Consultant (Scaling of Innovations)

About the Organization:

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.   

Background of the project

In June 2023, WorldFish has partnered with the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Cairo to initiate Center for Renewable Energy in Aquaculture (CeREA) project. A 4-year groundbreaking initiative to refine, test, and scale innovative renewable energy solutions that enable 5,000 fish producers, processors, and other fish value chain actors in Egypt to increase their productivity and incomes, leading to improved food and nutrition security, reduced food waste and loss, and more energy-efficient and climate-smart food value chains. More information about the project visit: https://worldfishcenter.org/project/center-renewable-energy-aquaculture-cerea.

Objectives:

WorldFish seeks to hire a senior expert on scaling of Aquaculture innovations to guide evidence-based scaling plans for CeREA’s top innovations, enabling their replication, financing, and institutionalization across Egypt’s aquaculture sector.

The specific objectives of the study are as follows:

• Assess the scalability potential of each prioritized innovation based on technical feasibility, market readiness, stakeholder alignment, and institutional capacity.
• Evaluate scaling readiness and identify key bottlenecks that may constrain widespread adoption or system-level impact.
• Define target segments and geographies, clearly articulating value propositions and adoption pathways for each innovation.
• Map enabling policy and regulatory environments and develop a targeted stakeholder engagement and policy-influence plan.
• Facilitate stakeholder alignment and consensus-building around scaling priorities, delivery models, and collaborative implementation approaches.
• Integrate Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) and climate/environmental safeguards into scaling strategies and implementation plans.

Scope of Work:

The consultant will begin with a desk review of key project documents, including the logical framework, factsheets, reports, and other relevant materials, to gain a clear understanding of the project’s outputs, outcomes and expected impacts. The consultant will work closely with WorldFish staff and project consultants to ensure coordination, consistency, and alignment throughout the assignment.

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Review CeREA’s project reports, Mid-Term Review findings, innovation profiles, and existing scaling efforts.
• Identify and prioritize innovations with strong potential for scaling.
• Conduct scalability and readiness assessments using appropriate tools, such as the Scaling Readiness framework.
• Facilitate participatory workshops with the CeREA team and partners to co-develop initial scaling plans.
• Organize and deliver consultation sessions—virtual or in-person—with CeREA teams and stakeholders to validate innovation priorities and identify scaling constraints and opportunities.
• Integrate GESI through inclusive targeting, affordability mechanisms, training for women and youth, and safety considerations.

All outputs from the tasks above will contribute to the development of validated scaling roadmaps, pathstor briefs, and a synthesis report. The consultant will maintain regular communication with the CeREA coordination team to ensure alignment with program objectives.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Agricultural Innovation, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Rural Development, or a related field; a PhD is an advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years’ professional experience in scaling agricultural or aquaculture innovations in developing countries.
• Proven expertise in designing and implementing scaling strategies for smallholder agriculture, aquaculture, or agri-tech innovations, with experience assessing product and service viability.
• Familiarity with blended finance, impact investing, or social enterprise models relevant to agriculture.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate and coordinate multi-stakeholder platforms involving NGOs, government, private sector, and research institutions to scale inclusive and sustainable innovations.
• Experience applying recognized scaling frameworks such as Scaling Readiness, Scaling Scan, Scaling Pathways, or Market Systems Development (MSD).
• Familiarity with the agricultural and aquaculture contexts of Egypt or the MENA region is a strong asset.
• Previous experience designing and implementing similar projects or missions in agriculture, aquaculture, or innovation scaling.
• Knowledge of gender and social inclusion in innovation and scaling, with experience integrating digital, climate-smart, and gender-transformative approaches.
• Strong analytical skills, with experience assessing and adapting business models for scalable, sustainable, and impactful innovations.
• Sound understanding of CGIAR’s operational landscape and global agrifood system challenges, with experience collaborating with CGIAR Centers and international agencies (e.g., FAO, IFAD).
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills, with proven experience preparing analytical reports and strategic briefs.

Location and Duration:

• The consultancy will be undertaken over a maximum of 25 working days, to be completed between December 2025 and January 2026.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for virtual interviews scheduled for the 1st week of December 2025.
• The selection of the consultant will be based on relevant qualifications, demonstrated experience, and the competitiveness of the proposal.

How to Apply

Interested consultant/(s) are invited to submit the following information online by the latest 30 November 2025:

• Technical offer explaining your background and a list of prior experience that ensures they are qualified to carry out the scope of work.
• Financial offer (incl. daily rate in USD), with a detailed work plan indicating travel as needed.
• Detailed CV, plus profile highlighting relevant experience

The screening will start as soon as possible and will continue until the position is filled. Only selected consultant 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. 

“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.