About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
WorldFish has announced applications for an internationally recruited Post-Doctoral Fellow (Gender and Development) position based in Nairobi, Kenya, with applications closing on 12 July 2026.
The on-site, contract-based role offers an opportunity for experienced researchers to contribute to global efforts aimed at transforming aquatic food systems while advancing gender equality, women’s empowerment, and social inclusion.
The position forms part of WorldFish’s mission to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty through scientific research and innovation.
Working alongside international, regional, and national partners, the organization develops evidence-based solutions that improve livelihoods and strengthen sustainable aquatic food systems across Africa, Asia, and other regions.
Supporting Inclusive and Sustainable Aquatic Food Systems
The successful candidate will contribute to several major research initiatives, including the CGIAR Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Food Systems (SAAF) Science Program, Multifunctional Landscapes Science Program, Gender Accelerator, and the Climate Adaptation and Sustainability of Aquatic Systems (CASA) Project.
The research focuses on understanding how gender norms, social inclusion, and power dynamics influence access to resources, markets, technology, climate adaptation, and decision-making within fisheries and aquaculture. The fellow will also help design gender-transformative solutions that strengthen resilience, sustainability, and equitable economic opportunities for communities dependent on aquatic food systems.
WorldFish 2026 Post-Doctoral Fellow Position in Gender and Development Based in Nairobi (PAID): Key Responsibilities
The Post-Doctoral Fellow will work under the supervision of the Social and Economic Inclusion Lead while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across WorldFish.
Primary responsibilities include:
Leading and co-designing innovative research on gender-inclusive and pro-poor fisheries and aquaculture value chains.
Supporting women’s empowerment initiatives within fisheries and aquatic food systems.
Conducting research implementation, data collection, validation, quality assurance, and analysis.
Publishing high-quality scientific research and policy-relevant findings.
Developing gender-inclusive market approaches and women-led entrepreneurship models.
Strengthening community participation in natural resource management, particularly among women, youth, and marginalized groups.
Collaborating with governments, private sector partners, and research institutions.
Contributing to monitoring, evaluation, learning, and project reporting.
Building research capacity through mentoring, training, and technical support.
Promoting evidence-based approaches to gender equality, social inclusion, and climate resilience.
WorldFish 2026 Post-Doctoral Fellow Position in Gender and Development Based in Nairobi (PAID): Multidisciplinary Research Collaboration
The successful fellow will work closely with experts across several disciplines, including:
Gender and social inclusion
Aquaculture and fisheries
Climate change adaptation
Food and fish nutrition
Rural development
Data science
Science communication
Innovation scaling
Production systems
Bioprocesses
This collaborative environment is designed to generate practical solutions that improve livelihoods while supporting sustainable management of aquatic food systems.
WorldFish 2026 Post-Doctoral Fellow Position in Gender and Development Based in Nairobi (PAID): Qualifications and Experience Required
WorldFish is seeking candidates with strong academic credentials and demonstrated research expertise.
Applicants should possess:
A PhD or equivalent qualification in Gender Studies, Development Economics, Sociology, Anthropology, International Development, Human Geography, Rural Development, or a related discipline.
Strong knowledge of gender equality, women’s empowerment, community-based natural resource management, and inclusive market systems.
Proven experience conducting international development research.
A strong record of peer-reviewed academic publications.
Expertise in qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research.
Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration abilities.
Experience working with rural communities across Africa, Asia, or the Pacific.
Preferred Skills
Additional advantages include:
Leadership and mentoring experience.
Project management expertise.
Experience translating research into policy recommendations.
Development of educational and information materials for governments and communities.
WorldFish 2026 Post-Doctoral Fellow Position in Gender and Development Based in Nairobi (PAID): Competitive International Benefits Package
WorldFish is offering a competitive remuneration package for this internationally recruited position.
Dictionaries & Encyclopedias
Benefits include:
Annual salary ranging from USD 43,000 to USD 53,000.
Initial two-year contract with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance.
Retirement plan.
Comprehensive health insurance.
Life and accident insurance.
Long-term disability coverage.
Relocation assistance for internationally recruited staff.
Housing allowance.
Home-leave airfare for eligible dependents.
Education assistance for school-age dependents.
Commitment to Diversity and Equal Opportunity
WorldFish continues to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across its global workforce. The organization employs professionals representing more than 30 nationalities, with women accounting for over 40 percent of its staff.
Charity & Philanthropy
The organization welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. WorldFish particularly encourages applications from women and professionals from developing countries as part of its commitment to building an inclusive research environment.
Position Summary
Interested candidates should note the following vacancy details:
Position: Post-Doctoral Fellow (Gender and Development)
Organization: WorldFish
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Work Arrangement: On-site
Employment Type: International Contract
Application Deadline: 12 July 2026
Salary: USD 43,000–53,000 per year
Contract Duration: Initial two years, with the possibility of extension
This opportunity offers researchers the chance to contribute to internationally recognized scientific programs that address gender equality, sustainable fisheries, climate adaptation, and inclusive development while supporting millions of people who depend on aquatic food systems for their livelihoods and nutrition.
How to apply