Hatchery Management Expert

Organizational Setting

Since 2022, Guyana has identified Litopenaeus vannamei (Pacific white leg shrimp) as a strategic subsector to modernize aquaculture, improve food security, reduce imports, and generate employment opportunities, particularly for small scale producers. As part of this effort, a national shrimp hatchery has been established to supply high quality post larvae to farmers.
However, the hatchery has faced challenges in achieving consistent production of high quality post larvae at the required scale. To address these constraints, FAO is implementing a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) project aimed at strengthening hatchery operations through the deployment of specialized technical expertise, establishment of standardized protocols, and on the job training of national staff.
Within this context, FAO seeks to engage a Hatchery Management Expert to support the start up of the Hatchery operations at the Mon Repos Shrimp Hatchery in preparation for the safe receipt of the first broodstock.
The overall objective of the assignment is to establish, operationalize, and stabilize the hatchery system at the Mon Repos Shrimp Hatchery, including the RAS, establishing functional systems protocols, while training and mentoring national technical staff to independently manage the hatchery in line with international best practices for L. vannamei hatcheries.
The incumbent will be based in Guyana, with full time presence at the Mon Repos Shrimp Hatchery for the duration of the assignment.

Reporting Lines

The Hatchery Management Expert will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Guyana, and under the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) responsible for aquaculture and Blue Transformation-related activities. The incumbent will also work closely with the Assistant, FAOR (Programme) towards project implementation.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will work closely with the national Shrimp Hatchery team to lead the day to day start up and commissioning of hatchery operations in preparation for the safe receipt of imported broodstock (expected within two months). The incumbent will also provide structured on the job training and mentoring to ensure national counterparts can operate and manage a fully functioning hatchery in line with international best practices

Tasks and Responsibilities

Establishment and Operation of the RAS System

•     Set up and initiate the fully functional RAS within the hatchery.
•     Ensure proper operation and maintenance of the recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) to maintain optimal water quality parameters.
•     Apply appropriate biosecurity, environmental control, and animal welfare standards in the facility.
•     Prepare and hand over a commissioning and operational readiness checklist for the RAS and critical hatchery equipment (including corrective actions and responsible persons).

Broodstock Management

•     Support the preparation of the broodstock tanks and protocols, testing all parameters to ensure that they are within acceptable operating limits, including adjustment of salinity, temperature, pH and mineral requirements.
•     Oversee the preparation of broodstock nutrition, feeding regimes, and health management protocols and stocks on hand.
•     Develop and implement broodstock receiving, quarantine, acclimation and health screening protocols (including biosecurity measures and recordkeeping).
•     Provide appropriate care for the broodstock upon arrival to ensure that they are healthy and ready to spawn.

Spawning and Nauplii Production

•     Support the preparation of the hatchery’s spawning operations, ensuring that adequate and suitable tanks, equipment and suppliers are on hand and ready to initiate production at the start of operations.

Capacity Development of National Counterparts

•     Provide structured, hands on training and mentoring to national hatchery technicians on all general aspects of establishing and managing appropriate biosecurity, environmental control, and animal welfare standards in the facility.
•     Promote adherence to standardized protocols and good aquaculture practices.

Monitoring, Documentation, and Reporting

•     Maintain accurate technical records related to appropriate management of the hatchery facility.
•     Develop and hand over a core set of hatchery SOPs and log sheets (biosecurity; water quality monitoring; sanitation; broodstock handling; spawning; larval rearing; emergency response) and train staff on their use.
•     Provide regular technical updates to FAO and the national technical team.
•     Contribute to adaptive management through evidence based recommendations.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING:

Minimum Requirements  

•     For Consultants:
Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture or a related field; Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
For PSAs:
University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture or a related field.
•     At least ten (10) years of relevant experience in shrimp aquaculture, with demonstrated expertise in managing penaeid shrimp maturation systems 
•     Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Strong practical and theoretical knowledge of L. vannamei broodstock management, maturation stages, spawning, and nauplii production.
•     Proven experience in hands on training and mentoring of technical staff.
•     Demonstrated ability to work in operational hatchery environments for extended periods.
•     High attention to detail, quality control, and animal welfare standards.