AU-IBAR is a specialized technical office of the African Union Commission (AUC), headed by the Director who reports directly to the AUC through the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA). Founded in 1951 to study the epidemiological situation and fight rinderpest in Africa, AU-IBAR9;s mandate covers all aspects of animal resources, including livestock, fisheries and wildlife, across the entire African continent. We also fills a unique and strategic niche by working at the continental and regional levels, with the RECs being key partners. We provide leadership in the development of animal resources for Africa

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:

• Liaise with AU-IBARs for briefing on tasks
• Prepare inception report, outlining methodology and approach
• 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
• 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.
• Support operationalizations of regional aquatic animal health networks, development of standards and capacity for SPS
• Facilitate dissemination and implementation of recommendations of study report on rationalization of platforms and networks and facilitate linkages with regional institutions
• Facilitate dissemination and implementation of study report on methodologies for cost-effective stakeholder consultative mechanism
• Support to development of sectoral strategies and investment plans and develop a mechanism for twinning and consultative process
• Support to identification of strategic regional value chains for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture
• Enhance operationalization’s of continent networks including AWFISHNET and ANAF, including associated regional and national chapters
• Publication and dissemination of reports on establishment of platforms and networks national chapters and other reports
• Development of knowledge products on identified issues relevant to fisheries and aquaculture in Africa
• Support common positions and effective participation of AU member states and other stakeholders in standard setting organizations and fora
• Support to STC processes, including development of documents
• Preparation of monthly reports on progress of implementation of task
• Perform all other duties as requested by the supervisors

Deliverables

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

Criteria Scores (%)

• Academic Qualifications 20
• General Experience 20
• Specific Experience 50
• Other Skills 10

Total 100