Economic Opportunity Fund Fisheries Management (Licensing System) expert

Organization : Economic Opportunities Fund
Post Title : Fisheries Management (Licensing System) expert
Duty Station: : Sana’a, Republic of Yemen with travel to provincial towns
(In-country travel subjected to standard security clearance procedures)
Duration : 4 months (88 working days)
Type of Contract : TBD
Starting Date : January 2012
Languages required : English
Nationality : International

1. Background:

IFAD’s Fisheries Investment Project (FIP), focusing on sustainable resource management and value chain upgrading, is managed by the Economic Opportunities Fund (EOF). The EOF is established under Government of Yemen’s Economic Opportunities Programme (EOP) through Presidential decree no. 183/2010 dt. 25.09.2010, as a public-private partnership. The EOF is working to improve the economic status of poor women and men in rural areas, with the objective of creating economic opportunities, and in the fisheries sector through improved linkages of fishers’ organizations with markets and services.

In line with the above, the FIP aims to improve the economic status of small fisher households and create sustainable economic opportunities for fishermen and fisherwomen communities. Accordingly, the project consists of two investment components viz. Sustainable Resource Management and Value Chain Development.

Accordingly, one of the components support the introduction of an improved and expanded licensing system and train and equip fisheries inspectors of the Ministry of Fish Wealth (MFW) and Yemen Coast Guard (YCG) to enforce regulations, including those relating to fish quality and hygiene, and improve both on-shore and at-sea monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS). Licensing and capacity to enforce regulations are pre-conditions for the success of fisheries management. Accordingly, the licensing system will be improved and expanded to cover the entire fisheries value chain in order to: (i) control increases in fishing effort; (ii) facilitate enforcement of regulations and traceability of fisheries resources; (iii) improve accuracy of data collection; and (iv) create a valuable asset for fishers and to enable them to obtain vessel insurance. In addition a feasibility study will be undertaken to assess the potential to use the licensing system to generate revenue for Government and replace existing systems of taxation, which are difficult to enforce and which act as an incentive to fishers to underreport catches, affecting accuracy of data and management effectiveness.

1. Reporting System:

The aim of this consultancy is support the MFW and the YCG to review the existing licensing system, propose necessary changes and develop operational modalities, forms etc. Under the frameworks, as described above, the fisheries management expert, will be responsible for providing high-level guidance to the review of fisheries licensing system. He/She will work under the overall supervision of the Executive Director of the EOF; and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Fish Wealth. Also, The expert will work under the supervision of Team Leader (Fisheries Law/Legislations), and in close collaboration with the national experts and counterparts assigned. Reports on the progress of work are to be presented to the Executive Director of the EOF, the Ministry of Fish Wealth and the Team Leader.

1. Duties and Responsibilities:

The Fisheries Management expert will support the MFW and the YCG to review the existing licensing system, propose necessary changes and develop operational modalities, forms etc. Also, he/she will conduct a feasibility study on introducing an annual license fee to replace the current 3% levy. Changes to the licensing system should be based on broad stakeholder consultation and should include focus on achieving the following objectives: (i) controlling increases in fishing effort; (ii) facilitating enforcement of fisheries conservation regulations; (iii) improving accuracy of data collection; (iv) facilitating enforcement of fish quality and hygiene regulations across the fisheries value chain and increasing traceability; (v) creating a valuable asset for fishers; and (vi) potential creating a sustainable source of revenue for government. The licensing system should also ensure that small fishers are not disadvantaged and should avoid encouraging concentration of private control of fisheries resources.

1. Review the existing licensing system, the extent of its implementation and enforcement and its strengths and weaknesses;
2. Review existing proposals for a new licensing system;
3. Consult with stakeholders in the fisheries sector on the potential format of a new licensing system;
4. Based on the above, develop proposals for a new licensing system which is capable of meeting the above mentioned objectives and which covers all relevant actors in the fisheries value chain;
5. Describe the potential impacts of the proposed licensing system on stakeholders in the fisheries value chain and on the sector itself including impacts on access to resources and entry to the sector;
6. Assess institutional capacity to implement and enforce the proposed licensing system and recommend necessary capacity building actions;
7. Develop all necessary operational modalities, forms, templates etc.;
8. Assist the MFW and YCG to plan the administrative and logistical aspects of implementing the licensing system;
9. Assist the MFW and YCG to develop a national awareness campaign for the new licensing system;
10. Undertake a study, including extensive stakeholder consultation, on the feasibility of introducing an annual license fee to replace the existing 3% levy. The study should propose fee levels, means of payment, means of collection, coverage etc. and assess the impact of such a system on fishers and other actors in the fisheries value chain in terms of income and affordability. The licensing system proposed should be compatible with the introduction of a license fee therefore this study should be under simultaneously with development of new licensing system.
11. Work with the International and National training experts to develop, implement and follow up training course on fisheries institutions and law;
12. Providing of documented advice on any significant matter that falls within defined role.
13. Qualifications:

a) Masters degree in fishery/marine sciences or a closely related field with a relevant combination of academic and professional qualifications. Relevant legal qualifications, particularly in with a focus on fisheries/marine law would be an advantage.
b) A minimum of 10 years of relevant working experience, including the development and implementation of fisheries licensing systems in low-income countries.
c) Previous work experience in Middle East region or developing countries is desirable. Previous working experience in Yemen is an advantage.
d) Full Working knowledge of English, including excellent drafting and presentation skills.
e) Excellent computer skills, including full working knowledge of standard word processing, spreadsheet and presentation packages.

1. Competencies:

a) Experience in working in the field of fisheries licensing system, fisheries law and enforcement, fishery policy analysis and fisheries management.
b) Working experience from the Middle East Region.
c) Broad knowledge of fisheries management, marine ecosystem dynamics and sustainable development concepts in fisheries sector.
d) Experience in directing fishery policy, legal/legislative and development studies.
e) Strong oral and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of Arabic will be an asset.

How to apply:

Interested qualified candidate is encouraged to apply for this Consultancy to the following email addressinter.post@eofyemen.org not later than 05th of January 2013. Also for more clarifications about this post candidates are free to contact Mohammed Mahdi, EOF Procurement Officer on the following e-mail.m.mahdi@eofyemen.org .