Internship (Mapping Small Pelagic Fish Trade Flows and Value Chains)

About WorldFish   

“WorldFish is a leading 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 for their livelihoods. As a member of CGIAR, WorldFish contributes to building a food- and nutrition-secure future and restoring natural resources. Headquartered in Penang, Malaysia, with country offices across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, WorldFish strives to create resilient and inclusive food systems for shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.worldfishcenter.org” 

Background

Small pelagic fish (SPF) are an essential source of food and income in Zanzibar. However, there is limited understanding of how these fish move through markets, from catch to consumption, and the broader implications for food and nutrition security. This project seeks to map the SPF trade flows and develop evidence-based recommendations for nutrition sensitive trade flows.

Scope of Work

We are seeking a motivated and capable student intern to lead the design and implementation of a study to map small pelagic fish trade flows in Zanzibar. The intern will support fieldwork, data analysis, and reporting, culminating in a detailed mapping of trade corridors and a set of policy recommendations. This is preferably a full-time internship under the supervision of WorldFish nutrition and public health impact lead.

The successful intern will be responsible to:

• Design and refine a study methodology to map SPF trade flows.
• Conduct a comprehensive literature review to inform the study design and analytical framework.
• Map actors, trade volumes, routes, markets, and processing hubs within the SPF value chain.
• Collect field data, including fisher surveys and key informant interviews (KIIs) with value chain stakeholders.
• Support the use of GPS trackers or other technologies to monitor fish movements (where feasible).
• Analyze primary and secondary data, including trade volumes, price variations, and seasonal trends.
• Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and trade-offs between regional trade and local food and nutrition security.
• Contribute to the drafting of a research report and policy recommendations.
• Support policy engagement and dissemination activities.

Expected Outputs

• A detailed map of small pelagic fish trade flows and key trade nodes.
• Evidence on the implications of trade patterns for food and nutrition security.
• Policy recommendations to strengthen inclusive, efficient, and nutrition-sensitive market systems.

Requirements

• Enrolled in or recently graduated from a Master’s or PhD program in Fisheries Science, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Food Systems, or a related field.
• Strong research skills in study design, field data collection, and data analysis.
• Knowledge of value chain analysis, trade studies, or food systems research is highly desirable.
• Fieldwork experience among fisheries communities or rural settings is an advantage.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with statistical software (e.g., Stata, R) is an asset.
• Strong organizational, communication, and writing skills.
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in Kiswahili is a strong advantage.

Benefits

• This position is an excellent opportunity to gain experience with an international research organization.
• The intern will also have the chance to interact and collaborate with staff from global and country offices and partners.
• A monthly stipend will be provided.

Location and Duration

The intern can work remotely from home country. The successful candidate should be available to commence the internship as soon as possible until 31 December 2025. This position is open to national and international applicants.

This position is open to national and international applicants.

How to Apply

Your application must include:

• A cover letter (maximum 1 page) outlining interest and relevant experience.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• A writing sample (e.g., excerpt of a paper, project report).
• Contact information of three professional referees who may be contacted if you are short-listed for the position.

 This position shall remain open until filled.

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 

WorldFish has seven offices across Asia, Africa and the Pacific, with more than 400 staff and 27 nationalities who contribute to a dynamic multicultural work environment. 

WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity and inclusion is 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.