Local Researcher Value Chain Analysis

Background:

• The upcoming fisheries sector study aims to map & analyze the key players & the market dynamics within the fisheries private sector, covering the entire value chain from small scale fishers to processors, traders, distributors, medium & larger companies with a view to enhance the wider economic situation through the need to, inter alia, identify the growth potential, enhance productivity, strengthen the formal economy, improve local food resilience & reduce the national trade balance deficit all while sustaining the national fish stock.

• This study will focus on the four General Authority for Fisheries (GAF) regions Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea & Al Mahrah.

• The study, in line with Aden Fishery Harbour (AFH) project, will provide a comprehensive understanding of the roles & contributions of all private sector actors in the fisheries value chain. By exploring market linkages, constraints & opportunities, the study seeks to enhance the resilience of the fishery value chain, promote sustainable livelihoods & strengthen market integration across these regions. 

• Although the project is well into the implementation phase it is becoming abundantly clear that in order to succeed in the overall objective a much clearer understanding of the fisheries value chain is required. Such an understanding going forward will assist the program in making informed decisions & investments. 

• Our client has therefore decided to undertake research looking in detail at the fisheries value chain & plans to hire a number of researchers at the local level who will collect data at the local level.

Objective of the assignment:

• The primary objective of this assignment is to support our clients efforts to develop a comprehensive understanding of the fisheries value chain in Yemen. Under the direct supervision of the Focal Point & in collaboration with the International Advisor, the Local Researcher will collect data from key informants within the fisheries sector. The data will be used to identify challenges, opportunities, areas for investment & improvement within the value chain.

Data collection:

• Collect data from local fishers, processors, traders & other value chain actors following the direction of the Focal Point.

• Map out key market actors & their roles within the fishery value chain.

Data analysis:

• Analyze the collected data in coordination with the Focal Point & the International Advisor.

• Develop findings & recommendations based on the data for enhancing value chain efficiency & sustainability.

Reporting:

• Submit well organized reports in the agreed format to the Focal Point.

• Participate in follow up interviews & additional data collection if necessary.

Collaboration:

• The local researcher will work under the direct supervision of the Focal Point, in coordination with the International Advisor.

• The Local Researcher will work under the direct supervision of the Focal Point, in coordination with the International Advisor, regular virtual meetings will be required to ensure alignment with project objectives & progress.

• High school diploma in a relevant discipline or a higher education in relevant fields is preferred.

• Prior experience in data collection or research in the fisheries or agriculture sectors, including qualitative research such as conducting focus group discussions & engaging stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

• Experience with international organizations or development projects is highly desirable.

• Strong knowledge of the fisheries sector, with an understanding of its value chain dynamics.

• Proficiency in both spoken & written English & Arabic is required.

• Advanced computer literacy, particularly in virtual communication tools (e.g., Teams, Zoom).

• Ability to work independently while adhering to deadlines & project expectations.

• Excellent interpersonal & communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values & ethical standards.

• Promotes the vision, mission & strategic goals of the United Nations.

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, age sensitivity & adaptability.

• Treats all individuals fairly, showing no favoritism & upholding inclusivity.

• Strong knowledge & understanding of the fisheries value chain.

• High level of professionalism & the ability to work independently, often in high pressure situations & under tight deadlines.

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to engage with stakeholders at multiple levels (government, contractors, client teams) & maintain collaborative relationships.

• Proven expertise in technical report writing, including strategic recommendations & detailed engineering assessments.

• This role has no team management responsibility.

Duration:

• The contract will cover 20 working days over a two-month period. Specific working days will be scheduled based on project needs, deliverable deadlines & discussions with the Focal Point. These days include initial training (provided online), research & data collection activities, as well as the analysis & reporting of findings.

• The consultant must have reliable internet access for online training sessions & meetings. Travel within the designated locality for data collection will be compensated in accordance with prior agreements.

Duty Station:

• This is a home based position. The consultant will be required to travel within their specific region or locality as necessary to collect data. Virtual participation in meetings with the Focal Point will be required, necessitating strong computer skills & the ability to utilize platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

Other information:

• Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply for this role.