Country: Somalia
Closing date: 06 Nov 2017
OVERVIEW OF CTG GLOBAL
CTG support and manage humanitarian projects in fragile and conflict-affected countries around the world. With past performance in 15 countries – from the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and Central and South America – we offer a holistic fabric of project management, implementation and support. Skilled in emergency response to crises such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, we have the ability to act quickly (crisis response teams can be on the ground in 24 hours) and to establish structured operations in high-risk environments. CTG recruit and manage qualified, skilled teams with extensive experience operating in challenging conditions.
OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION
The unemployment issue, especially amongst the youth, remain a major concern and priority for the Government of Somalia in its recovery and development efforts. It is estimated that 70% youth of employable age are unemployed. The country has relatively high vulnerable unemployment estimated at 59% (NPD). Although Somalia has its 3,330 km of coastline, the fishery sector capacity of the country is very low. The fishing industry contributed only 2% to the country’s GNP, although it has great potential for growth. This low figure is certainly the result of the nomadic status on majority of the population and the lack of proper conservation and processing facilities to service hinterland markets (SATG/UNDP Fish Value Chain Study in2016). The Somali marine fishery resources have a great potential to contribute to food and nutrition security, employment opportunities, economic growth and the building of livelihoods resilient to threats and crises. All stakeholders continually advise, there has been seriously reduced artisanal fisher activities since civil unrest in the 90’s, the mass exodus of people and destruction of infrastructure has deprived the population of traditional skills in the fisheries sectors.
UNDP, in close collaboration with FAO, has been supporting for the development of the fishery sector for creating, amongst others, youth employment in Somalia, under the FGS and UN Joint Programme on Youth Employment. UNDP, in partnership with FAO, undertook a fishery value chain and a dry fish export analyses during 2016-2017. These analyses have identified prevailing constraints in a number of areas along the value chain and came up with recommendations for the reform in the systemic and targeted areas, improving the living standard of the fisherfolks, creating more job opportunities and export opportunities. One of the major constraints found out during the analysis is that there is no international standard quality control mechanism available for usage.
Due to the year round perfect drying conditions in Somalia, techniques based on the present fishery in Somalia can be improved to benefit remote communities. Value added processing of the catch can provide increased returns and improved income generation for coastal communities and improved food security for inland populations.
As per the Fish Value Chain and Dry Fish Export analyses, necessary actions are to be taken in the following areas:
Processing and exporting: small-scale improvements to fish processing and marketing infrastructure and equipment supply; improvements in quality control and fish hygiene practices; market analysis; fish product analysis; and training in fish processing, drying, packaging and marketing.
Production: training in fishing gear technology and operations targeting the small and large pelagic species and the making and repair of fishing gear.
Input and supply: the manufacture of cost effective lift net fishing devices to harvest currently un-exploited small pelagic resources; supply of fishing gear; and, small-scale FAD construction and deployment.
Improved Quality Control (QC) and fish hygiene practices.
The State regulations need to be reviewed/developed against international best practices and the requirements in the target markets for the dried products and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) devised for application at all stages of the value-chain.
The priority is to continue to develop markets as quickly as possible to ensure a sustainable dried fish market is developed for the youth employment program.
There is encouraging communication of the state authority with Hong Kong buyers for dried fish export into the Chinese market. Additionally, a 200kg trial order for Zanzibar is also requested. Furthermore, there is an order for 20ft container load of dried fish into Mombasa, for both Mombasa and Nairobi dried fish markets - Somali dried fish is presently being sold in both markets on a trial basis. Sri Lanka has been identified as a real potential market for a “Maldives” style dried tuna loin product. Uganda, Angola, DRC all are target markets for Somali dried fish.
There is a need to support the sub-national governments to develop the international standards and procedures and train the relevant officials in the international standard system and procedures, to facilitate exports of dried fish from Somalia to Kenya, Tanzania/Zanzibar, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Angola and DRC. As a result, it will have catalytic effects in creating job opportunities and boost the economies. For this purpose, an international consultant is proposed to be hired.
III. Objectives of the assignment
To improve the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for fish handing, processing, packaging and storage as well as fish exporting opportunities, in fishery sector
GENERAL FUNCTIONS
Role objective:
The consultant, based at the FAO Office in Bassaso, will cover Bossaso, Kismayo and Berbera. Under the direct supervision (technical) of FAO Somalia Head of Unit Fish Consumption and overall supervision of the UNDP Project Manager, JP on Youth Employment, the Consultant will work in close collaboration with the MoFMR and other stakeholders in public, private sectors and civil societies, including youth and women, in Puntland, Jubaland and Somaliland and will undertake the following tasks and responsibilities:
1) The user-friendly Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) are devised for application at all stages of the value-chain. And develop these as appropriate to the various process facilities and the target markets of these facilities. The initiative covers a variety of fish processing concepts from remote communities with cottage based approaches, to more advanced community facilities in urban locations. Target markets will vary according to the processing facility type and location.
