Country Representative, Nigeria Full Time

WorldFish is a leading international research organization and a member of CGIAR, working to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty by sustainably improving aquatic food systems. It collaborates with international, regional, and national partners to co-develop and deliver scientific innovations, evidence for policy, and knowledge to enable equitable, inclusive impact for millions who depend on fish for their livelihoods. For more information, visit: www.worldfishcenter.org”

About the Position

The Country Representative for Nigeria represents WorldFish at the national level. This role provides leadership in the strategic development and management of Nigeria’s ‘research for development’ portfolio, engagement with new and existing partners, fostering collaborations with national partners, donors and other CGIAR centers, and proactively pursue and secure funding with the strategic aim of expanding WorldFish’s country program portfolio, ensuring not only business success but also delivering impactful results at scale.

The Country Representative leads the Nigeria country office’s operations and its staff. The incumbent will regularly engage with other WorldFish country program leads, headquarter staff and the CGIAR regional and global staff. The Country Representative may provide research contributions to the Nigeria country program in alignment with personal expertise and experience, as agreed with their supervisor.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

Country Program Development and Implementation:

• Develop and implement the strategic direction for the Nigeria country office, aligning it with the Government’s national priorities, the needs of primary rightsholders and stakeholders in Nigeria’s aquatic food systems and WorldFish’s Research and Innovation Strategy.
• Lead the formulation, funding, and management of ‘research for development’ projects, actively contributing to proposal design and development.
• Ensure strong linkages between country programs and global initiatives, overseeing the delivery, monitoring and reporting of research for development country programs or regional/global initiatives in the country.
• Provide substantive guidance to senior management on the country’s strategic direction and business status related to aquatic food systems development and research programs.

Representation, Engagement:

• Develop and manage relationships with the Government of Nigeria, and NGOs, CSOs and research organizations in Nigeria, effectively representing WorldFish’s interests.
• Maintain oversight of WorldFish’s hosting agreements so they stay current and relevant.
• Stay informed about donor and government priorities, country plans and initiatives, ensuring alignment with WorldFish objectives.
• Coordinate WorldFish engagement with the CGIAR’s regional and global programs.
• Working with WorldFish colleagues, strengthen partnerships with CGIAR units, donors, research partners, government bodies and other stakeholders to enhance the visibility WorldFish’s work.
• Represent WorldFish at national, and when required, regional and global forums.

Research Development, Implementation and Adoption:

• Drive the design and execution of a ‘research for development’ program within an aquatic food systems context.
• Collaborate with WorldFish Science Directors, staff and partners to align research programs with national priorities, WorldFish’s strategies and CGIAR’s goals.
• Facilitate the dissemination and uptake of research findings through stakeholder engagements and through coordination with communication teams.

Fundraising and Budget Management:

• Lead and/or contribute to fundraising efforts at the national and global level, identifying opportunities, collaborating with donors, and assisting colleagues in proposal preparation.
• Monitor the financial position of the country program and ensure alignment with funding targets.
• Take overall responsibility for office management, including budgeting, risk management, data management, and financial and project reporting.

Office Management, People Management and Administration:

• Efficiently manage resources, ensuring adequate human, financial, and material assets for research and operations, in consultation with relevant functional units within WorldFish.
• Lead recruitment efforts, staff planning, and professional development, fostering positive and collegial team dynamics.
• Oversee the performance of country office staff, fostering teamwork and research collaboration and ensuring high-quality science outputs in collaboration with global science teams.
• Implement safety and security protocols for a safe work environment.
• Provide timely advice to senior management on potential risks and mitigation strategies.

Requirements

• A Master’s or preferably Ph.D. in relevant disciplines such as fisheries, aquaculture, aquatic resources management, international development, environmental science, or related fields, with a minimum of 10 years’ experience in leading research programs in an international development context.
• Technical knowledge in aquatic food systems aligned with WorldFish’s mission.
• Understanding of aquatic resources and food system challenges in the country and region.
• Track record of building partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including senior national decision-makers and donor agencies.
• Track record of writing funding proposals and winning grants.
• Skills in program management with a track record in project delivery and knowledge dissemination.
• Expertise in interdisciplinary team leadership, with a solid understanding of the relevance of science in achieving development outcomes and impact.
• Strategic leadership, with a commitment to an organization’s vision, mission and values.
• People and team management, promoting diversity and inclusion and fostering staff wellbeing.
• Proficiency in English, with excellent communication skills for different audiences.
• Ability to write high-quality proposals and reports and, where applicable, research papers for peer-reviewed journals.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Additional language skills relevant to the country or region.
• Regular travel within the country, broader region and globally as required.

Appointment Details

Location: The post holder will be based in Ibadan, Nigeria. This position will involve international travel. The position is open to national and international candidates.

Salary range: USD78,000 – USD110,000 gross per annum. Competitive benefits package, accompanied position. Relocation support is available for international candidates.

Contract length: The duration of the contract will initially be for a three-year (03) period with possibility for extension, depending on funding and performance. All benefits are subject to terms and conditions.

Working at CGIAR

As part of One CGIAR, we are committed to fair, safe and inclusive workplaces. Our diversity powers our innovation. It is critical for our mission. We are driven by our LEAD values (Learning, Excellence, Accountability and Diversity) and strive to be a thriving and inclusive community of diverse people committed to learning and innovation, and with passion for making a difference in the world.

We believe in multiple perspectives coming together to generate new ideas and develop new ways of doing things. This collective intelligence sets us apart in being able to address the complex problems we seek to solve with an ability to understand the trade-offs, and in doing so make better decisions.

Our Gender, Diversity and Inclusion (GDI) Commitment

WorldFish has 7 offices across Asia, Africa and the Pacific, with more than 400 staff and 27 nationalities who contribute to a dynamic multicultural work environment. WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity and inclusion is valued and we seek to have gender balance in the organization. We aim to also seek balance across other diversity dimensions. People in WorldFish are treated equally irrespective of gender, ethnicity/race, national or social origin, disability, religion, political affiliation, age, family size, marital status or any other form of personal identity.

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