Consultancy Announcement

Position: Consultant (Project Officer)

Location: Ermera, Timor Leste

Application Deadline: 23 April 2022

WorldFish is organizing a pilot project to supply farmed tilapia fish to selected schools in Ermera Municipality in partnership with stakeholders and as part of the Partnership for Aquaculture Development in Timor-Leste phase 2 (PADTL2).

The PADTL2 supports three clusters of tilapia producers in three suku in Ermera, namely Poetete, Fatuquero and Laubono. This pilot project aims to supply tilapia to selected schools with an operational Programa Merenda Eskolar (PME) -school feeding program, that participate in the HATUTAN program and document implementation opportunities and barriers.

To support with the implementation and monitoring of this pilot project WorldFish is seeking a Project Officer. The Project Officer will coordinate activities between the producers, local service providers (LSP) and schools, as well as with other stakeholders, and will ensure data collection from pond to plate.

This is a four (4) months position to support the implementation of this pilot for one school trimester (May till July 2023). The position is based in Ermera without access to office space and requires frequent travel to producers’ sites and selected schools. This role suits a highly independent person that can work autonomously.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Liaise with pre-selected schools, relevant municipal/local authorities and HATUTAN staff to socialize the pilot project and seek input on best approach to supplying and processing fish to the PME.
• Assess the suitability of the pre-selected schools to participate in this pilot, finalize their selection and update the fish requirements data according to the number of students participating in the PME and suitable delivery days.
• Coordinate with PADTl2 staff for the purchase of cool boxes to be distributed among selected schools and engaged local service providers (LSP) and assess ice access points.
• Engage with PADTL2 staff, tilapia producers and LSP to develop a plan to supply the required amounts of tilapia to selected schools on a weekly basis.
• Communicate regularly with PADTL2 staff to ensure tilapia stocking cycles in each cluster are aligned with the requirements to supply schools, and/or identify alternatives if the available supply cannot meet the PME demands.
• Liaise with LSP to coordinate the harvesting, purchasing and delivery of fresh tilapia in a timely manner and according to the supply plan.
• Distribute and socialize the tilapia cookbook and other materials to selected schools.
• Engage with and visit the schools PME coordinator and kitchen staff on a regular basis to ensure the smooth receival of fresh fish and collect data.
• Liaise with relevant partners, including the Ministry of Health and KONSSANTIL representatives, to support monitoring activities.
• Support the development of the M&E plan in collaboration with the Nutrition Consultant.
• Implement the data collection plan on tilapia supply, delivery, and utilization, with a particular focus on the fish processing, preparation, and consumption in schools.
• Record feedback form the cookbook users and meal satisfaction among students.
• Document challenges and problem solve as required.
• Prepare a brief report describing the lessons learnt during the pilot implementation, identifying the opportunities and barriers at each stage of the supply chain, and providing recommendations to evaluate the continuation for a second trimester.

Requirements

Skills, Experience and Knowledge

• Bachelor Degree in Agriculture, Social Science, Public Health or similar.
• Excellent understanding of rural livelihood systems and/or aquaculture.
• Experience in implementing aquaculture/agriculture/rural development/nutrition projects in Timor-Leste.
• Demonstrated experience in data collection and monitoring and evaluating projects.
• Ability to work independently under little supervision.
• Good team player, consistently approaches work with energy and a positive and constructive attitude.
• Good in computer software packages (MS windows, Excel and/or Kobo) and data management.
• Fluent spoken and written English and Tetum language skills (English desired but not required).
• Basic knowledge of nutrition highly valued.
• Valid diver license and access to own motorbike/vehicle.

Recruitment Process

This opportunity is open to citizens of Timor-Leste only. The selection of consultants will be based on the relevant qualification and experience. The interviews are expected to be held in April/May 2023 and only the shortlisted consultants will be notified and expected to attend the interview. The successful consultant should be available to commence the consultancy contract for a maximum of eighteen (18) days per month, for a duration of a maximum of 04 working months.

The consultant is required to use his/her own transport. An additional monthly allowance will be included for communication, petrol and other expenses including motorbike/vehicle maintenance, to be reimbursed upon the provision of receipts. A daily allowance to cover costs while staying overnight (accommodation and meals) will be covered through the WorldFish program. The consultant is required to provide an invoice and banking details for payment.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit the following information online latest by 23 April 2023:

• A cover letter including a 2-page (max) description of why you are an ideal candidate for this role referring to the key responsibilities and what you would bring to the role;
• A current curriculum vitae; and
• Name and contacts (telephone and e-mail addresses) of three professional referees (clients), you have consulted previously.

The screening will start as soon as possible, and will continue until the position is filled. Only selected consultant candidates will be contacted.

Our Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

WorldFish has seven offices across Asia, Africa and the Pacific, with more than 400 staff and 27 nationalities who contribute to a dynamic multicultural work environment.

WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity and inclusion is valued and we seek to have gender balance in the organization. We aim to also seek balance across other diversity dimensions.

People in WorldFish are treated equally irrespective of gender, ethnicity/race, national or social origin, disability, religion, political affiliation, age, family size, marital status or any other form of personal identity.

We are an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourage qualified people from developing nations to apply.

Benefits