Aquatic Ecosystems Management Expert at African Union - InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources

Tasks

1. Provide technical support and coordinate overall implementation of the project on ‘Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in African Blue Economy’
2. Develop necessary mechanisms to initiate project implementation, including recruitment of project staff, project inception and project related studies
3. Support establishment and operationalization of project management structure including the project technical committee and project steering committee
4. In collaboration with the Project team, conduct activities relating to aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems restoration, protection and conservation such as establishment of MPAs, strengthening regional MCS systems, implementing nature-based solutions in ecosystems restoration and conservation efforts
5. In collaboration with the Project team to promote regional mechanisms on transboundary aquatic ecosystems and environmental governance
6. Enhance continental capacity development on ecosystem-based modular approach to management and assessment of Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs)
7. Facilitate selection of appropriate institutions as African Union Centres of Excellence for research and training on aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems conservation
8. Develop database of relevant national and regional institutions with mandates on aquatic biodiversity and environmental management as well as ongoing projects to facilitate linkages among appropriate ministries, departments or agencies in AU member states, regional institutions, environmental-based NGOs
9. Collate baseline information on past and ongoing projects or interventions on integrated management of African large marine ecosystems and freshwater ecosystems
10. Support to implementation of fisheries, aquaculture and blue economy related projects and programmes at AU-IBAR
11. Any other duty as may be assigned by the Director of AU-IBAR

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

1. An inception report developed outlining detailed methodology and work plan to undertake the tasks
2. The technical implementation of the project supported, including inception workshop, staff recruitment
3. Operationalization of project management structure supported including project technical committee and project steering committee
4. Mechanisms for aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems conservation, protection restoration implemented
5. Regional mechanisms for transboundary aquatic ecosystems promoted
6. Institutions identified as AU Centres of Excellence for research and training on aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems conservation
7. Database of relevant national and regional institutions with mandates on aquatic biodiversity constituted and linkages, synergies and coordination mechanisms facilitated among the institutions including relevant ongoing projects
8. Baseline information collated on past and ongoing projects or interventions on integrated management of African large marine ecosystems and freshwater ecosystems
9. Implementation of Blue economy related projects and programmes by AU-IBAR supported
10. A comprehensive report on the consultancy produced

Qualification

The incumbent should have an advanced University degree in Fisheries Management, Fisheries Science, Ocean Sciences, Fish Population Ecology. A PhD degree will be an added advantage.

General Experience

1. At least 10 years combined working experience at senior and advisory positions in African fisheries and aquaculture sector at national, regional and continental levels
2. At least 5 years’ combined working experience in managing, coordinating donor funded projects and activities in fisheries research, development and management with particular reference to EU, FAO/UN, GEF-World Bank funded projects, and GTZ,
3. Demonstrated record of coordinating formulation of national and continental policies or strategies for the sustainable exploitation and management of aquatic fauna, including fish resources, in Africa aquatic ecosystems
4. Demonstrated experience of establishing and/or strengthening mechanisms for coordination, coherence and regional cooperation in African aquatic systems with particular reference to the fisheries and aquaculture sector
5. Proven record of coordinating capacity development of African stakeholders on aquatic ecosystems modeling, productivity patterns and scientific data for informed decision making in African fisheries sector
6. Proven record of experience in formulation of projects on fisheries and aquaculture governance.
7. Experience in planning and coordinating stakeholders’ consultative workshops on blue economy development at regional and continental levels

Specific Experience

1. Evidence of experience of coordinating the formulation development of blue economy strategies at national, regional and continental levels in Africa
2. Record of coordinating the implementation of blue economy and aquatic-biodiversity projects at continental level in Africa
3. Evidence of supporting capacity building of AU Member States and Regional Institutions on blue governance concepts and tools essential for sustainable blue economy tools
4. Record of international working experience in a multi-disciplinary team on research related project for sustainable management of marine and freshwater ecosystems in Africa
5. Proven record of experience in implementing transboundary LME-based project in Africa and strengthening regional management plans for shared fisheries resources in Africa LMEs and shared water bodies
6. Record of experience of coordinating the identification of institutions as Centres of Excellence for research and training in Africa
7. Proven record of familiarization with and participating in policy processes for adoption of instruments, initiatives and development of recommendations by AU policy organs

Skills and Competencies

1. Diplomacy and good interactive skills necessary for dealing with senior officials in Government, Regional Organizations, and donor/development organizations;
2. Good networking skills and ability to maintain positive and constructive dialogue and relationships with relevant institutions operating in Africa
3. Very strong writing and analytical skills are necessary.
4. Demonstrated ability to provide strong leadership and foster team work is required
5. Proficiency in at least two official AU languages