Job - Mud Crab and Milk Fish Cultivation Expert

Timor-Leste

Closing date: 05 Aug 2011

ACDI/VOCA

Since 1963 and in 145 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. ACDI/VOCA currently has approximately 93 projects in 40 countries and revenues of $124 million.

Mud Crab and Milk Fish Cultivation Expert, Timor-Leste

ACDI/VOCA is seeking a short term Mud Crab and Milk Fish Cultivation Expert for a USDA funded Mud Crab / Milkfish Cultivation project in Timor-Leste. The program aims to address food insecurity and poverty alleviation through income generated by mud crab production. The project will develop mud crab (Genus Scylla Serrata) production as a source of primary or secondary income and an opportunity for female participation through aqua-business and use of mangrove areas in close proximity.

The tasks and expectations for this consultancy will form a key part of the preliminary requirements for designing a cost effective approach that can be replicated easily and will economically and socially benefit up to 20 northern coastal communities. The consultant will design a technical approach for viable mud crab production in mangrove areas that is environmentally sound and community focused. The consultancy will also provide guidelines, technical materials and designs for pens, cages, and bamboo/palm frond enclosures and outgrowing ponds using locally available resources that can also serve as training tools for the producer groups, project staff and MAF. The consultancy will also provide information on catching crabs directly in their natural habitat such as mangroves and means of feeding.

Responsibilities: • Design the technical approach (methods) for mud crab production in Timor Leste, with best practices as prescribed by literature, tested experience and know-how. This will include but will not be limited to economic viability, labor, local materials, mangrove use, environmental review and any other requirements. • Construct cages, pens and outgrowing ponds at three sites. • Develop technical reference material for each of the steps for mud crab production: o Biological, environmental and water conditions o Sourcing of wild crab stock (seed stock / crablettes and juveniles) o Disease control o Pen, cage and pond design o Crab fattening / cultivation techniques o Food sources and feeding o Handling and live containment o Profitability and cost points

Qualifications: • Minimum of 5 years experience in the field of aquaculture.
• The Consultant must have the capacity to advise and facilitate technical planning, design and construct technologies for mud crab fattening and cultivation, among other technical capabilities. • Prior experience with USDA projects, procedures, policies and reporting requirements is preferred. • Established track record of achieving results within difficult working environments is required. •Master’s degree in a pertinent field is highly desirable. •Fluency in English required.

Please apply online at http://acdivoca.maxhire.net/cp/?E5556F361D43515B7E59192F7755176F05627B4D . No phone calls please. Only finalists contacted. Women and minorities encouraged to apply. EOE.