2) The user-friendly Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’S) devised for application at all stages, starting from capture fishery sectors to supply quality fish to process facilities. The activity covers a variety of fish capture concepts from remote communities to more advanced main port fishing operation’s, all with various sized fishing vessels and fishing techniques.
3) The various State regulations to be reviewed/developed against international best practices and the requirements in the target markets for the dried products and; accordingly, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) will be devised for application at all stages of the value-chain. The consultant’s activities would be driven by actual requirements under this activity to support dried fish exports or other products that may be identified as appropriate to further generate youth employment opportunities, and work within this activity. These tasks would require the consultant to work closely with the Ministry of Fisheries within each State; and ensure, the official documentation is achieved for all exports under this program.
4) The consultant would investigate importing country requirements and working closely with FAO Somalia Head of Unit Fish Consumption, prepare dried fish products for export to countries identified. And assist the governments as possible first exports to each of the countries identified as practical within the time frames of this consultancy.
5) Provide a professional overview of limitations in infrastructure and gaps in the value chain of the fisheries sectors of Somalia.
6) Train the relevant government officials on the developed SOPs so as to improve fish handling, processing, packaging and storage practices as well as on fish export documentation ( e.g. issuance of Fish Export Certificates, & Certificates of Origin of Fish).
7) Provide a comprehensive end-of-mission report, including detailed information on all aspects of activities within the consultancy. This will outline major challenges within the dried fish processing and marketing industry for Somalia. And provide recommendations on best approaches forward for the Fishery Value Chain with specific links in the chain that could be strengthened with the potential to leverage significant employment benefits for a large group of people (including women and youth).
Expected output:
Deliverable #1: Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the fish processing activities identified, developed and finalized. Deadline: 20 November 2017
Deliverable #2: Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the capture fisheries sector for supply of quality fish products identified, developed and finalized. Deadline: 5 December 2017
Deliverable #3: The best practices and requirements for target markets for dried fish products identified and documented. Allowable limits of potential contaminants of dried fish products identified and documented. Deadline: 10 December 2017
Deliverable #4: Fish Handlers and Fish Quality Control officials of 3 States trained on the identified SOPs so as to improve fish handling, processing, packaging and storage practices.
Deadline: 10 December 2017
Deliverable #5: Official documentation for exports to meet the requirements of importing countries developed, in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources in each state.
Deadline: 20 December 2017
Deliverable #6: Fish Inspectors trained on fish export documentation (e.g. issuance of Fish Export Certificates, & Certificates of Origin of Fish). Deadline: 20 December 2017
Deliverable #7: The final report, including the report on exports achieved in the identified markets, developed and submitted. Deadline: 31 December 2017
Project reporting:
Supervisor: Direct supervisor (technical): FAO Somalia Head of Unit Fish Consumption, and 2nd Supervisor: UNDP Project Manager, Joint Programme on Youth Employment
Team management:
To be advised.
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE
Education:
§ Bachelor's degree in in the relevant fishery development areas and/or public/business administration from a recognized international institution.
Work experience:
§ Minimum of 12 years of demonstrable relevant Fisheries & Agriculture experience and/or minimum of 5 years of demonstrable relevant Quality Management experience.
Geographical experience:
§ Minimum of 3 years of experience in Africa with local experience in Bossasso is an advantage.
Languages:
§ Fluency in English is essential.
Key competencies:
Technical expertise/competencies:
•At least 12 years’ experience in advanced commercial fishing operations in oceanic and near shore artisanal fisheries sectors, including fishing gear design and manufacture.
•At least 5 years’ experience working in fisheries development and training initiatives with small scale fishers in developing countries.
•Demonstrated experience in training in small scale fisheries sectors;
•Demonstrated experience applying co-operative and transparent problem-solving approach in a high-pressure environment;
•Experience with FAO, United Nations, NGOs, EU or other similar partners will be an added advantage;
•Working experience in crisis countries, especially in conflict situations in Africa, is preferable;
•Ability to effectively use standard office software, such as MS Office (Windows, Word, Outlook, Excel, Exchange)
•Exceptional analytical and communication skills
•Exceptional cooperative spirit, flexibility and openness to work in an international environment;
•Ability to quickly establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural background;
•High degree of self-motivation, initiative and resourcefulness;
Other relevant information:
To be advised
How to apply:
In order to apply please use this direct link and apply for VAC-1094
https://recruitmentctg.force.com/xcdrecruit__Site_ExternalPositionDetails?id=a1124000002rptM