Aquaculture Field Manager

Introduction

The main objectives of AMPPLIFY’s work in aquaculture are to 1) increase domestic aquaculture productivity, and 2) increase domestic trade of aquaculture products, leading to a measurable reduction in imported fish. Given the nascent state of CI’s aquaculture sector, it is critical to first scale local fresh fish production to fulfill unmet demand in the hyperlocal submarket. By supporting existing fish farmers to increase stocking densities in established ponds and dams by using improved inputs, aquaculture practices, and technologies, as well as possibly expanding the availability of different varieties, is the first step to building the business case for larger fish wholesalers from Abidjan to purchase local fresh fish on a regular and sustained basis. With regard to domestic trade, the goal is to support fish farmers to capture market share from cheaper imports by capitalizing on consumer preference for local fresh fish, increasing production of tilapia to become more price competitive, and possibly diversifying with higher value species so that local fish farmers offer a stronger value proposition to wholesalers in Abidjan. The end goal being to substitute imports with locally produced fresh fish to reduce currency outflows and increase food security.

Our analysis of the aquaculture value chain shows the three most immediate needs to address are: training fish farmers to increase yields and harvests per year; building the capacity of feed mills and hatcheries to produce better quality and competitively priced local inputs; and strengthening cooperatives and local traders to be able to link with larger, more formal markets and wholesalers to replace imports. This focus will catalyze Ivorian aquaculture on a path towards a larger domestic market share and a measurable reduction in the currently very high percentage of imported fish. AMPPLIFY will address the following overarching challenges: (1) low productivity of commercial aquaculture operations; (2) lack of high-quality and affordable inputs (e.g., floating feed and fingerlings (3) lack of technical skills to minimize mortality rates and increase intensification; (4) weak market linkages for locally produced fish; (4) underdeveloped farms as well as small and medium enterprises that support the value chain; and (5) a weak supporting policy environment. The activity design reflects a facilitative approach and four key levers of change: (1) improved market linkages for accessible affordable inputs and better access to premium markets, (2) knowledge platforms to improve access to information and support decisions throughout the value chain, (3) collective action to improve transactional efficiencies and market access, and, (4) improved enabling environments via a strong private sector-driven approach that leverages public-private partnerships. AMPPLIFY, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Food for Progress (FFPr) initiative, is led by Technoserve and supported by the American Soybean Association’s (ASA) World Initiative for Soy in Human Health program (WISHH).

Job Description

Summary: AMPPLIFY’s Aquaculture Field Manager is responsible for the technical and operational management of all of AMPPLIFY’s field activities for aquaculture. Reporting to the Aquaculture Program Lead, the Aquaculture Field Manager will be responsible for managing the field team, establishing trusted relationships with Project staff, the Project’s partners, and other key stakeholders, and designing and delivering high impact training and technical assistance that leads to the achievement of the relevant Project Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). They will also play a key role in training staff, where necessary, as well as participating in beneficiary selection, training, technical assistance, and evaluations. The Aquaculture Field Manager will ensure that the requisite data and information to be collected for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) purposes is completed in a timely, consistent, and professional manner. Lastly, serving as the technical Point of Contact (PoC) for all issues regarding aquaculture, they will regularly communicate with the AMPPLIFY senior management team and contribute to all required reports, presentations, and client requests as applicable.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manage the Project’s aquaculture field team in the design and delivery of the Project’s technical interventions including training, technical assistance, and coaching of aquaculture farmers, cooperatives, feed mills, hatcheries, and other selected MSME beneficiaries.
2. Lead the development and delivery of the selection criteria and process of selecting AMPPLIFY’s aquaculture partners and beneficiaries.
3. Develop and manage a aquaculture team of technicians ensuring consistent delivery of high quality trainings including development and customization of training, and
4. troubleshooting field issues if adoption rates are low.
5. Work extensively in the field with project partners and beneficiaries to a) support the delivery of training and technical assistance, b) build report and trust with public and private partners, and c) ensure efficient and effective progress toward project KPIs.
6. Produce tools that incorporate both in-person training as well as remote approaches
7. leveraging digital tools to improve training efficiency and effectiveness.
8. Strengthen capacity and market-orientation of cooperatives and other aquaculture farmer associations.
9. Promote capacity building of public and private aquaculture extension agents and services where possible.
10. Lead in the selection and development of demonstration/model farms.
11. Serve as the Project’s Aquaculture POC, take the lead role in Project stakeholder meetings and presentations.
12. Work collaboratively with the other technical components of AMPPLIFY (e.g., access to finance, public sector reform, enterprise development and gender and youth empowerment).
13. Work collaboratively with the other operational components of AMPPLIFY (e.g., Monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL), communications, finance, and logistics) as applicable.
14. Assist in implementing the MEL plan and actively participate in gathering requisite data and information as well as training the aquaculture team in supporting the MEL function.
15. Assist in the development of protocols and procedures in accordance with ASA, TNS and USDA policies.
16. Co-lead the development and delivery of monthly, quarterly and annual reports, work plans, and presentations.
17. Contribute to the development and implementation of templates, forms, and other data collection or reporting tools as needed.
18. Assist with the development and administration of data quality assessments, interim evaluations, and special studies.
19. Assist with the coordination of local and regional meetings, outreach activities, community exercises, workshops, and partner visits/trainings.
20. Other relevant tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in animal science, economics, agriculture, aquaculture, or a related subject.
2. Minimum 5 years of experience implementing aquaculture programs funded by private sector, donor agencies or government entities.
3. Experience in developing and delivering aquaculture training.
4. Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and guide a diverse and geographically dispersed team.
5. Ability to work efficiently in both English and French
6. Ability to speak Malinké and/or other local languages is a plus.
7. Previous field experience in resource limited settings is highly desirable.
8. Experience with ODK (KOBO Toolbox) or other data collection software, as well as the administration of questionnaires, key informant interviews, and/or focus groups.
9. Strong communication skills, particularly with the community and the ability to understand and integrate feedback from the supervisor as well as others.
10. Ability to work independently and proactively to meet project deadlines.
11. Great organizational skills and a good understanding of project management, research methodology and program evaluation.
12. Willingness to travel to other regions within CIV, including overnight stays.
13. Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly and effectively.
14. A strong work ethic and ability to maintain a positive attitude.

Non-Discrimination Statement: In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. ASA/WISHH is an equal opportunity provider and employer.