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.

• 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.