JOB DETAILS:

Job Purpose

To lead aquaculture interventions that contribute to sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and inclusive value chain development for wetland-adjacent communities in Eastern Uganda.

Responsibilities

Aquaculture Enterprise Development and Advisory

• Support the transformation of fish farmer groups into professional cooperatives.
• Provide tailored business development services to aquaculture SMEs and cooperatives, focusing on profitability, innovation, and sustainability.
• Facilitate access to green finance and input support through partnerships with financial institutions.
• Promote adoption of improved aquaculture technologies, including pond design, feed formulation, and disease control.
• Collaborate with academic institutions, UFPEA, and government agencies to co-develop and pilot new aquaculture models.

Market Systems Strengthening

• Broker long-term contract farming agreements between fish cooperatives and off-takers/processors.
• Facilitate the establishment and strengthening of multi-stakeholder platforms for fish value chains.
• Support advocacy for regional fish aggregation centers and cold storage infrastructure.
• Promote branding, certification, and quality assurance to meet market standards.

Capacity Building and Training

• Conduct sensitization workshops on sustainable aquaculture and wetland conservation.
• Build capacity of farmers on pond management, post-harvest handling, and market compliance.
• Train cooperative leaders and extension agents in business planning, financial literacy, and enterprise management.
• Promote youth and women inclusion in aquaculture through targeted training and incubation support.

Policy Engagement and Compliance

• Facilitate awareness and localization of fish farming regulations and wetland use policies.
• Work with MAAIF, MWE, and district governments to harmonize aquaculture guidelines.
• Support community-led conservation structures and link aquaculture participation to wetland restoration.

Learning, Documentation, and Reporting

• Document lessons learned, success stories, and best practices from aquaculture interventions.
• Contribute to project reporting and knowledge products in collaboration with MEL and communications teams.
• Provide data and insights to inform adaptive management and strategic decision-making.

Planning, Strategy, and Coordination

• Contribute to project planning and strategy development.
• Coordinate with the Project Manager, thematic leads (rice, horticulture, youth), and partners to ensure integrated implementation.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Aquaculture, Fisheries Management, Agribusiness, or a related field (postgraduate qualification is an added advantage).
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in aquaculture business development, value chain strengthening, or agribusiness advisory.
• Proven experience working with farmer groups, cooperatives, and financial institutions.
• Demonstrated understanding of sustainable aquaculture practices and wetland conservation in Uganda.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of aquaculture production systems, market dynamics, and quality standards.
• Experience in facilitating market linkages and contract farming arrangements.
• Familiarity with aquaculture-related policies, regulations, and institutional frameworks.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong facilitation and training capabilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• High level of integrity, initiative, and results orientation.