think strategically, assessing and responding to new challenges in rural development;
• Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to lead and work in teams as well as develop a close and effective working relationship with partners;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and the ability to present coherent and convincing strategic analysis; and
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft packages and electronic communication.
• Ability to raise funds for research

Click here for further details and application