Principal Fish Trade And Marketing Officer at Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO)

Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO)

Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO) is an institution of the East African Community (EAC) charged with the management and development of fisheries and aquaculture. It was formed by a Convention in 1994 with major amendments in 2016. It is accommodated under Article 9.3 of EAC Treaty and registered as a Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO) under the FAO UN Charter CAP 102. The overall objective of the LVFO is to promote sustainable management and development of the fisheries and aquaculture in order to contribute to food security and economic growth in the EAC region. The 2016 amendment to the Convention that established LVFO expanded her mandate and scope to cover among others issues of fish quality, trade, and marketing. In addition, as EAC Partner States submit their instruments of accession to the Repository (FAO) and join the Organization, the number of main stream and project staff increases. Against this background, LVFO Secretariat is seeking to recruit competent staff to fill the Principal Fish Trade and Marketing Officer to strengthen the Organization, to deliver on her mandate.

A. Purpose of the Job

Conducts reviews, evaluates and also synthesizes reports and information regarding implementation of Fish Trade and Marketing to enable follow up on implementation of the interventions in official controls of fish quality, compliance to standards, value addition and marketing.

B. Duties and responsibilities

1. Develop strategy to update and develop market information relating to fish
2. Develop framework for harmonization of fisheries trade policies, regulations legislations, strategies, standards, guidelines, plans as well as traceability and certification mechanisms
3. Develop frameworks for improved traceability and certification of fish products
4. Assist in building capacity of competent authorities in the Partner States for accredited certification and compliance with regional and international fish import and export requirements
5. Strengthen capacity of the Partner states in fisheries improvement programmes for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) ecolabelled certification for enhanced trade in seafood and aquaculture fish product in the region
6. Conduct analysis of fisheries trade corridors
7. Facilitate the development of coordinated positions of LVFO in forums of international standard setting organizations
8. Coordinates and supports Fisheries Research and Fisheries Management institutions in improving post-harvest fish handling methods and techniques including preservation methods, handling and processing techniques, labeling, distributing and storage.
9. Promotes adherence to guidelines on post-harvest handling by all investors in the region.
10. Coordinates the marketing of fish products, and organizes joint promotion activities in the region.
11. Promotes the harmonization of post-harvest management standard operating procedures in the region.
12. Institutional strengthening of fish trade information networks in the region.
13. Review and update data and information regarding markets and trade of fish and fishery products
14. Evaluate and identify needs for strengthening performance of Competent Authorities, fish inspectors in official controls and strengthening capacity of private sector to comply to required standards
15. Review and package data and information for sensitization on matters of fish quality assurance, marketing and trade
16. Synthesize and update data and information on investments in fish handling, processing, marketing and trade
17. Participates in implementation of programmes where required to ensure quality and safety of fish and fishery products
18. Prepare quarterly and annual reports on activities conducted
19. Reports to and performs any other duties as may be assigned by the immediate supervisor.

C. Qualification and working experience

A Master’s Degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Resource Economics, fish quality assurance, and Marketing and Trade in Agricultural Products. Post graduate training in a related field with specialization in fish and fisheries products will be an added advantage.

1. Working experience

2. Desired key competencies

D. Conditions of employment

The Contract period is for five (5) years renewable once upon satisfactory performance. The first term is subject to a six (6) months’ probation, before confirmation upon satisfactory performance.

      1. Remuneration

An attractive Basic Salary package at EAC P3 scale including monthly Housing and Transport allowance.

       2. Fringe Benefits

In addition, this post offers attractive fringe benefits including an installation allowance paid once, plus gratuity paid monthly, a personal medical Insurance, and personal accident insurance cover.

E. Eligibility

Eligibility is restricted to candidates from EAC/LVFO Partner States (The Republics of Burundi, Kenya, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania).

F. Language requirement

Proficiency in English language is a necessary requirement.

G. Age Requirement

Must be preferably not more than 55 years’ old