Job Description
JOB TITLE: Aquaculture Technical Lead (TL)
REPORTS TO: Deputy Programme Manager
STAFF REPORTING TO POSTHOLDER: Aquaculture Officer
LOCATION: One of the Programme sites (Kakamega, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Busia, Siaya)
DURATION & HOURS: Fixed term, full-time, renewable based on performance and
availability of funds.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The purpose of the role is to provide technical leadership in Aquaculture for a program titled
‘Empowering youth in sustainable Aquaculture Markets and Job creation program’
that will be implemented by Farm Africa in partnership with Mastercard Foundation. The
programme aims to tap the potential offered by the aquaculture 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 and Kilifi.
This is a key role responsible for overseeing and managing technical aspects of aquaculture
operation. This position requires a strong understanding of the aquaculture practices,
technology and sustainability principles. He/she will lead a team of professionals, ensuring
the successful implementation of the aquaculture Programme, maintaining optimal
production conditions and driving innovation in aquaculture techniques. He/she should
possess excellent problem solving, analytical, and leadership skills. Effective
communication and interpersonal skills which are necessary for planning, development
and execution of aquaculture programme ensuring efficient and sustainable production of
aquatic organisms within established guidelines and regulations. Collaborating with various
stakeholders, industry partners and building productive relationships is key to optimize
productivity, profitability and environmental stewardship in aquaculture practices. A high
level of competence in project budgeting, quality reporting and work planning is essential.
KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Activity Implementation and Reporting
Take overall responsibility for the work planning, implementation and management
of the aquaculture component of the programme.
Track project progress on a weekly basis and provide routine updates as agreed
with the Project Manager.
To manage the programme’s aquaculture 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 Aquaculture TL will be responsible for ensuring the technical excellence of all
activities delivered within the project with a specific focus training in Aquaculture.
Work with the Deputy Programme Manager to identify areas of technical
development within the project and team and mobilize resources to support this.
Ensure follow up of technical trainings to analyze effectiveness and uptake of
trainings.
Develop and implement strategic plans for aquaculture programme, including site
selection, species selection, and infrastructure design.
Conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments and mitigating risks associated with
aquaculture operations, such as disease outbreaks, environmental impacts, and
economic factors to ensure the economic viability and sustainability of the aquaculture
operations.
Provide technical guidance and support to farmers and Local service providers (LSPs)
on best aquaculture practices, including feeding techniques, water quality
management, disease prevention and control, and hatchery operations.
Develop and implement protocols and procedures for monitoring and managing
aquaculture systems, including 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 aquaculture 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 aquaculture 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 aquaculture subsector, biodiversity conservation and
environmental protection;
Provide policy and strategic advice on sustainability criteria for aquaculture.
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 aquaculture 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 Aquaculture 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 Aquaculture 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
Essential Desirable
Education, qualifications & other knowledge
Bachelor degree in Aquaculture, Fisheries,
General agriculture, or other related field.
Knowledge and strong technical skills on all
aspects of aquaculture operations and
certification standards
Good understanding of the role of the
private sector in aquaculture and
other value chains
Good understanding of how small scale
producers can be linked to the private sector
or markets for their produce
Experience
At least 5 years’ experience in the
aquaculture sector and a strong value chains
and market engagement focus
Field based experience implementing small
holder projects in aquaculture
Skills & abilities
Project management Negotiating & managing partner
relationships
Team building Field level training
Financial management Policy influencing
Agricultural value chains development Fundraising
Participatory planning, monitoring &
evaluation
Capacity building of organisations &
individuals
Effective communication (both verbal &
written)
Familiarity with smartphone mobile training
tools
Report writing skills
Strong, decisive and results oriented leader
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.