Job Title: Fisheries and Aquaculture Trade and Investment Expert – AU-IBAR

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, 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. 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 first continent-wide intervention in the African fisheries and aquaculture was framed to address the following challenges: poor coordination among actors, lack of coherence in governance instruments and approaches, increasing incidences of IUU fishing due to weak capacity in the AU member states, weak evidence to foster reform, generally weak capacity and poor infrastructure, and lack of inclusive governance.

Towards the implementation of the Policy framework and reform strategy for fisheries and aquaculture in Africa (PFRS), the African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) implemented the EU funded Project ‘Strengthening institutional capacity to enhance governance of the fisheries sector in Africa, commonly called Fisheries Governance Project (FishGov 1)’ between 2014 to 2018. The FishGov 1 facilitated development of synergies and coherence in fisheries management and aquaculture practices by aligning national and regional polices with PFRS; enhanced the profile of the sector as well as fostered coordination in the governance of the sector, among other achievements.

Following the first phase (FishGov1), a second phase was developed, also with the support of the EU. The scope of second phase (FishGov2) is to enhance sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture development in Africa thus accelerating reform in the sector and achieving the objectives of the AU Agenda 2063, notably food security, livelihoods and wealth creation.

The specific objectives of FishGov 2 project are as follows:

1. African Union decisions on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture policies are evidence based
2. Fisheries and aquaculture policies in Africa are coherent with the PFRS and other AU priorities and coordinated at continental, regional and national levels; and
3. Africa is adequately represented and effectively participates in international fisheries and aquaculture fora and ably domesticates relevant global instruments. The project is implemented by AU-IBAR, in collaboration with AUDA-NEPAD with support from the Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The implementation the FishGov 2 project commenced in January 2021. The project is now nearing the third year of implementation. There is a need to engage a suitable expert to support implementation of fish trade and investment related activities in the project.

In the above regard, AU-IBAR seeks the services of a Fisheries and Aquaculture Trade and Investment consultant on a short-term basis to undertake specific activities mainly related to trade, marketing and investment activities in project. The expert would work with the project team at AU-IBAR and AUDA-NEPAD on specific tasks.

Specific Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Team Leader (Senior Fisheries Officer) at AU-IBAR, with overall supervision by the Senior Animal Production Officer at AU-IBAR, the consultant shall perform the following tasks.

The expert shall perform the following tasks:

1. Liaise with AU-IBARs for briefing on tasks
2. Prepare inception report, outlining methodology and approach
3. Review national and regional fisheries-aquaculture plans to mainstream sustainable and climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, in NAIPS, RAIPs and other Investment programmes in 15 AU member states and 5 RECs
4. In collaboration with WOAH, conduct institutional assessment of laboratories and diagnostics networks at regional levels in Africa and recommend mechanisms for establishing regional reference laboratories and diagnostic networks for fish and fish products.
5. Support operationalization of regional aquatic animal health networks, development of standards and capacity for SPS
6. Facilitate dissemination and implementation of recommendations of study report on rationalization of platforms and networks and facilitate linkages with regional institutions
7. Facilitate dissemination and implementation of study report on methodologies for cost-effective stakeholder consultative mechanism
8. Support to development of sectoral strategies and investment plans and develop a mechanism for twinning and consultative process
9. Support to identification of strategic regional value chains for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture
10. Enhance operationalization’s of continent networks including AWFISHNET and ANAF, including associated regional and national chapters
11. Publication and dissemination of reports on establishment of platforms and networks national chapters and other reports
12. Development of knowledge products on identified issues relevant to fisheries and aquaculture in Africa
13. Support common positions and effective participation of AU member states and other stakeholders in standard setting organizations and fora
14. Support to STC processes, including development of documents
15. Preparation of monthly reports on progress of implementation of task
16. Perform all other duties as requested by the supervisors

Deliverables

1. Briefing by supervisor and Inception report developed
2. 15 National and 5 regional policies reviewed to mainstream climate resilient fisheries and aquaculture in NAIP and RAIPs
3. In collaboration with WOAH, institutional assessment for strengthening regional reference laboratories for fish and fish products conducted
4. Establishments and / or operationalization of regional aquatic animal health networks supported
5. Recommendations of study report on rationalization of platforms and networks implemented and linkages with regional institutions promoted
6. Recommendations of study report on mechanisms and methodology for cost-effective stakeholders’ consultations implemented
7. AWFISHNET and ANAF fully operationalized and implementation of activities supported
8. Reports on establishment of 15 AWFISHNET national chapters published and disseminated through various platforms, including AU-IBAR website
9. At least 10 knowledge products developed relevant to fisheries and aquaculture development
10. At least ten common positions developed in relevant standard setting organizations
11. Other duties performed as may be assigned by supervisors

Duty Station

The duty station shall be the AU-IBAR offices in Nairobi, Kenya unless otherwise agreed with the Contracting Authority.

Duration

The duration of this assignment is 6 months with a possibility of renewal depending on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The selected candidate should be available to undertake this assignment with minimum delay.

Remuneration

The remuneration for this Consultancy is at AU Salary scale P2 Step 5. Payments will be done on monthly basis after satisfactory report, strictly consistent and compliant with the deliverables.

Supervision

The successful expert will be under the direct supervision of the Senior Fisheries Officer at AU-IBAR who shall have the responsibility of approval of reports.

Requirements

Academic Requirements

The incumbent should have a Post-graduate University degree (Master’s degree) in Marketing and Trade in Agriculture Products (Preferably with specialization in fish and fisheries products) or Economics (preferably in Natural Sciences), fisheries and aquaculture or Veterinary studies. A PhD degree in relevant fields will be an added advantage.

General Experience

• Record of familiarization of African fisheries and aquaculture sector
• Sound knowledge on challenges and trade issues in fisheries and aquaculture of Africa
• Knowledge of regional and international instruments, strategies, frameworks, guidelines, tools etc. for agricultural commodity trade facilitation etc.
• Record of experiences and knowledge on lessons and challenges in mainstreaming fisheries and aquaculture in NAIPs and
• Proven knowledge on co-management practices and working experience with fishing and fish farming communities and other non-state actors in African fisheries and aquaculture sector

Specific Experience

• Record of experience in supporting facilitation of intra-regional trade in fish and fish products in Africa, including fish trade corridor analysis
• Experience in capacity building of stakeholders along value chains (with specific regards to post-harvest activities) in fisheries and aquaculture sector
• Proven knowledge on international trade and marketing issues in fish and fisheries products, including familiarization with standard setting organizations
• Sound knowledge on roles of regional organizations (RECs, RFBs etc.) in fisheries and aquaculture development

Other Skills

• Good networking skills and ability to maintain positive and constructive dialogue and relationships with key institutions
• Experience in dealing with senior government officials and international development partners
• Self-starter with the ability to plan own work with reference to defined strategies
• Very strong writing, analytical and communication skills are necessary

Gender Mainstreaming

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

Evaluation Criteria

The applications will be evaluated on the basis of the criteria set out above and marks awarded as follows:

Submission of Applications