Consultant - Assessment of Traditional (Loum-Pa) Fisheries Management

Description:

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) seeks the services of a qualified consultant to design and deliver a comprehensive assessment on Loum-Pa—a traditional fisheries management system. The assessment aims to document the history and purpose of Loum-Pa, its role in fish utilization, and its associated social and ecosystem services. This work will contribute to understanding how traditional knowledge can support sustainable fisheries management in local communities.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The overall objective of this consultancy is to review, design, and implement an evaluation and survey focusing on traditional local knowledge in fisheries management (Loum-Pa).

Specific Objectives:

• Identify the main obstacles and key factors influencing sustainable fisheries management.
• Document local management practices, community perspectives, and traditional ecological knowledge.
• Provide recommendations to enhance sustainable and participatory fisheries management.
• Assess and verify the number and distribution of Loum-Pa in two districts.

Scopr Of Work:

• Review and design assessment instruments for data collection on Loum-Pa.
• Provide technical training to PAFO and DAFO staff for field data collection.
• Conduct field visits to fishing grounds and nearby settlements in Loum-Pa areas.
• Engage with local fishers, community leaders, and stakeholders through individual and focus group interviews, and participatory observations.
• Collect both quantitative and qualitative data on governance, compliance, resource conditions, and fishing practices.
• Review existing customary laws, enforcement mechanisms, and traditional management guidelines.
• Document the socioeconomic impacts of fisheries activities on local livelihoods.
• Analyze collected data and prepare preliminary findings and reports.

Deliverables:

1. Inception Report – A proposal outlining the methodology and work plan, submitted within two weeks of the start date.
2. Fieldwork and Data Collection – A total of 13 working days, distributed as follows:a) Review and update questionnaires and present them to IWMI (02 working days).b) Travel between Vientiane (VTE) and Attapeu (ATP) (02 working days).c) Field training and data collection in Sanamxay and Samakkhyxay Districts (05 working days).d) Data entry, analysis, and preparation of a first draft report for IWMI feedback (02 working days).e) Finalize the report based on IWMI’s feedback and submit the final version (02 working days).

Requirements

Minimum Educational Qualifications & Experience Required:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Fisheries, Environmental Management, or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in fisheries management, environmental assessment, or related areas.
• Demonstrated experience with traditional or community-based natural resource management systems.
• Strong skills in participatory research and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent documentation and reporting skills in both English and Lao.

Benefits

This is a nationally hired consultancy; therefore, individuals with relevant abilities are encouraged to apply. IWMI offers a competitive monthly rate for this assignment. The duration of the contract will be for a period of thirteen (13) working days.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) on Oct 31, 2025 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). Your application must include a CV, cover letter, and three (3) references, which may be contacted if you are shortlisted. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.