Aquatic Resources & Fisheries Consultants (Roster)

IRES is building a roster of highly qualified consultants to support a diverse portfolio of assignments in aquatic resources management, fisheries, aquaculture, aquatic ecosystem conservation, and blue economy development. Successful consultants will be deployed across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, and Ethiopia on short-term, long-term, or assignment-based engagements, depending on project requirements and organizational needs.

This is an exceptional opportunity for seasoned professionals with deep technical expertise in marine, freshwater, or coastal resource systems to contribute to impactful regional projects. Consultants will work with governments, development partners, NGOs, and communities to advance sustainable resource management and climate resilience across East Africa and the Horn of Africa.

• Provide technical advisory services on fisheries, aquaculture, aquatic ecosystems, and blue economy initiatives.
• Conduct baseline studies, feasibility studies, sector analyses, and comprehensive resource assessments.
• Design, implement, and evaluate fisheries and aquaculture development programs from concept through completion.
• Undertake aquatic biodiversity surveys, water quality assessments, fish health evaluations, and ecosystem diagnostics.
• Support the development of policies, regulatory frameworks, national strategies, and sector guidelines.
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder consultations, community engagement processes, and inter-agency partnership activities.
• Develop and deliver targeted training programs and institutional capacity-building initiatives.
• Conduct primary and secondary research, including data collection, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and interpretation of findings.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, policy briefs, project documents, and knowledge products for diverse audiences.
• Support monitoring, evaluation, learning, and donor reporting activities across project cycles.
• Provide actionable recommendations for sustainable resource management, climate change adaptation, and environmental conservation.

• Must hold a PhD in Aquaculture, Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Oceanography, Fisheries Economics, or a closely related discipline.
• Must demonstrate at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in aquatic resources, fisheries, aquaculture, or marine/freshwater ecosystem management.
• Must have a track record of delivering technical advisory services, consultancy assignments, or applied research projects with measurable outcomes.
• Must be able to produce publication-quality technical reports, policy documents, and analytical outputs independently.
• Must demonstrate strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, including experience managing complex multi-actor processes.
• Must show proven expertise in one or more specializations: Aquaculture Development, Fisheries Science, Marine Resource Management, Freshwater Ecosystem Management, Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation, Water Quality Monitoring, Fish Health and Biosecurity, Blue Economy Development, Aquatic Value Chain Development, Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Management, Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental Impact Assessment, MEL, or Natural Resource Governance.
• Experience working in East Africa or the Horn of Africa is highly desirable and will significantly strengthen applications.

Consultancy fees are competitive and commensurate with qualifications, depth of experience, and the nature of each assignment. Rates are negotiated on a per-engagement basis in line with prevailing market standards for senior technical consultants in the East Africa region. Daily or monthly consultancy rates typically range from KES 150,000 to KES 400,000 per month equivalent, depending on assignment scope and duration. Benefits such as travel, accommodation, and per diem are covered for field-based assignments as applicable.

This roster is ideal for independent consultants, research professionals, or retired practitioners with a PhD-level background and a strong body of consultancy or applied research work in aquatic resources or blue economy sectors. You should have demonstrated capacity to work autonomously, meet tight deadlines, and deliver high-impact outputs in complex field environments. Professionals with existing experience in World Bank, USAID, FAO, UNDP, or similar donor-funded fisheries and natural resource projects are strongly encouraged to apply.

This roster is not suitable for candidates without a relevant postgraduate qualification, those with fewer than 5 years of professional experience in the sector, or those seeking permanent full-time employment rather than consultancy-based engagements.

Interested consultants should submit their application to IRES through the official IRES recruitment portal or email channel. Your application should include: (1) an updated curriculum vitae highlighting relevant consultancy assignments and technical expertise areas; (2) a brief technical profile or expression of interest (maximum 2 pages) outlining your areas of specialization, geographic experience, and availability; and (3) at least two samples of recent technical reports or knowledge products you have authored. Shortlisted consultants will be contacted for further vetting and roster onboarding. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.