Job Description

Position Title: Fisheries Team Lead
Position Level: Managerial 
Duration Of Contract: Long-Term
Position Location: Mogadishu, Somalia 
Supervisor: Economic Agency, Inclusion & Integration Director 

Project Background:

The USAID/Somalia Inclusive Resilience in Somalia (IRiS) Program works with the Somali government and people to ensure drought 
resistant agriculture and livelihood diversification for rural and urban households, as well as robust private sector engagement for inclusive 
economic opportunities for marginalized groups. More specifically, IRiS will provide targeted technical support and capacity building to 
strengthen resilience to climatic shocks for agriculture systems, increase the capacity of the private sector to integrate displaced persons 
better into the economy, and increase the access of marginalized households/businesses to finance and domestic remittances.

Position Summary:

The Fisheries Team Lead assumes a vital role in driving the productivity and competitiveness of Somalia's fisheries sector. This position 
entails the implementation of innovative and catalytic programming approaches to reinforce the long-term resilience of marginalized 
communities who rely on the sector for their livelihoods. The Fisheries Team Leader will spearhead initiatives aimed at fostering 
collaboration and partnerships, with a focus on enhancing employment and livelihood opportunities for marginalized fisherfolk through 
private sector engagement, facilitating the expansion of Somali fish exports to international and regional markets, and establishing a robust 
value chain encompassing catch, processing, and export. Additionally, the Fisheries Team Lead will strive to improve local fish consumption, 
thereby benefiting both the economy and the well-being of local communities.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee the design, implementation, and management of fisheries sector activities as agreed with USAID, FCDO and Federal 
Government of Somalia. This includes environmental impact assessments, gender inclusion, sustainable fishing practices, and 
developing strategies for the economic empowerment of marginalized communities. Provide management and technical leadership 
with respect to developing private-sector fisheries partnerships that can (a) tangibly help marginalized citizens overcome 
entrenched barriers to economic participation and success; and (b) strengthen access to finance (including value-chain finance) and 
other capital among marginalized groups.
• Engage with private sector enterprises, investors, cooperatives, women's groups, and government representatives to drive sector 
growth and resilience. Identify and integrate various value chain components e.g. logistics, cold-chain storages, certification, and 
standards in addition to small scale jetties and fish landing sites. 
• Advise and support investors including the Somalia diaspora investors seeking new investment opportunities in fisheries sector 
including but not limited to provision of business market information, analytics to make a solid investment decision in the sector. 
• Work to improve quality and standards in the fisheries sector, promoting local trade and exports. This includes developing market 
linkages and export networks with a focus on gender equity. Increase the competitiveness of Somali seafood products including
but not limited to design and implementation of export certification and standards to increase value and volumes of fish exports.
• Collaborate with IRiS technical leads to identify cross-sectoral coordination opportunities, integrating fisheries with other sectors 
like energy, access to finance and climate-resilient agriculture. 
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with relevant government agencies, local communities, export associations, private 
sector, NGOs, and other stakeholders involved in fisheries management.
• Work across technical divisions (including those dedicated to climate-resilient agriculture, economic agency and inclusion, and 
economic empowerment of IDPs) and grant-management teams to ensure achievement of program and workplan targets in a holistic 
way.
• Identify strategic areas for fisheries-related research and manage the dissemination of results to inform policy making, including 
overseeing policy engagement to encourage innovation and the uptake of new technologies.
• Facilitate linkages between fisheries enterprises and financial services providers. Provide leadership in developing private-sector 
partnerships that improve economic participation and access to finance for marginalized groups.
• Coordinate and oversee the preparation of contractual reports and communication pieces. Engage in substantive discussions with 
representatives of other institutions.
• Manage staff, consultants, and work across technical divisions to ensure the achievement of program and workplan targets in the 
Fish Sector

Experiences and Qualifications

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree required in relevant field. Master’s preferred or equivalent combination of education and work 
experience in a relevant competency area, including Environmental management, Agriculture, Natural resource management, 
Natural science, Environmental science, or other relevant field. 
• Minimum eight years of experience working in the marine and fisheries sector, preferably with an implementer, the private sector, 
or a government agency. Preference for those with demonstrated experience contributing to fishing industry development, 
establishing seafood value chains, and/or advising on best practices in seafood industry/health safety standards. 
• Experience with fisheries cold storage facilities and cold chain development, and IUU fishing valuable. 
• Experience working collaboratively with line Ministry both federal and member states and the local private sector, leading policy 
discussions, and coordinating activities with those of other donors. 
• Experience managing diverse teams and working with counterparts from other cultures. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Knowledge of international fishing conventions and projects preferred. 
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multitask, organize, and work productively and efficiently in a fast-paced environment. 
• Willingness to work in fragile/post-conflict countries. 
• Demonstrated experience managing or implementing projects in Somalia is highly preferred.
• Experience in USAID funded projects is a plus. 
• Excellent oral and written English and Somali language skills. 
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (PowerPoint, Word & Excel). 

Core Competencies:

TEAMWORK: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals. Participates in building a culture characterized 
by inclusion, trust and commitment.
COMMUNICATION: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts professionally. Demonstrates effective use of listening 
skills and displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.
ADAPTABILITY: Adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands 
and competing priorities in a changing environment.
CUSTOMER/CLIENT FOCUSED: Anticipates, monitors, and meets the needs of customers and responds to them in an appropriate and 
responsive manner.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: Conveys respect for all individuals and perspectives; models inclusive behavior and treats everyone 
fairly.
PROFESSIONALISM: Displays appropriate and ethical behavior, integrity and personal presentation in the workplace always; 
demonstrates respectful communication for others, both verbal and non-verbal.

Skills Required

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