Advancing Tuvalu's Fisheries through Strategic Human Resource Development

Overview 

The Tuvalu Fisheries Department (TFD) is steadfast in its vision to enhance sustainable small-scale fisheries, contributing significantly to income generation, food security, and healthier diets across the nation. In parallel, TFD aims to maximise revenue from oceanic fisheries. The Funafuti fisheries centre, staffed by around 50 Tuvaluan employees and supported by international advisors from Aotearoa New Zealand, plays a crucial role in this mission. 

Kirsty (second from left) and Ian (third from right) with Director (second from right), Deputy Director (far left), International TA (far right) and principal fisheries officers after workshop to present the draft HRD Plan.

Developing the HRD Plan 

To address the challenges of a growing fisheries management landscape, TFD enlisted Future Partners to devise a Human Resources Development (HRD) Plan. This plan focuses on training needs analysis aligned with TFD's corporate strategy for 2023-2025. Amidst this development, new legislation was introduced to transition TFD into a non-commercial statutory authority, prompting updates to the HRD Plan and organisational structure. 

Methodology 

Kirsty Burnett and Ian Cartwright from Future Partners crafted a comprehensive questionnaire to collect data on job roles, service duration, qualifications, and training needs from each staff member. Personal interviews were conducted to ensure accurate data collection and interpretation. 

Additionally, they reached out to regional training providers and universities to compile a directory of relevant courses. The outcome was a revised organisational structure and updated job descriptions, alongside an extensive list of training opportunities tailored to identified needs. 

Benefits and Impact 

The TFD, and when it becomes the Tuvalu Fisheries Authority (TFA), now possesses a strategic roadmap for developing its workforce. This plan empowers TFA to make informed decisions regarding future training priorities and development efforts. The availability of revised job descriptions, a detailed list of regional training programmes, and a new organisational chart marks a significant step forward. 

This initiative underscores the importance of strategic human resource development planning in supporting the Pacific Islands' fisheries sector within the framework of international development. 

Feedback from the Client 

"Future Partners' dedication to understanding our staff's needs and crafting a tailored HRD Plan has been invaluable. The detailed training programme list and their applicability notes are tools we deeply appreciate and will use to guide our future development initiatives."

Ms Fulitua Tealei, Deputy Director, TFD