About WorldFish

WorldFish is an international research organization working to transform aquatic food systems to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. It collaborates with international, regional, and national partners to co-develop and deliver scientific innovations, evidence for policy and knowledge to enable equitable and inclusive impact for millions who depend on fish and other aquatic foods for their livelihoods and nutrition. Our work in countries advances progress on multiple 2030 Sustainable Development Goals through science and innovation, with a vision of healthy people, healthy planet and shared prosperity.

Scope of Work

WorldFish is seeking a short-term Consultant – Aquaculture Value Chain and Market Systems Specialist to support the implementation of the PADTL2 project and the sustainable transition of ongoing aquaculture activities in Timor-Leste. The consultant will provide high-quality technical advice and applied research, with a particular focus on strengthening the commercial approach of the fish value chain and market activities under PADTL2, in close coordination with WorldFish’s Country Representative and project partners in Timor-Leste.

As part of the assignment, the consultant will:

• Design and implement research and advisory activities that advance commercial aquaculture models and generate evidence on sustainable aquaculture, with emphasis on sustaining freshwater aquaculture (tilapia).

• Assess coastal aquaculture and mariculture technologies, practices, and production systems; analyse existing constraints and opportunities for sustainable aquaculture value chains; establish technical baselines for target communities; and identify and scale viable aquaculture species and practices.

• Work with WorldFish’s Aquatic Farming Practices and Aquatic Food Biosciences teams, contributing expertise to interdisciplinary research and development efforts spanning aquatic animal nutrition, health, genetics, climate resilience, gender and social inclusion, scaling innovations, impact assessment, and rural development.

• Provide technical inputs to strengthen partnerships with national stakeholders, development partners, and the private sector, and contribute to proposal development and resource mobilization in support of WorldFish’s strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strengthen the commercial viability and sustainability of aquaculture activities.

• Collaborate with WorldFish, the Ministry of Agriculture, fish farmers, donors, and private sector actors.

• Map and analyze aquaculture value chains (e.g., tilapia and other species).

• Provide technical support and capacity building on value chain development and market linkages.

• Support inclusive business strategies benefiting small-scale farmers and vulnerable groups.

• Lead research and development activities, including data collection, validation, and analysis.

• Contribute to project implementation in Timor-Leste and support related work in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

• Build partnerships with local, national, and international stakeholders, including investors and development partners.

• Produce high-quality reports and scientific publications and represent WorldFish in relevant forums.

Requirements

• PhD in Aquaculture, Agribusiness, or related field with 2+ years’ experience; OR Master’s degree with 5+ years’ experience.

• Strong background in aquaculture production systems, sustainable aquaculture, and/or agribusiness development.

• Proven experience in market systems development, value chain analysis, and strengthening business models in Southeast Asia.

• Experience with freshwater aquaculture, value-added products, and supply chain research is highly desirable.

• Demonstrated research design, data analysis, and publication record in relevant peer-reviewed journals.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, facilitation, and communication skills.

• Ability to work with rural communities and in multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary teams.

• Proficiency in English (written and spoken) required; Tetum or Bahasa Indonesia is an advantage.

• Strong computer and statistical analysis skills.

• High cultural sensitivity, motivation, and commitment to producing impactful research.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills, with experience mentoring others.

• Project management expertise and ability to translate research into policy.

• Skilled in developing information and education materials for government and community stakeholders.

• Experience in resource mobilization, aquaculture development, value addition, and market chains

Benefits

Reporting

The consultant will report the progress of the assignment to WorldFish Country Representative, Timor Leste as well as the Project Leader.

Evaluation and Selection

Applications will be evaluated based on the qualifications and experience of the consultant, the quality and feasibility of the proposed approach and work plan, the relevance of previous work examples and the most competitive proposal. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or request additional information before final selection. This opportunity is open for all applicants.

How to apply

Interested consultant are invited to submit the following materials for consideration ONLINE HERE no later than 23:59 (MYT) 05 October 2025:

• A brief cover letter outlining relevant experience and language proficiency.

• A CV highlighting similar past assignments.

• A financial proposal indicating the total cost for the task.

The screening will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Due to the high volume of applicants for WorldFish positions, we appreciate all interest, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Our Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Over 40% of WorldFish staff is women with some 30 nationalities represented and contributing to its dynamic multicultural work environment. WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity and inclusion are 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.

We are an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourage qualified women and men from developing nations to apply.