Assistant Project Manager- Coastal Program

Programmes · Mundra (Kutch) · Posted 2026-10-21

About the Project

Centre for Aquatic Livelihood Jaljeevika invites applications from qualified and motivated professionals for its coastal livelihoods development project in Mundra, Kutch, Gujarat. The project aims to strengthen the livelihoods of fishing communities through improved fish handling and post-harvest management, hygienic processing, value addition, women-led enterprises, better market access and sustainable use of coastal resources.

The project will work with fishing households, women fish vendors, processors, community groups, local institutions and market stakeholders to address gaps across the fisheries value chain. Key interventions include establishing community-managed fish drying and processing facilities, promoting fish-waste utilisation enterprises, strengthening women-led fish vending and food businesses, facilitating food safety compliance and financial linkages, and building community awareness around marine ecosystem stewardship and mangrove conservation.

Jaljeevika is looking for professionals who can combine technical knowledge with practical field engagement, community institution building and a strong commitment to inclusive livelihood development. All positions will be based in Mundra, Kutch, and will require regular engagement with coastal communities and local stakeholders.

Position Details

Location: Mundra, Kutch, Gujarat
Number of Positions: 1
Remuneration: ₹32,000 per month
Educational Qualification: Graduate degree in Fisheries Science or a relevant fisheries discipline
Experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience
Last Date of Application: 10th November, 2026

Job Purpose

The Assistant Project Manager will provide technical and field-level support for fisheries-related interventions, with particular emphasis on hygienic fish handling, post-harvest loss reduction, fish drying and processing, value addition, community infrastructure and improved fish vending practices.

The position will work directly with fishers, women vendors, processors and community groups to promote the adoption of improved practices and strengthen the technical and operational performance of project-supported facilities and livelihood activities. The Assistant Project Manager will work under the overall guidance of the Project Manager.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

A. Fisheries-Based Livelihood Promotion

Identify the fisheries-related livelihood practices, post-harvest challenges and technical support needs of fishing households and women fish vendors.
Conduct field assessments of fish landing, handling, storage, drying, processing and vending practices.
Support the introduction and adoption of appropriate, locally feasible fisheries and post-harvest technologies.
Provide practical guidance on fish preservation, quality maintenance, hygiene and improved utilisation of fishery resources.
Assist in identifying opportunities for livelihood diversification and value addition based on local fish availability, market demand and community capacities.

B. Training and Capacity Development

Organise and facilitate practical training sessions and demonstrations on hygienic fish handling, icing and chilling, fish cleaning, drying, processing, packaging and safe storage.
Support training on improved fish vending practices, including the use of insulated ice boxes, clean crates, hygienic surfaces and appropriate handling methods.
Assist in training community groups on the operation and use of project-supported facilities and equipment.
Conduct regular follow-up visits to observe whether trained participants are adopting improved practices and provide corrective guidance.
Document training attendance, practical demonstrations, participant feedback and adoption of improved techniques.

C. Community Infrastructure and Processing Facilities

Provide technical support for the establishment and functional use of fish drying and processing units, community cold storage facilities, and packaging and branding support systems.
Assist in identifying appropriate equipment, operational requirements and basic quality and hygiene protocols for community facilities.
Support the development of operating procedures, maintenance schedules, user guidelines and community-level management arrangements.
Monitor the utilisation and condition of project-supported infrastructure and flag operational or technical issues for timely resolution.
Support the technical and operational development of fish-waste utilisation enterprises in coordination with the Enterprise Development Enabler.

D. Product Development and Quality Improvement

Work with community groups to explore locally appropriate value-added fish products, including dried fish, cleaned and ready-to-cook fish, pickles and other feasible products.
Support improvements in processing methods, product consistency, hygienic preparation, storage and packaging.
Assist in identifying quality requirements for different market channels and support community enterprises in adopting suitable practices.
Coordinate with relevant technical agencies and food safety authorities when specialised advice or support is needed.

E. Support to Women Fish Vendors

Assess the practical requirements of women vendors relating to fish transport, icing, storage, display and retail sales.
Support the use of improved vending kits, insulated boxes, hygienic carts or stalls, and weighing equipment.
Facilitate demonstrations on hygienic retailing, safe handling and customer-oriented vending practices.
Work with the enterprise development team to strengthen the operational viability of women-led vending and processing businesses.

F. Community Engagement and Coastal Stewardship

Participate in village-level meetings, consultations and community awareness activities.
Support campaigns on marine ecosystem conservation, responsible resource use, coastal cleanliness and mangrove protection.
Coordinate with local groups, schools, youth and community institutions for relevant awareness activities.
Encourage environmentally responsible handling and disposal of fish waste.

G. Field Monitoring and Documentation

Maintain accurate records of technical training, beneficiary engagement, infrastructure utilisation and adoption of improved practices.
Track relevant indicators relating to post-harvest handling, spoilage reduction, processing and value-added product sales in coordination with the Project Manager.
Prepare field visit notes, training reports, technical observations and activity updates.
Identify implementation challenges and propose practical solutions based on field experience.

Required Competencies

Good communication skills, a practical approach to problem-solving and a commitment to inclusive community development are essential.
Sound technical understanding of fisheries and fish handling, preservation or processing.
Ability to conduct practical demonstrations and communicate technical information in accessible language.
Strong field engagement and relationship-building skills.
Ability to maintain records, monitor field activities and prepare basic reports.
Willingness to travel locally and work directly with fishing communities and women vendors.
Proficient in English, Gujarati/Kutchi (local language) and working knowledge of Hindi is mandatory for the position.

Note: Experience in fisheries-based livelihoods, coastal development, women's economic empowerment, fisheries extension, post-harvest management, aquaculture, fish processing, fisheries cooperatives or coastal livelihood, community enterprise promotion or NGO/CSR project implementation will be mandatory for this position. Women and local candidates are encouraged to apply.

Remuneration

₹32,000 per month

Application Process

Apply through our portal https://careers.jaljeevika.org/. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further process.

Apply for this role