Fisheries Officer

Job Summary

The anticipated IFAD-funded Sustainable Agriculture Development Project (SADEP) project overall goal is to contribute to enduring peace and reduced poverty in South Sudan and its development objective is to enhance resilience, food, and nutrition security for rural communities in four counties (Terekeka county of central Equatoria; Mundri West and Mvolo Counties of Western Equatoria State and Bor County Jonglei State) over a period of 7 years in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

The Fisheries Officer leads implementation of sustainable fisheries activities, providing technical support to fishing communities, state fisheries departments, and producer groups. The role ensures quality technical delivery under Subcomponents 1.2 (Climate adaptive, nutrition sensitive agriculture and sustainable fisheries practices and technologies developed and promoted) and 2.2 (Appropriate climate adapted, and nutrition sensitive Postharvest technologies and practices promoted and adopted). Duties include developing and promoting community-led fisheries management plans, training on best fishing practices, supporting data collection, guiding the establishment of fish handling, processing, and value‑addition systems, and enforcement.

Responsibilities

Fisheries Management Implementation (30%)

• Support development and enforcement of fisheries management plans.

• Ensure compliance with national fisheries policies and conservation strategies

• Promote sustainable fishing practices and gear compliance.

• Establish community-based fisheries monitoring systems.

• Facilitate closed seasons and protect zone awareness.

• Support fisheries data collection and stock monitoring.

• Strengthen collaboration with state fisheries departments.

Capacity Building and Extension (25%)

• Train fishers in sustainable harvesting techniques.

• Conduct ecosystem conservation awareness sessions.

• Facilitate community consultations and participatory planning.

• Build networks with regional fisheries organizations and local counterparts.

• Mentor extension staff and community leaders.

• Support youth enterprises in boat construction and gear supply.

• Promote gender inclusion in fisheries groups.

Value Chain and Post-Harvest Support (20%)

• Promote improved fish handling and preservation practices.

• Support establishment of drying racks and solar dryers.

• Strengthen cold chain and fish landing infrastructure.

• Facilitate market linkages and private sector partnerships.

• Reduce post-harvest losses through improved technologies.

• Support fish processing and value additional initiatives.

Policy and Data Support (20%)

• Support fisheries data analysis and reporting.

• Contribute to fisheries policy validation processes.

• Coordinate with regulatory bodies on compliance issues.

• Document indigenous knowledge and best practices.

• Participate in national and county-level planning forums.

• Contribute to project monitoring and evaluation reporting.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES AS ASSIGNED  (5%)

Education/Training

Required

• Holder of a Bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields: natural resource management, fisheries science, aquaculture or any other related subjects from a reputable University with at least 5 years of practical experience in implementing fisheries intervention in a context like South Sudan.

Experience/Technical Skills

Required

• Extensive and demonstrable knowledge on fisheries and conservation strategies for sustainable fisheries management.

• Extensive and demonstrable knowledge of policy/governance, and resource management.

• Excellent interpersonal skills including advanced experienced presentation and facilitation.

• Effective and clear communication skills in writing and verbally in English

• Experience in participatory approaches and with experience in working with government, counterpart agencies, NGOs, private sector, community-based organizations and regional fisheries organizations.

• Experience working with both international and local partners, government, and communities

• Demonstrated ability to set priorities and work with minimum supervision to meet changing deadlines.

• Experience working on donor-implemented projects is an advantage.

• Proven problem-solving skills and ability to offer practical solutions.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to express ideas clearly.

• Computer literacy, including proficiency in word processing and office technology.

• Strong teamwork skills and willingness to travel at short notice.