Recruitment of Technical Lead Expert to Conduct Evaluations for Selection of AU Centres of Excellence

Background

The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), a specialized technical office of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Economy, 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 interventions in the fisheries and aquaculture sector are 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 Agenda 2063, the Africa Blue Economy Strategy envisioned an inclusive and sustainable blue economy that significantly contributes to Africa’s transformation and growth.

The African continent is surrounded by highly productive marine ecosystems. The continent is also endowed with networks of rivers and lakes. The seas, oceans, lakes and rivers inhabit significant number of biodiversity and the ecosystems provide sources of livelihoods, food security and wealth. These African aquatic ecosystems are sources of both living and non-living resources on which people depend for their livelihoods; however, the unsustainable exploitation of these resources is threatening biodiversity, marine and freshwater resources and environmental sustainability.

A key constraint to fully harnessing the potential contribution of these aquatic resources endowment for Africa socio-economic development is weak human resources and institutional capacity in the governance of these aquatic ecosystems. Thus, notwithstanding the current benefits and opportunities, the aquatic ecosystems management is still beset by challenges that require major governance and policy reforms, underscored by enhanced capacity, in order to unlock and unleash the full potential of the sector.

Thus, mindful of these challenges and aware of the huge potential of the sector for socio-economic advancement of the continent, the Joint Conference of African Ministers for Agriculture, Rural Development, Fisheries and Aquaculture in May 2014, Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), requested African Union ‘to establish African Centres of Excellence for Aquaculture, capture fisheries, biodiversity studies and oceanography to enhance capacity for fisheries and aquaculture research.’ This recommendation was also endorsed by the Executive Decision Doc. EX.CL/842(XXV) of the African Union in 2014.

The above recommendation was also reinforced by the Hon. Ministers at the 2019 meeting of Specialized Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment (STC-ARDWE) to further identify related disciplines for which institutions will be selected as African Union Centres of Excellence.

In the above regards, the Third Call for Expression of Interests by institutions was launched for selection of institutions in the following disciplines:

A. Selection of Institutions for Fisheries and Aquaculture Related Disciplines

Academic training in the following:

1. Fisheries Socio-economics
2. Ocean Affairs (governance and economy)
3. Fisheries Laws and Regulations
4. Fish Trade and Marketing
5. Aquaculture Business Planning
6. Aquatic Animal Health

Vocational training in the following:

1. Food Science and Post-harvest technology
2. Boat Building and Maintenance
3. Aquaculture Extension Services

B. Selection of Institutions for Aquatic Biodiversity and Ecosystems Management

Additional, AU-IBAR, with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), is implementing a project on “Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in African Blue Economy”, also launched a call for Expression of Interest by qualified institutions for selection as African Union Centres of Excellence in the following disciplines:

1. Aquatic ecology and biodiversity conservation; and,
2. Management of Aquatic ecosystems.

Objectives of the consultancy

In response to the two calls for expression of interest, institutions have submitted applications. The objective of this consultancy is therefore to identify and engage a technical leader to provide leadership and supervision of technical experts and of evaluation process of the submitted applications for qualification of institutions as African Union Centre of Excellence with respect to the above two areas (A and B) above to ensure integrity and transparency of the process of identification of successful institutions.

Two experts will be selected for each of the two categories (A and B). The successful technical leader therefore is required to supervise and coordinate the four technical experts for harmonized methodology and approach.

The evaluation of applications from institutions will be a desk review with virtual meetings organized as necessary.

Based on this evaluation, AU-IBAR in consultation and with participation of the experts, will undertake verification missions to the agreed institutions.

Specific Tasks

Under the direct supervision of the project management at AU-IBAR, the successful candidate would perform the following tasks:

1. Briefing meeting with relevant personal at AU-IBAR
2. Directly supervise the four two experts and coordinate the evaluation process for effectiveness and timeliness
3. Ensure harmonization of methodology and approach in the technical evaluation process
4. Coordination of the development of marking scheme as per agreed criteria
5. Based on the outcomes of the evaluations, provide guidance to the four experts for the identification and recommendations of appropriate disciplines for the identified shortlisted institutions
6. Where necessary, to participate in virtual and/or physical meetings, relating to this consultancy
7. To coordinate the development of two separate comprehensive reports of the evaluation exercises and make relevant recommendations for each of the two categories (A and B).
8. Lead team of experts in conducting verification missions to short-listed institutions to ascertain the veracity of the contents of their submitted dossiers and prepare a substantive report therefrom.

Duration

This consultancy shall be undertaken in two phases:

1. Desk review and evaluation of applications: this is expected to take no more than 4 working days per expert
2. Verification exercise: the duration of this phase will be agreed with AU-IBAR based on the outcomes of the desk review phase.

Supervision and approval of report

The expert will work under the coordination of the Project leader (AU-IBAR) and the mission team leader, with overall supervision by the Director, AU-IBAR, who will also have the responsibility of final approval of report.

Payment

The remuneration package wiill be as follows:

Phase 1: Evaluation of applications, at US$ 300/day for 10 days (a total of US$3,000) to be paid after approval of reports.

Phase 2: Verification exercise, at US$ 300/day for a duration to be agreed with AU-IBAR in writing.

In addition, the costs of any approved field verification mission related to this consultancy will be paid for by AU-IBAR (travel, daily subsistence allowance).

Requirements

Qualification

The successful candidate should have a minimum of Master’s degree in fields relating to animal resources. A PhD will be an added advantage.

General Experience

The following experiences are required:

1. Over 10 years’ working experience in animal resources sector in Africa
2. At least five years in leadership positions in African Union institutions or multilateral global organizations with mandates in animal resources
3. Knowledge of Sustainable Development Goals and African Union development framework
4. Record of past experiences of leading verification missions to prospective institutions as Centres of excellence

Specific experience

1. Proven experience in participation and familiarization in African Union political organs’ decision making or adoption process
2. Proven experience in providing technical leadership in similar assessment process for selection of institutions as Centres of excellence
3. Knowledge of educational systems and curricula in fields relating to animal resources management
4. Experience in supervising or coordinating implementation of donor funded projects on animal resources development in African Union institutions.

Other relevant skills

1. Record of publications in fields relating to animal resources
2. Fluency in English and French languages
3. Evidence of computer skills and in relevant software

Evaluation

The evaluation will be conducted virtually. The submitted dossiers will be forwarded to the successful candidates for evaluation.

Criteria Marks

Qualification Master’s degree 15

PhD degree (Additional 5) 5

General experiences 20

Specific experiences 45

Language (one language 5; two for 10) 10

Other skills5

Total100