Consultant - Assessment of Traditional (Loum-Pa) Fisheries Management at International Water Management Institute

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:

Inception Report – A proposal outlining the methodology and work plan, submitted within two weeks of the start date.

Fieldwork and Data Collection – A total of 13 working days, distributed as follows:

• Review and update questionnaires and present them to IWMI (02 working days).
• Travel between Vientiane (VTE) and Attapeu (ATP) (02 working days).
• Field training and data collection in Sanamxay and Samakkhyxay Districts (05 working days).
• Data entry, analysis, and preparation of a first draft report for IWMI feedback (02 working days).
• 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.

Closing date: October 31, 2025