Job Description

Posted on May 10, 2022

Cuando River Capture Fisheries Assessment, Cuando Cubango, Angola 2022
Background
WWF (the World Wide Fund for Nature) is an International Non-Governmental Organization. Our mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. WWF is working with companies, governments, communities and other partners in watershed protection and the sustainable management of shared water resources in the public interest through collective actions at basin level. WWF has worked on freshwater conservation for decades and is a strong advocate for responsible private sector engagement on water issues.
WWF Zambia is in the initial stages of setting a new grant under the Postcode Lottery Dreamfund Fund with the aim to convene all stakeholders in the region in an integrated effort beyond borders to sustainably secure both thriving communities and wildlife for the future.
Traditionally the responsibility to manage fisheries at community or rural set up level may be designated to fisheries community structures organized by the existing governance context. The governance context is usually dynamic from country to country and may define the scale in which the fisheries regulations, community norms and attitudes towards fisheries can be characterized. One of WWF’s global goals is to halve footprint of consumption and production, under which WWF is calling for efforts to ensure agriculture and aquaculture production are sustainably managed, and a doubling in sustainably managed fisheries.
In the Cuando region, WWF is aiming to contribute to the sustainable management of fisheries by promoting the establishment of fish reserves and community based fisheries management systems in Cuando basin that contribute to effective conservation of fisheries, sustainable fishing and preservation of aquatic biodiversity.
Scope of Assignment
The primary goal of the Cuando River Basin Fishery Assessment is to create understanding of the traditional systems and status of fisheries management in the Cuando River Basin with focus on fish stocks (populations, size and diversity) and management practices in place. The assignment shall establish the level of vulnerability of the Cuando River Fisheries to human induced ecosystem changes and assess the gaps in the traditional fisheries management systems (TFM). The consultant will provide a detailed account of the existing human consumptive demands on fish resources of the Cuando River and associated constraints to maintaining low risks of overexploitation of fisheries resources of the Cuando Basin. Further, the consultancy shall detail the traditional and modern fishing technology used in the region.
Objectives

To understand the current status of the fisheries in terms of household consumption or if fish are being sold or being used for local barter. If there are markets, where are they and who are the buyers including the including key stakeholders involved in management of fisheries in Cuando Cubango Province.
To understand the seasonal movement pattern of fishing communities and where they come from, In Namibia and in Zambia. What mechanism is in place to determine where communities can fish and when they move in addition to the types of fishing gear, availability of nets – especially nylon nets, seine size of nets, etc.
To understand tenure over fish stocks, if there is any traditional authority over fisheries from both Angola that relates to control over harvesting of fisheries.
To evaluate the current Fisheries Management and Conservation mechanisms and institutional framework.
To understand the extent of aquaculture development and the potential risks of invasive species introduction in the Cuando river systems, however focus should not only cover risks but opportunities for responsible fishery utilization and indicators for Sustainable Capture Fisheries and to consider the thriving potential for native fish species.
To identify key legal, institutional, social and economic instruments that can be used to lobby and advocate for the protection and sustainable management of fisheries.
Assess the existing potential for strengthening transboundary fisheries coordination and management in the formal fisheries management and regulation subsector. To assess if there legally declared fishing seasons, and if so, how do the open versus closed seasons correlate to Zambia’s fishing seasons.
Provide recommendations for the suitability of the establishment of natural fisheries reverses that can be protected by customary and statutory laws for communities in as pilot sites. Kataha, Kangongo, Rungamabwe, Mengela, Jamba and Rivungo. Develop a directory of key contacts of the key players in the fisheries sector.

Primary considerations

Technological Considerations: In order to establish whether restoration or stabilization of populations is required, interventions must take into account the type of gear and fishing methods used in this case traditional and conventional technologies. Unsustainable technologies may increase effective effort to over exploit the fishery resources of the Cuando River. Thus, a review of the type of gear and fishing methods most commonly used throughout the basin is needed as well knowing the sources of fishing gear.
Social and Cultural Considerations: To understand the relative balance between social and economic considerations in the governance priority of traditional and statutory authority as well as the traditional and cultural norms in relation to Cuando fisheries management.
Economic Considerations: Provide a detailed fish demand and supply analysis and market assessment focusing on the top two markets and the potential risks associated with excessive demand.
Considerations Imposed by Other Parties: Understanding risks associated with other water users that include tourism and conservation on sustainable fisheries.
Local and National Legislation: Review of the primary legislation that provides the legal basis for development, management and regulations for implementation by designated authority and develop a Directory of key actors in the fisheries sector.
Provide recommendations for the suitability of the establishment of Community fisheries reserves that can be protected by customary and statutory laws in the community based on community interviews in Kataha, Kangongo, Rungamabwe, Jamba and Rivungo as pilot sites

Deliverables and Time lines
The deliverables shall be submitted to WWF as indicated in the table below.
Financial and technical proposals are therefore invited to account for costs related to outlined specific deliverables.
Table 1. Guidelines for submission of deliverables, payment schedule and budget

Deliverable
Submitted by
Payment

Inception Report
10/05/2022
20 %

Assessment methodology

Assessment results &  Recommendations
30/07/2022
60 %

First Draft Report

Second Draft Report

25/08/2022
20%

Final Report

Required Technical Qualifications and Experience

Master’s degree in Fisheries Management and Aquaculture with at least 7 years’ experience and proven track record of having conducted similar or associated assignments.
Experience working on social and economic aspects of fisheries will be an added advantage.
Candidates with PhD. qualifications are preferable; however proven experience is still needed.
Extensive experience in assessment, monitoring, surveillance and evaluation of socio-economic dynamics of Fisheries.
Ability to independently carry out data collection, analysis and to deduction of conclusion and recommendations that apply to the real “on the ground scenarios”.
Excellent communication and inter-personal skills, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and partners.
Demonstrated oral, writing and presentation skills in Portuguese and English Language are a must.
Experience in the Angola is a must. Angolan nationals are encouraged to apply.

Desired Skills and Competencies

Independent worker, pro-active in thinking about opportunities to further improve the work outside the agreed deliverables.
Strong interest in nature conservation and the mission of WWF
Adherence to WWF’s values: knowledgeable, Optimistic, determined and Engaging.
Exemplification of WWF’s key behaviors: Strive for Impact, Listen Deeply, Collaborate Openly, and Innovate Fearlessly

Application Instructions and deadline
Interested applicants should submit both a technical and Financial proposal with copies of the latest CV and academic qualifications. These should be submitted to the following email; zc[email protected] 17:00 hours on 20th April, 2022.