About WorldFish

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.