Aquatic Ecosystems Management Expert

Background

The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), a specialized technical office of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) of the African Union Commission (AUC), is mandated to support and coordinate the utilization of livestock, fisheries, aquaculture and wildlife as resources for both human wellbeing and economic development in the Member States of the African Union. The Vision of the AU-IBAR Strategic Plan 2018-2023 is an Africa in which animal resources contribute significantly to integration, prosperity and peace. AU-IBAR’s intervention in the fisheries and aquaculture sector is guided by the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for fisheries and aquaculture in Africa (PFRS) which is aimed at improving governance of the sector for increased sustainable contribution to food security, livelihoods and wealth creation. Also within the framework of the African Union 2063, the Africa Blue Economy Strategy environed an inclusive and sustainable blue economy that significantly contributes to Africa’s transformation and growth.

The Africa Blue Economy Strategy is endorsed at the highest political level of the continent. The Strategy incorporates key critical vectors for promoting blue economy development in Africa, including fisheries, aquaculture and ecosystem conservation; shipping, maritime safety and trade; climate change, environmental sustainability and coastal and marine tourism; sustainable energy and extractive mineral resources; governance, institutions and job creation.

AU-IBAR, with support from the Swedish Agency for International Development (SIDA), is implementing a project on “Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in African Blue Economy”, for three year’s period. The overall objective of the project is to enhance the policy environment, regulatory frameworks and institutional capacities of AU member states and regional economic communities to sustainably utilize and conserve aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems.

The specific objectives of the project are as follows:

1. Ratify and/or align relevant international/regional instruments related to blue economy themes (with specific reference to protecting and conserving biodiversity)
2. Optimizing conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity while minimizing conflicts among blue economy sub-themes
3. Strengthening measures for mitigating the negative impacts of coastal and marine tourism, oil, gas, deep sea mining and climate change on aquatic biodiversity and environment
4. Strengthening gender inclusivity in aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental management

In a bid to fast-track the implementation of the project and support the operationalization of project, AU-IBAR seeks the services of an Aquatic Ecosystems Management Expert, with requisite qualifications and experiences, in aquatic ecosystems management to help prepare for the full operationalization of activities of the project, support the recruitment of appropriate project staff and initiate the implementation of key starter activities.

Objective

The objective of the consultancy is to provide technical support to the overall implementation, supervision and coordination of the project “Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in African Blue Economy”.

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

Gender Mainstreaming

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Duty Stations

The consultants will be stationed in Nairobi with travel on specific assignments agreed with the AU-IBAR Management .

Duration

The effective duration of this assignment is 6 months. The contract is renewable depending on availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

The selected candidate should be available to undertake this assignment on the 1st January 2023.

Remuneration

The remuneration for this Consultancy is a fixed amount of USD7,800 (Seven Thousand and Eight Hundred US Dollars) per month.

Expenses for missions will be covered separately in accordance with the applicable African Union Commission rules and regulations.

Supervision and Reporting

The candidate will be under supervision of the Director of AU-IBAR or designated representative who shall have the responsibility of approval of reports.

Evaluation Criteria

The applications will be evaluated on the basis of the relevant technical qualifications, experience and competence of the candidates.

Criteria Scores (%)

Qualifications 15

General Experience 25

Specific Experience 50

Other skills 5

Language 5