Blue Ventures is looking for a highly motivated aquaculture specialist to join the aquaculture team for approximately 6-9 months.
The objective of this role is to support the improvement of a community-based sea cucumber aquaculture model to ensure that it is profitable and viable for farmers, taking into account the risks and opportunities present in southwest Madagascar.
The chosen candidate will work directly with farmers and the local community, as well as with national research partners, international experts and private partners, to review the existing model and help develop a sustainable farming model for community-based farmers.
Main activities
Assess and redesign the model for community-based sea cucumber farming
Assess current farming activities and techniques in the field, through farming data and relevant literature as needed.
Assess the financial sustainability and profitability of the current farming model, taking into account known risks (e.g. disease, cyclones)
Evaluate and redesign relevant aspects of the farming model
Test and implement changes to the farming model design
Consult relevant experts
Requirements
A Master’s degree or higher in Aquaculture, Agriculture, fisheries or other pertinent field
Minimum of 3 years proven experience in aquaculture farming production preferably in community-based aquaculture (experience in sandfish farming highly desirable).
Capacity to develop innovative approaches for effective and practical farm management
Familiarity with business plan development and/or developing cost effective approaches
Experience in data management and analysis
Strong understanding of economic and social issues of community-based aquaculture
Experience linking commercial partners and other types of stakeholders
Networking and teamwork skills
Good analysis, reporting and communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft office
Fluency in written and spoken English or French (and/or Malagasy desirable)
Applicants should send an application form, cover letter and a recent copy of their CV (with full address, telephone and e-mail contact details of three professional and academic referees) to jobs@blueventures.org. Please include the reference “Sea cucumber farming assessment” in the subject line. The closing date for applications is midnight 17th November 2015.
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