Aquaculture Expert

Fish Welfare Initiative is seeking an aquaculture expert with in-depth technical expertise in fish and aquaculture systems in India. They will play a key role in designing studies and providing guidance to run welfare interventions effectively.

Note: This role is open only to those with the right to work in India.

How to apply: See https://fwi.fish/aquaculture-expert

Application Deadline: November 30, 2024

About The Role

As an Aquaculture Expert, you will primarily provide insights and technical support to our R&D department, while also supporting our Programs and Exploratory Programs departments. You will also represent FWI as the technical expert for engaging key stakeholders including governments (state and national levels), farmers, and other institutions.

Location: Between Eluru and Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh (project location determined by organization)

Position Type: Full-time

Compensation: INR 1-1.5 lakhs per month, with some flexibility for candidates with greater experience

Required Criteria

• Masters Degree or PhD in aquaculture
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in aquaculture research
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Fluent in oral and written English and Telugu.

We prefer candidates who have the following experience/skills:

• Aquaculture research expertise
• Has experience building relationships with farmers
• Has worked in aquaculture organisations or agencies
• Has the credibility to be recognized as an expert by farmers and other key stakeholders (e.g., government agencies)

About FWI

Fish Welfare Initiative (FWI) works to improve the welfare of farmed fishes as much as possible. We research and implement effective fish welfare interventions in partnership with farmers, governments, and other organizations.

We have three main programmatic departments:

• Our Research and Development (R&D) Department focuses on developing new theories of change and conducting studies to inform and improve our programs. The department’s work helps to both (1) shape new initiatives and (2) refine strategies for scaling our existing program, the Alliance for Responsible Aquaculture (ARA).
• Our Exploratory Programs Department acts as a supplement to the R&D Department by focusing on scalable, cost-effective, and evidence-based interventions that improve fish welfare. It takes on projects where the primary challenge is scalability rather than impact, such as stunning techniques or scaling the current ARA.
• Our Programs Department runs our core program, the Alliance for Responsible Aquaculture (ARA). This program centers on our ground teams collecting water quality data from fish farms (currently, over 100 farms are supported through the program) and providing the farmers with corrective actions in the event of key water quality parameters indicating that fishes may be exposed to poor conditions.

Our team is committed to values centered on impact, radical compassion, transparency, and adaptability. Every decision we make is informed by on-the-ground realities, and evidence-based methods, and driven by our dedication to advancing fish welfare.

How You Will Make a Difference

The following are the primary responsibilities of this role:

1. Providing technical expertise to R&D studies

• Selection of studies: Support the selection of studies designed to test new—or improved—theories of change, and/or to improve the knowledge base around fish welfare.
• Planning of studies: Provide comprehensive technical support during the planning of studies, including developing/supporting the development of key documents (e.g. protocols, budgets, logistical plans, etc). Ensuring that protocols are technically sound and scientifically rigorous
• Implementation of studies: Provide comprehensive technical support during the implementation of selected studies, ensuring that the studies are conducted in a scientifically rigorous manner.
• Data analysis: Conduct/support data analysis.
• Dissemination of results: Lead and/or support the reporting and dissemination of results from studies, through reports (intended for internal and/or external dissemination), scientific publications, and/or blog posts.
• Ad hoc technical support: Advise on risk-mitigation measures that should be incorporated into all studies to reduce the risk of welfare infringements occurring during the course of a study. Advise on how to respond to emergency situations during studies (e.g. outbreak of infection, fish welfare issues, water quality issues, etc.).
• Build and maintain networks: Engage subject matter experts as required to further enhance the technical and scientific rigor of R&D studies and to inform departmental decisions.

2. Supporting project management and planning

• Annual work planning: Support the development of the R&D Department’s annual work plan. Regularly update relevant sections of the annual work plan to indicate progress/delays.
• Project-specific work planning: Support the development of project-specific work plans, indicating tasks and realistic timelines. Revise work plans as needed to respond to threats and/or delays.
• Goal setting: Support the setting of the R&D Department’s annual objectives and key results (OKRs), and associated quarterly key results (QKRs) to show progress towards OKRs.