Mariculture Technical Lead (TL)

REPORTS TO: Deputy Programme Manager

REPORTING TO POSTHOLDER: Mariculture Officer, Programme Admin Officer, Driver

LOCATION: Kilifi with frequent travel to project sites in Kakamega, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Busia, Siaya, Kilifi and country office in Nairobi)

DURATION & HOURS: Full time, fixed term, renewable based on performance and availability of funds.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The purpose of the role is to provide technical leadership in Mariculture Development for a program titled ‘Empowering youth in sustainable Aquaculture Markets and Job creation program’ that is being implemented by Farm Africa in partnership with Mastercard Foundation. The programme aims to tap the potential offered by the mariculture sector for entrepreneurship and employment, building knowledge and capacity so that young people especially women, are attracted by the opportunities and growth potential offered by working in aquaculture and mariculture. The Programme covers Kakamega, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Busia, Siaya, Kilifi (including Mombasa).

The Mariculture Technical Lead is a key role responsible for providing technical expertise and leadership in mariculture operations and development. This position involves overseeing the production of marine organisms, such as milkfish, prawns, crabs, and seaweed, with a focus on promotion of sustainable practices and maximizing production efficiency. This position requires an experienced project coordinator with strong technical skills in all aspects of marine biology, aquaculture, fisheries sciences, and/ or environmental science. He/she should possess excellent skills in project implementation including planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation. The candidate should be able to work with local and vulnerable communities as well as industry actors.

In addition, the candidate should poses strong analytical skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, leadership and teamwork capabilities to enable them lead and manage a team and drive effective collaboration with stakeholders

The candidate must demonstrate passion for marine sciences and sustainable practices while showcasing their experience and skills matching the specific needs and values of Farm Africa A high level of competence in project budgeting, quality reporting and efficient work planning is essential.

KEY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Activity Planning, Implementation and Reporting

• Take overall responsibility for the work planning, implementation and management of the mariculture component of the programme.
• Track project progress on a weekly basis and provide routine updates as agreed with the Deputy Programme Manager.
• To manage the programmes mariculture component in accordance with programme documents, work plans and budgets and ensure that work is consistent with Farm Africa’s strategies and the conditions of the donor contracts.
• Contribute in development of both internal and donor reports.
• Maintain regular communications with the line manager and other team members.

Delivering Technical Excellence

• The Mariculture TL will be responsible for ensuring the technical excellence of all activities delivered within the project with a specific focus to mariculture value chain development.
• Work with the Programme Manager to identify areas of technical development within the programme and team & mobilize resources to support this.
• Ensure follow up of technical trainings to analyze effectiveness and uptake of trainings.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for mariculture programme, including site selection, species selection, infrastructure design and development, production operations, harvests and post-harvest handling.
• Conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments and mitigating risks associated with mariculture operations, such as disease outbreaks, environmental impacts, and economic factors to ensure the economic viability and sustainability of the mariculture operations.
• Provide technical guidance and support to farmers and local service providers (LSPs) on best mariculture practices, including feeding techniques, water quality management, disease prevention and control, and hatchery operations.
• Develop and implement protocols and procedures for monitoring and managing mariculture systems, including marine fish health, water quality, feed utilization, and waste management.
• Conduct regular farm visits and inspections to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with research institutions and industry experts to stay abreast of new technologies and industry trends and identify opportunities for innovation.
• Develop strategies to optimize mariculture production, including stock management, feed conversion efficiency and genetic improvement.
• Conduct analysis of production data and performance indicators to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for increased productivity and profitability.
• Evaluate and implement technologies and practices that enhance production efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve product quality.
• Collaborate with feed suppliers, hatcheries, stakeholders and other industry players to ensure access to quality inputs, improved fingerlings and best services.
• Provide training and technical assistance to farmers (women and youth), Village Based Assistants and LSPs on various mariculture techniques, including breeding, hatchery operations, nursery techniques, and grow-out management.
• Develop and deliver training programs on fish health management, disease diagnosis, and treatment, harvesting, and post-harvesting handling such as value addition or processing, cold storage and transportation.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer through workshops, seminars, and knowledge exchange events.
• Collaborating with external stakeholders, such as government agencies, research institutions, and industry associations, to promote best practices and ensure compliance with regulations and facilitate knowledge transfer through workshops, seminars and extension services to the farmers
• Implementing quality control measures and ensuring adherence to food safety and traceability standards.
• Provide management advice and disseminate results to inform decision and policy making process on the mariculture subsector, biodiversity conservation and environmental protection
• Provide policy and strategic advice on sustainability criteria for mariculture.

