Aquaculture Value Chain Expert

Job Opportunity - Value Chain Development Specialist

Project Overview:

The Aquaculture Promotion and Livelihood Improvement Project is a comprehensive initiative aimed at strengthening sustainable aquaculture systems, improving rural incomes, and enhancing livelihoods in Assam.

This IFAD-supported project promotes inclusive rural transformation by supporting smallholder producers, facilitating market integration, and addressing poverty reduction through aquaculture-based value chain development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead holistic value chain assessments of the aquaculture sector in Assam, identifying bottlenecks, opportunities, and potential interventions aligned with IFAD's inclusive and pro-poor approach.
• Design and implement upgrading strategies across the aquaculture value chain, covering hatcheries, feed supply, farming practices, post-harvest handling, processing, storage, and market access.
• Facilitate sustainable market linkages between smallholders, cooperatives, producer groups, private sector actors, and institutional buyers, ensuring equitable participation of women and marginalized groups.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity building to community organizations, self-help groups (SHGs), cooperatives, and rural entrepreneurs on improved aquaculture practices, enterprise development, and financial literacy.
• Support livelihood diversification initiatives to strengthen resilience, promote income growth, and reduce vulnerability among smallholder households.
• Ensure that all interventions integrate climate resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity, in alignment with IFAD's strategic priorities.
• Coordinate with government agencies, private sector partners, NGOs, and IFAD project management units to strengthen policy and institutional support for aquaculture development.
• Document and share best practices, lessons learned, and success stories for knowledge management and replication.
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on project outputs, outcomes, and impacts as per IFAD's results framework.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Masters degree in Management, Economics, Rural Development, Social Work, Fisheries, or related discipline from a recognized university/institution.
• 10+ years of professional experience in value chain development, aquaculture/fisheries, or rural livelihoods, with a strong track record in donor-funded or IFAD-supported projects.
• Proven expertise in smallholder-focused market development, inclusive value chain promotion, and rural enterprise strengthening.
• Solid understanding of aquaculture systems, rural livelihood models, and pro-poor value chain interventions.
• Experience working with government, private sector, producer organizations, and financial institutions.
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills; proficiency in English is essential, knowledge of Assamese/local languages preferred.

Benefits and Other Details:

• Contract Duration: 44 months (extendable based on performance and project needs).
• Workplace: Onsite, Assam (with extensive field travel).
• Competitive remuneration based on qualifications and experience.