Job Description
| Reports to: | Country Manager |
| Contract Term: | 2 Years (with possibility of extension) |
| Status: | Full-time |
| Annual Salary: | $22,000 to $25,000 CAD |
| Work Location: | Lilongwe, Malawi |
Formed in 1947, the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada) has focused its efforts on advancing self-reliant, member-owned co-operatives on a global scale. The strength of CDF Canada is grounded in its mission – Acting on Co-operative principles, we partner with communities to achieve sustainable economic and social development – and is at the heart of all strategic activities the organization undertakes. Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do! We recognize the immense value that different experiences and perspectives bring to our organization.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Aquaculture Specialist is critical in promoting sustainable farming systems that integrate aquaculture and agriculture in the Integrated Aquaculture-Agriculture Malawi (IAAM) Project. The focus of the project is aiming to improve food security, income, and environmental sustainability of smallholder farmers, especially women. This role involves working closely with farmers, stakeholders and the project team to promote sustainable practices, increase productivity and improve food security. The Aquaculture Specialist will provide technical support and training to farmers, aquaculture-agriculture system advice, and implementation support to the IAAM Project.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Design and Develop Systems
- Support the creation of small-scale, low-cost aquaculture-agriculture production systems that are economically viable, gender-inclusive, and environmentally friendly.
- Coordinate with local farmers and communities to ensure successful project execution.
- Create systems that are easily replicable and scalable by small-scale producers, with a focus on women.
- Analyze current resource use patterns and identify opportunities for constructive interaction between different farm and household activities.
- Design and implement integrated aquaculture-agriculture systems and strategies that promote efficient resource sharing, such as recycling farm waste as fertilizer or using household organic waste as animal feed.
- Create detailed plans and guidelines for integrating various agricultural and household enterprises, ensuring resources are utilized to their maximum potential.
- Collaborate with agronomists, experts, and local farmers to tailor the concept to local conditions and needs.
- Ensure alignment of IAAS with national policies and international best practices.
Technical Aquaculture Work
- Lead all technical aspects related to aquaculture within the project.
- Oversee the design, construction, and management of demonstration ponds/plots and conduct on-site rigorous Integrated Aquaculture-Agriculture (IAA) technologies.
- Support the implementation of disease prevention and biosecurity measures.
- Optimize production efficiency and yield to demonstrate the impact of IAA through farmer-managed on-farm farming, focusing on various fish production variants within the IAA system, including livestock, crops, and vegetables, which are suitable for small-scale farming.
- Assist the Country Manager with in-country implementation, stakeholder engagement, and coordination.
- Collaborate with the Department of Fisheries and relevant stakeholders to review existing manuals in aquaculture and update them as needed.
Technical Agriculture Work
- Promote climate-smart agriculture technologies, including the IAAS system, agroforestry, crop rotation, soil conservation, and integrated pest management.
- Encourage agroforestry and intercropping to enhance land productivity.
- Support the facilitation of training sessions for farmers, extension workers, cooperatives and other relevant stakeholders.
- Disseminate IAAS technologies to farmers by actively engaging extension agents to ensure effective technology transfer and adoption.
- Collaborate with project partners to develop content for radio and television programs focused on IAAS. Ensure the content is tailored to be informative, engaging, and accessible, addressing the specific needs and interests of the target audience.
Community Engagement
- Engage local communities to promote participation and ownership of project activities.
- Address community concerns and incorporate feedback into project planning and implementation.
- Foster strong relationships with local leaders, NGO’s and government agencies.
Sustainability and Environmental Management:
- Promote sustainable practices that protect the environment and biodiversity.
- Develop strategies to mitigate environmental impacts of aquaculture and agriculture activities.
- Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards.
Data Collection Report, Research and Innovation
- Conduct research on best practices and innovative technologies in integrated aquaculture-agriculture. Prepare regular reports for donors, government agencies and project stakeholders.
- Stay informed on advancements in aquaculture and agriculture.
- Collaborate with research institutions to develop innovative solutions.
- Pilot new technologies and assess their feasibility.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aquaculture, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in integrated aquaculture-agriculture systems and projects.
- Strong technical knowledge of aquaculture and agriculture practices.
- Understanding of aquaculture principles, crop production, and ecosystem dynamics relevant to Malawi
- Experience with farm management systems for monitoring and optimizing farm operations.
- Excellent project management and organizational skills, and team management.
- Proficiency in data collection, analysis and reporting.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including local communities and government agencies.
- High level of proficiency in written and oral English.
- Passion for sustainable agriculture and aquaculture development in Malawi.
- Willingness to travel to various field sites and work in diverse environmental conditions.
- Valid driver’s license.
COMPETENCY & SKILLS REQUIREMENTS
- Excellent communication and advocacy for responsible aquaculture and agriculture practice
- Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities
- Experience in project design, implementation, and monitoring.
- Results-oriented mindset with attention to detail
- Ability to manage budgets and timelines effectively
- Willingness to travel to remote areas
- Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and learn from setbacks
TO APPLY
We require all applications, including cover letters and resumes, to be submitted through CDF Canada’s web portal.
Application Deadline: Monday, July 29, 2024 4:00 p.m. CAT
Applicants must be Malawi Citizens or have legal authorization to work in Lilongwe, Malawi. Please note that we are unable to provide visa assistance or offer relocation support for this position.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, and unsolicited communication will not be accepted.
CDF Canada is committed to diversity and is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, or age.