Research Assistant

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.   

About the Position
WorldFish Bangladesh, partnering with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), is implementing the Sustho Sagor (Healthy Ocean) project to strengthen the network of ecologically representative Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) across priority habitats in Bangladesh’s seascape to safeguard globally threatened marine wildlife and sustain coastal livelihoods, including those reliant on coastal small-scale fisheries. The project empowers women and fishing households, promotes community-based conservation, and encourages nature-based, climate-resilient livelihood solutions. These efforts are amplified by improving market access and local services, while collective action ensures the effective and inclusive stewardship of marine ecosystems.

The Research Assistant will be central to implementing field-level interventions and coordinating with community groups and local partners. This role requires strong facilitation skills, field mobility, and active engagement with vulnerable fishing households dependent on marine resources. The Research Assistant guide Field Facilitators, the Office and Admin Assistant, Community Volunteers, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation, documentation, and reporting of project activities, supporting the overarching goals of livelihood resilience, community-based conservation, and sustainable coastal resource management.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct field assessments and facilitate participatory engagement with communities in and around Marine Protected Area (MPAs) to collect socio-economic, ecological, and livelihood data. Lead community profiling, stakeholder mapping, and identification of target beneficiaries.
• Assist in co-designing and implementing activities aimed at improving household income, food security, and nutrition for small-scale fishing households through sustainable livelihood diversification and enhancement.
• Support implementation of community-led, nature-based, and conservation-linked initiatives to strengthen ecosystem stewardship.
• Contribute to the capacity-building of local institutions, including support for community groups, savings initiatives, and leadership development among women, youth, and other marginalized groups.
• Assist in systematic monitoring and documentation of project outputs and outcomes. Contribute to reports, case studies, and lessons learned to inform adaptive management and knowledge dissemination.
• Ensure effective coordination among field teams, volunteers, and local stakeholders to deliver activities efficiently, while adhering to compliance and organizational standards.
• Provide logistical and administrative assistance for field operations, trainings, workshops, and community events, ensuring smooth execution in line with organizational and donor procedures.
• Support engagement with government agencies, NGOs, private sector actors, and other relevant stakeholders to promote conservation-linked livelihood initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor that are consistent with the scope and objectives of the project.

Requirements

• Master’s in relevant disciplines such as fisheries, aquaculture, marine sciences, natural resource management, anthropology or related fields, with a minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience in leading research projects/organization.
• Proven experience working with coastal and small-scale fishing communities.
• Understanding of socio-ecological and economic vulnerabilities, livelihood challenges, nutrition, and gender dynamics within coastal fishing communities.
• Strong skills in community mobilization, participatory decision-making, and co-design of livelihood and conservation interventions.
• Ability to facilitate inclusive discussions that link household income, food security, and ecosystem stewardship.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in Bangla and English.
• Capacity to translate technical conservation and livelihood concepts into practical, community-level actions.
• Ability to engage and coordinate effectively with local government, extension agencies, private sector, NGOs, and other stakeholders to support integrated livelihood and conservation outcomes.
• Willingness to travel frequently and stay in remote coastal areas. Ability to operate in challenging field conditions while maintaining professionalism and safety.

Desired Skills/ Experience

• Experience in community group facilitation and institutional building.
• Familiarity with digital payment systems, conditional cash transfers or support asset transfers.
• Basic computer literacy, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and familiarity with data entry and analysis tools.

Benefits

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position and WorldFish offers a competitive remuneration package including comprehensive benefits (but not limited to) insurance coverage for staff and eligible dependents, 15% employer provident fund contribution, paid leave and others. The duration of the contract will initially be for a three years period with the possibility for extension, depending on funding and performance.

Work Locations:

These two (02) positions will be based in:

• Manpura (Monpura Upazila, Bhola District)
• Kuakata (Kalapara Upazila, Patuakhali District)

This is a field-based positions requires frequent travel to remote coastal and island communities. Field conditions may involve exposure to harsh weather and basic facilities. The role demands flexibility, adaptability, and strong teamwork, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Recruitment process

The recruitment process includes initial screening, interviews, and assessment of candidates to identify the best fit for the role. Interviews are expected to be held in April 2026 and only shortlisted candidates will be notified and expected to attend the interview.

Your application must include:

• A copy of your curriculum vitae,

• A cover letter which addresses key requirements stated above; and
• Contact information of three professional referees who may be contacted if you are short-listed for the position.

To be considered, applications must be submitted to no later than 23:59 (BST) 28 March 2026.

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.