Position Description

POSITION TITLE: Aquaculture Development Officer

LOCATION: Satkhira, Bangladesh

REPORTS TO: Regional Coordinator & District Manager or District Manager of the district

BACKGROUND
WINROCK INTERNATIONAL is a non-profit organization that works with people around the world to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources. Winrock has been awarded the Safe Aqua Farming for Economic and Trade Improvement (SAFETI) project and is implementing it through offices in Dhaka and Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira and Jashore Districts of Khulna Division, and in Cox’s Bazar.

SAFETI is being implemented with the objective of achieving the following results through different interrelated components/ activities as mentioned in the project proposal:

  • Increase agricultural productivity by improving production and management of hatcheries and farms in the shrimp and prawn value chain to contribute to both improved food quality and safety, as well as to improved livelihood and environmental sustainability in the Bangladeshi prawn and shrimp industry.
  • Expand trade of agricultural products by improving handling and sanitary controls, reducing unnecessary layers in the value chain, promoting extension services, and building the capacity of trade associations and government trade promotion bureaus.

JOB OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Regional Coordinator & District Manager or District Manager of SAFETI, the Aquaculture Development Officer will coordinate, guide, supervise and monitor the aquaculture program activities to disseminate improved shrimp & prawn farming technologies by the partner NGOs (TMSS and CODEC) in the assigned district.

RESPONSIBILITIES and TASKS

  • Work in coordination with the Senior/District Manager and staff of the PNGOs Including Program Manager, Aquaculture Extension Officer and Aquaculture Field Facilitator to implement field activities for increasing farm productivity and income of the project beneficiaries through adopting improved technologies.
  • Work closely with PNGOs (e.g. CODEC, TMSS and others) staffs in identifying proper locations, direct beneficiary farming households, market actors and service providers for implementing project activities.
  • Assist and guide IPNGO staffs in selecting and organizing direct beneficiary farmers into a group/cluster for effective dissemination of improved technologies, better access to quality inputs (PL, feed etc.), output market and information.
  • With IPNGO staffs organizing training, coaching sessions, linkage events, exchange visits, establishing demonstrations, maintaining record keeping by enhanced participation of public and private stakeholders will be the key activities for effective dissemination of improved technologies.
  • Work closely with IPNGO staffs for developing and operating appropriate microfinance package for shrimp and prawn farming by the SAFETI direct beneficiary farmers and other farmers in order to facilitate expanding PNGOs microfinance portfolio.
  • Support farmers in accessing quality inputs including SPF/PCR tested PLs and quality feed, and in the marketing of their produce.
  • Build the knowledge of Lead Farmers and other entrepreneurs working with the project.
  • Promote sustainable, market-driven production systems, compliant with Good Aquaculture Practices (GAP) and food safety requirements.
  • Promote food safety and competitiveness in the shrimp and prawn supply chain through local level dialogue and coordination.
  • Assist the Training Coordinator in organizing training programs for diverse stakeholders, including farmers.
  • Work with PNGO staff in building collaboration and partnership with public and private institutions, market actors (both upstream and downstream) to promote adoption of eco-friendly technologies and to develop sustainable supply chains for shrimp and prawns.
  • Support farmers through the PNGO staff to adopt globally accepted sustainable aquaculture practices, including in farm management, good aquaculture practices, food safety and hygiene.
  • Support farmers through the PNGO staff to meet certification standards for their product, including in food safety, quality of inputs, in processing and in marketing.
  • Encourage PNGO and private sector financial investment in sustainable shrimp farming supply chains in Bangladesh, including local market development, transportation and cold storage facilities, etc.
  • Monitor and follow up the project implementation plan and assist PNGO team members in the execution of the plan.
  • Collect and compile information from entrepreneurs, beneficiary farmers and other stakeholders as required.
  • Submit monthly, quarterly, six monthly and annual reports of achievements, challenges and lessons learned.
  • Take part in review meetings with program team members and wider stakeholders to share experiences and results.
  • Manage efficiently a team of professionals, build the capacity of the team members in delivering quality services according to the designed interventions and monitor progress.
  • Maintain a good liaison with processing companies and other supply chain actors e.g. depots, suppliers, and work to improve the quality of farm inputs.
  • Work to establish access for farmers to sources of appropriate finance from public institutions and NGOs.
  • Establish/maintain links with the Government Department of Fisheries at the district and upazila levels.
  • Any other jobs as assigned by the management of project.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Master’s degree in Aquaculture/Fisheries with Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries with honors from a reputed university.
  • Minimum of 5 years relevant work experience in the field of aquaculture, especially in shrimp/prawn farming.
  • Fluent in both Bengali and English and with report writing skills.
  • Knowledge of aquaculture especially shrimp/prawn farming techniques, land and water management.
  • Ability to communicate ideas effectively, and to write clearly and concisely.
  • The applicant must be energetic and willing to work and live in remote coastal areas of the project.
  • S/he must demonstrate team spirit in working with diversified team members.
  • Experience in implementing programs through partnerships with local development organizations, the private sector and relevant government departments.
  • Have basic computer literacy with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Excel, and MS PowerPoint.
  • Experience in semi-intensive and/or intensive shrimp farming would be advantageous.

WORK SUPERVISION
The Aquaculture Development Officer (ADO) will work under the supervision of the Regional Coordinator and District Managers. The ADO will work in coordination with the project’s specialist.

WORK LOCATION
The primary work location will be the SAFETI District office in the assigned district Satkhira with frequent field visits to working areas.

SALARY and BENEFITS
Negotiable, but based on verified salary history. The position is a fulltime position with all other entitlements.

DEADLINE OF APPLICATION
Applicants should submit a Letter of Interest and current resume to wisafeti@gmail.com to the SAFETI Director, Finance and Administration. The application deadline is October 20, 2020.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The decision of Winrock International in selecting the candidate for the position is final. Winrock International is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.