The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture(ICBA) is an international, non-profit agricultural research center established in 1999 through the visionary leadership of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD), and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ICBA is a unique applied agricultural research center in the world that is focused on marginal areas where an estimated 1.7 billion people live. It identifies, tests and introduces resource-efficient, climate-smart crops and technologies that are best suited to different regions affected by salinity, water scarcity and drought. Through its work, ICBA helps to improve food security and livelihoods for some of the poorest rural communities around the world. ICBA is an equal opportunity employer and appoints qualified staff regardless of race, creed, color, age, gender, religion or national origin. We demonstrate our commitment to each member of our team through a competitive benefits package designed to assist our employees to cover their needs and the needs of their immediate family members.
This consultancy will be conducted under the project entitled: “Development of Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems in Degraded Areas of Karakalpakstan”. The project is funded by Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and it is implemented in Karakalpakstan (KP) region in Uzbekistan. One of the project activities is related to the establishment of an Integrated Agri-Aquaculture Systems (IAAS) demonstration pilot for training purposes in a selected location (to be decided by the project team and local partners) that combines agriculture with aquaculture. Under this activity, a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) is required to be designed and built focusing on multi-trophic aquaculture including brine shrimp (Artemia) and algae. Hence, an algae specialist is needed for the 1st phase of this project activity to provide his knowledge and expertise on the development and inclusion of the algae and Artemia component in IAAS directed for different uses. An Artemia species, Artemia parthenogenetica, grows naturally in the Aral Sea, hence, the local communities and experts are familiar with its occurrence. For this purpose, it is important to collect baseline information and data on the local Artemia species and algae farming in KP region and in Uzbekistan in general. This information and data will make the foundation for the large-scale analysis of Artemia and algae in KP, which, in turn, will help in designing the most suitable, cost-effective, and effective multi-trophic aquaculture system in the area, including, also, the aquaponics part. The project intends to hire the services of a well-known international consultant to do this task. The consultant (Algae specialist) will work with the technical project team (Aquaponics Consultant, ICBA’s Halophyte Scientist) and the local partners in KP to provide recommendations for the design of the Artemia and algae component as part of the aquaculture component. The consultant will also prepare a suitable design and provide the list of materials and probable costs for establishing an Artemia-algae system in the selected project sites. In addition, a synthesis report will be prepared by the consultant that will include the baseline data and information on Artemia-algae that the local communities are familiar with.
An Algae Expert / Aquaculturist is required that has background in Artemia-algae production and multi-trophic aquaculture. The expert should be capable to recommend the best integrated scheme for the algae, brine shrimp etc. farming to produce good quality products for food and feed, exploring other uses as well, based on the local needs and conditions. In particular, the following activities will be conducted for the 1st phase of this project component:
Prepare a thorough synthesis report (including trip report) that will include the baseline data and information on Artemia-algae species that the local communities are familiar with and other information related to this project component.
Contribution in the design of the Artemia-algae species component as part of the IAAS and list of materials.
MSc or PhD degree to related fields (Mariculture, Aquaculture, Biological Sciences from an accredited institute)
Minimum 15 years’ experience in aquaculture / algae / brine shrimp projects
Demonstrate experience on aquaculture / algae / brine shrimp commercial or demonstration pilot projects in Central Asia or in the broader region
Experience in implementing saline-based aquaculture / algae farming and their products development
In-depth knowledge and experience of algae farming, multi-trophic aquaculture, recirculation aquaculture and its implementation in marginal conditions (preferably under saline conditions)
Good teamwork and communication skills
Proven management efficiency and experience on international projects
A working knowledge of English is essential