Monitoring Evaluation and Learning

• Adhere to Farm Africa’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) practices and frameworks and ensure that project team actively collect, analyze and manage data to feed into project delivery.
• In collaboration with the M&E team, develop and implement a project monitoring and evaluation process, capturing project outcomes/impact and lessons learned.
• Monitoring and evaluating the performance of Mariculture operations, identifying areas for improvement, and developing and implementing mitigation plans for risks and challenges.

Visibility, Communication and Networking

• To manage and nurture mutually beneficial partnerships with other stakeholders, including various service providers and private sector companies in the value chains promoted.
• To keep abreast of relevant changes in government policy in mariculture that could affect the Programme and advise senior management accordingly.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the project’s visibility strategy in line with donor guidelines.

Other Roles

• To play an active role as a member of the Farm Africa Kenya team.
• In consultation with the Deputy Programme Manager, to act as an ambassador, promoting the program and the work of Farm Africa, including hosting visitors, speaking at workshops, conferences and meeting donors and other officials as and when required.
• To ensure that the program contributes to, responds to and complies with all relevant mariculture sector policy developments.
• To undertake any other duty as may be directed by the line manager or Programme Manager from time to time.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education & Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor degree in Mariculture, Aquaculture, Fisheries, Marine Biology, or other related field.
• Good understanding of the role of the private sector in value chain
• Good understanding of how small scale producers can be linked to the private sector or markets for their produce

Desirable

• Knowledge and strong technical skills on all aspects of mariculture operations

Experience

Essential

• At least 5 years’ experience in marine farming and a strong value chains and market engagement focus

Desirable

• Field based experience implementing small holder projects in marine farming

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Project management Negotiating and Managing partner relationship
• Team building
• Financial management 
• Agricultural value chains development 
• Participatory planning, monitoring & evaluation
• Effective communication (both verbal & written)
• Report writing skills
• Strong, decisive and results oriented leader

Desirable

• Negotiating and Managing partner relationship
• Field level training
• Policy influencing
• Fundraising
• Capacity building of organisations & individuals
• Familiarity with smartphone mobile training tools

Our Values

Investing in smallholder farming is the number one way to combat poverty in rural Africa. Farm Africa is a leading NGO specialising in growing agriculture, protecting the environment and developing businesses in rural Africa.

• EXPERT: Expertise and insightful evidence-based solutions are at the heart of everything Farm Africa does.
• GROUNDED: Our teams and partners work closely with local communities, engaging them in every level of decision-making.
• IMPACTFUL: We deliver long lasting change for farmers, their families, and the environments they live in.
• BOLD: We model innovative approaches and are not afraid to challenge strategies that are failing.

About Farm Africa

Farm Africa is a leading charity that works in partnership with smallholder farmers and small businesses in eastern Africa to improve the quality, quantity and value of their produce, so that they can support their families with more resilient livelihoods. We build the positive case for farming in harmony with nature, so that increasing yields goes hand in hand with restoring ecosystems and biodiversity.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Farm Africa is an equal opportunity employer and promotes gender equity. We believe everyone has a duty to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of all children and vulnerable persons. Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification. Farm Africa does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. (e.g. Application, interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification. Farm Africa does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. (e.g. Application, interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees).