WorldFish Board of Trustees Vacancies

About WorldFish  

WorldFish is an international organization striving to transform aquatic food systems to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty through innovative research for development collaboration with international, regional, and national partners. With an internationally recognized and awarded track record of 50 years of proven outcomes and impacts, our three broad pillars of focus are to: co-develop and deliver scientific innovations; produce robust evidence to inform policy development or adjustment; and expand access to high-quality knowledge to catalyze equitable and inclusive impact for millions. Our work with more than 30 countries across the globe demonstrably advances progress on multiple 2030 Sustainable Development Goals – including through science and innovation, with a vision of healthy people, healthy planet, and shared prosperity.   

We at WorldFish are entering a decisive phase. Over the next years, we will further strengthen good governance practices, deepen scientific excellence, modernize performance and risk systems, and expand country-led innovation pathways, including with new mechanisms for catalytic investment.

We are seeking several passionate, qualified persons to join the WorldFish Board of Trustees. Those appointed through this open and transparent call for expressions of interest will be individuals who, when their professional qualifications and day-to-day experiences are taken together, best demonstrate their capacity to stimulate an open, constructive, and innovative Board of Trustees environment. Personally, each prospective Trustee will bring to the Trustee role a commitment to evidence-based decision-making founded on the principles of open, constructive dialogue and working as a team.

About the Position 

We are seeking to appoint several Trustees for an initial term of up to three years, with annual self-assessment processes included throughout. The preferred commencement for the selected appointees is before 31 March 2026.

We are seeking persons who bring strategic clarity, courage in decision-making, and a strong commitment to evidence-based governance. Trustees must be able to work collaboratively and respectfully with people who bring diverse professional, cultural, and institutional backgrounds around the purpose and intended impacts of WorldFish as an organization.

WorldFish values diversity and inclusivity as catalysts for innovation, excellence, and achieving our mission of advancing sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and global food security. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, embracing diverse cultures, races, colours, religions, genders, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, and gender identities to join us in contributing their unique perspectives.

We especially encourage applications from leaders with lived experience and professional roots in regions where WorldFish works:

• East & Southern Africa
• West & Central Africa
• South Asia
• Southeast Asia & the Pacific
• Central & West Asia & North Africa

Requirements

To identify a suitable candidate to join the WorldFish Board of Trustees, consideration will be given to the following focus:

1. Strategic Governance & Institutional Leadership

• Demonstrated experience on boards or high-level advisory bodies.
• Ability to bring disciplined, independent oversight and constructive challenge.
• Commitment to transparent, accountable, and ethical governance.

2. Science, Innovation & Policy Insight

• Expertise in one or more of the following areas.
• Aquatic food systems, fisheries, or aquaculture science.
• Climate resilience, environment, and biodiversity.
• Food security, nutrition, or public health.
• Digital transformation, data governance, AI, or emerging technologies.
• Innovation systems, research institutions, or knowledge partnerships.
• Regulatory or policy experience relevant to food, genetic resources, or ecosystem management.

3. Finance, Investment & Risk

• Strong financial acumen and literacy.
• Experience in audit, risk, organizational performance, or complex financial environments.
• Background in philanthropic, blended-finance, sustainability-linked investment, or innovation funding is a strong asset.

4. Sovereign Partnership & Global Development Experience

• Experience working with or advising governments, regional bodies, multilateral organizations, or development institutions.
• Understanding of the political economy surrounding food systems, climate, and research partnerships.

5. Networks, Credibility & Influence

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience.
• Ability to represent WorldFish with confidence, build strategic relationships, and connect the organization to new opportunities.

6. Personal Qualities

• Integrity, maturity, and independent judgment.
• Willingness to engage deeply in science, governance, and strategy.
• Commitment to collaboration, respect, and a positive Board culture.

Time Commitment

Beginning in 2026, the WorldFish Board will meet three times per year:

• Two virtual meetings, each requiring advance preparation, reading, and active participation.
• One in-person meeting, typically hosted in a WorldFish focus country and including program engagement where possible.

Trustees are also expected to serve on at least one Board committee, contribute to inter-session work, and participate in occasional briefing sessions or strategic engagements as needed. Reflecting WorldFish’s not-for-profit status, a modest annual honorarium is provided, and travel and related costs are covered.

Benefits

Interested persons are invited to submit their applications by not later than 23:59 (Malaysian local time) on Friday 23 January 2025. Applications should be sent via email to the WorldFish Board Secretariat at [email protected]

 Please include the following required documents:

1. One-Page Cover Letter — include interested individual’s name, contact details, and a brief summary of main areas of expertise, experience, and suitability for a WorldFish Board of Trustees role based on the specified competencies.
2. Full Curriculum Vitae (CV); and
3. Names and current contact information of 2-3 referees that may be contacted, with your prior agreement, to provide a diverse view of your suitability to serve in this role.

Our Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Commitment

WorldFish is committed to promoting an operating environment where diversity and inclusion are valued, and we seek to have gender balance in the organization by maintaining at least 40% of women in our roles. We also aim to seek balance across other diversity dimensions, with some 30 nationalities represented.

WorldFish people 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.

Our Selection Process

The WorldFish Board’s Governance and Nominations Committee (‘GNC’) is mandated to lead the review of applications and make appointment recommendations to the Board.

We currently anticipate the appointment timetable to include the following steps:

• By 06 February 2026  - GNC shortlisting review completed and those not going forward for further consideration notified.
• By 27 February 2026 – GNC completion of individual conversations with candidates under formal consideration.
• By 06 March 2026 – Referencing completed and informal conversation with incumbent Board Chair, and sharing of template engagement letter and code of conduct information.
• By 13 March 2026 – Board decision on appointments.
• By 31 March 2026 – Engagement letter signed by appointed candidates to clarify term start.