Individual Consultancy Service: Coastal & Marine Ecosystems Specialist at African Union - InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources

Objective

• The objective of this individual consultancy is to support AU-IBAR to operationalize the Norway Programme on ‘support to operationalization of ABES’ on the continent, including in AU member states and regional levels within the framework for AU-IBAR approved workplan for this Norway support.

Tasks

• Liaise with AU-IBAR for full details and mechanism for implementation of this consultancy
• Develop concept, methodology and , approach operationalizing of indicative activities for implementation of the Norway Programme to AU-IBAR for ABES for 2024
• Identification of AU member states and regional institutions for support to blue economy development
• Facilitate development of respective blue economy strategies for identified AU member states and regional institutions
• Conduct sensitizations of stakeholders on ABES, blue economy concept and BE related essential tools for sustainable development
• Within the framework of African Fisheries Reform Mechanism, strengthen linkages with respective Directorates of DARBE of the AUC to promote and foster collaboration and synergy for coordinated interventions in implementing AU programmes or projects or activities on blue economy, fisheries and aquaculture
• Support development of knowledge products on blue economy, fisheries and aquaculture related topics
• Initiate and develop projects and programmes related to blue, fisheries and aquaculture
• Support to implementation of fisheries, aquaculture and blue economy related projects and programmes at AU-IBAR
• Prepare respective reports, on activities conducted, implemented as required by donors and partners
• Produce final respective National and Regional BE strategies
• Any other duty as may be assigned by the supervisors

Qualifications

• The incumbent should have an advanced University degree in Fisheries Management, Aquaculture, Applied Aquatic sciences or Ocean Sciences, A PhD degree will be an added advantage.

General Experience

• At least 10 years combined working experience at senior and advisory positions in African fisheries and aquaculture sector at national, and continental levels
• At least 5 years’ combined working experience in donor funded fisheries and aquaculture projects
• Demonstrated record of coordinating or supporting formulation of national and regional and continental policies or strategies for fisheries and aquaculture in Africa
• Experience in formulating projects on fisheries and aquaculture governance.
• Experience in planning and coordinating stakeholders’ consultative workshops on blue economy, fisheries and aquaculture development at national, regional and continental levels

Specific Experience

• Evidence of experience of coordinating or supporting formulation of blue economy strategies or related disciplines at national and regional and continental levels in Africa
• Evidence of capacity building and enhancing knowledge of African stakeholders on blue economy concept
• Proven record of familiarization with and participating in policy processes for adoption of instruments, initiatives and development of recommendations by AU policy organs
• Demonstrated experience of enhancing regional cooperation on management of shared fisheries and aquaculture resources in Africa
• Record of evidence of facilitating production of knowledge products within the framework of African Fisheries Reform Mechanism
• Familiarization of establishing or supporting establishing of stakeholders or organizations networks and platforms in blue economy related sectors

Skills and Competencies

• Diplomacy and good interactive skills necessary for dealing with senior officials in Government, Regional Organizations, and donor/development organizations
• Very strong writing and analytical skills are necessary
• Proficiency in at least two official AU languages

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

• An inception report developed outlining detailed methodology and work plan to undertake the tasks
• Criteria for selection of AU member states and RECs developed and AU member states and Regional institutions identified and proposed for support during the period under review
• Database developed on status of BE Strategies in AU member states and regional institutions
• At least 10 AU member states and 3 regional institutions supported to develop national and regional blue economy strategies coherent with ABES
• Awareness enhancing and consultative workshops organized for capacity building on ABES, BE concept and essential tools
• At least 5 knowledge products on disciplines related to BE, fisheries and aquaculture developed
• At least two proposals for projects and programmes developed on BE, fisheries and aquaculture
• Collaboration fostered with DARBE for synergistic interventions in BE, fisheries and aquaculture
• Relevant reports prepared as required by donors and AUC reporting systems
• Other duties performed as assigned by supervisors
• A comprehensive report on the consultancy produced