ABALOBI and our approach ABALOBI (meaning ‘traditional fisher’ in the isiXhosa language) is a non-profit organisation based in South Africa but with a global reach. We work with small-scale fishers through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and capacity building to foster more sustainable fisheries management and the realisation of thriving coastal fishing communities. We address inequality, the general lack of fisheries data, safety at sea concerns, and limited market access within small-scale fisheries through our unique ‘Tech & Touch’ approach. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, we operate projects in South Africa, the Comoros and the Seychelles and are scaling our impact globally in 2021. Our approach to community development and upliftment is expressed through the ABALOBI Theory of Change, based on the hypothesis that sustainable development can only take place through fisheries change pathways that integrate ecological, social and economic concerns. Enabling small-scale fishers to record their own catches and visualise their data collectively, coupled with capacity building, the development of a fully traceable, storied seafood offering and consistent market access will empower them to engage in the market from a more equitable position. In turn, this will increase the value of their livelihoods and ultimately catalyse fishers’ engagement in adaptive fisheries management and promote thriving, sustainable and equitable small-scale fishing communities.
ABALOBI seeks to appoint Community and Marketplace Project Manager to be based in Western Cape.
The purpose of the role, Community and Marketplace Project Manager, is to manage, co-ordinate and implement activities that work towards the achievement of the project objective: building climate resilience of coastal communities through ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) activities to improve food and livelihood security. In partnership with WWF-SA, the individual will manage and co-ordinate the implementation of this project in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape. Activities will include capacity-building engagements, supporting market-based initiatives and other actions as identified in the EBA plan.
Key responsibilities and duties:
Implementation of ecosystem-based adaptation activities
Lead community-based assessments and manage the implementation of co-designed EBA activities
Lead training and capacity development engagements in project sites based on EBA activities as well as training on the ABALOBI suite of apps
Develop and adjust materials based on local capacity and iterative feedback processes
Ensure engagements complement and run alongside the wider ABALOBI community development (CD) strategy
Support and promote the utilisation of ABALOBI engagement channels
Manage and co-ordinate the coach-based system in project areas and project support related to overall ABALOBI coach-based system
Undertake collaborative process with external stakeholders such as project partners, fisher leaders and fishers
Manage and implement organisational development activities with fisher co-operatives
Implement our Gender Action Plan
ABALOBI MARKETPLACE:
Collaborate with WWF-SA and fishers in the Kogelberg to co-develop ABALOBI MARKETPLACE implementation in the region
Support the uptake of the ABALOBI MARKETPLACE platform by the Kogelberg fishing communities and manage the on-boarding of fishers to the platform
Stimulate discussions among fishers in the Kogelberg aimed at building collective action to implement the ABALOBI MARKETPLACE as a community-led initiative
Assist with the identification of infrastructure needs and installation of any infrastructure required for the ABALOBI MARKETPLACE platform to operate and expand in the Kogelberg region
Host training workshops and other knowledge-sharing sessions that empower fishers to cope with the operational demands of the ABALOBI MARKETPLACE platform and utilise ABALOBI community-based coaches to undertake mentorship and shared learning.
Market-based initiatives:
Undertake a market analysis study to identify possible market avenues for the sale of catch from the Hamburg Small Scale Fisheries Co-operative in the Eastern Cape
Pilot the use of appropriate market engagement mechanisms with the Hamburg Small Scale Fisheries Co-operative with a select number of identified species as per the findings of the desktop review and ground truthing.
PMEL:
Undertake all project reporting as required under this project
Communicate with project partners on key project monitoring, evaluation and learning (PMEL) indicators
Participant on project advisory committees
Utilise ABALOBI PMEL tools to track project progress
Partake in stakeholder meetings and provide feedback to ABALOBI staff
General organisational roles:
Participate in routine staff meetings and routine meetings with the ABALOBI CD and MARKETPLACE teams
Support ABALOBI social media activities and document CD activities for the general public
From time to time and where relevant, support ABALOBI projects/initiatives that may fall outside of the scope of work defined above
Promote ABALOBI‘s values and mission during all stakeholder engagements
Support the development and implementation of the ABALOBI CD strategy
Job requirements including essential qualifications and skills:
University degree in relevant field
Valid South African drivers licence
Fluent in English and isiXhosa
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Experience managing donor-funded projects and/or working in a social enterprise
Proven track record working with rural and/or disadvantaged communities
Experience in developing and facilitating training engagements for adult community members as well as developing materials
Experience in managing projects (donor-funded) and PMEL systems development and maintenance
Excellent computer skills including Google Suite and MS Office as well as digital media skills and implementation of Information
Communication Technologies (ICTs)
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to relate to and work effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds
Problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to challenging situations
Ability to travel around the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces
Driven, organised and meticulous in work, with a high capacity to work independently and also in a team environment.
Desired qualifications and skills:
Five years or more work experience with a non-profit organisation and/or social enterprise
Demonstrable work experience with marginalised communities and facilitating training with adult learners
Access to own transportation and valid driver’s license.
Applicants should apply by following the link below to submit a letter of motivation, resume (CV), as well as a one-minute video outlining their motivation for applying for the position by 31 December 2020.
Click to submit your application: Apply here.
This is a fixed-term position with possibility of extension based on funding.
Please note that ABALOBI reserves the right to contact short-listed candidates only.
Contract terms and remuneration
When not in the field, the position will be home based and the successful applicant will be required to have an adequate work set up. Some support for this will be provided.The applicant will be required to meet for weekly staff workshop in Cape Town and other meeting with the CD team
For more information about GCRC, refer to http://abalobi.info/about/