Objectives of the Assignment

The objective of this assignment is to recruit a suitably qualified individual consultant with diverse expertise on issues that are critical to the formulation of regional Policy Framework and Reform Strategy, a corresponding implementation plan and guiding principles to implementation.

The specific objectives will be:

• To conduct a review of existing instruments, institutions relevant to fisheries and Aquaculture policies, regulation and strategic planning in the COMESA region and align them to the African Policy Framework and Reform Strategy
• To design regional coordination mechanisms between COMESA, RFBs, Regional Sea Conventions and COMESA member states
• Facilitate stakeholders’ consultative workshops, virtual or physical to allow for maximum participation of the member states and relevant stakeholders
• Develop Draft Policy framework and reform strategy for fisheries and aquaculture for the COMESA Region
• Facilitate stakeholder’s validation of the draft COMESA regional Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture, implementation plan and guiding principles to implementation in the COMESA region
• To prepare a report on the consultancy, including lessons and best practices

Approach & Methodology to Conducting the Assignment

During the consultancy, the individual consultant is expected to:

• Gain access to, and be thoroughly conversant with, the Africa Union Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for fisheries and aquaculture in Africa (PFRS), the Guide for PFRS Implementation
• Review relevant related COMESA, other RECs, AU and global instruments for best practices in fisheries and aquaculture policy, regulation, management and development
• Identify regional priorities and instruments including COMESA treaty related to Fisheries and Aquaculture policy and reform strategies in COMESA
• Identify and conduct interviews with national, regional institutions or organizations that play critical roles in Fisheries and aquaculture policy, regulation, strategic planning and implementation
• Consult electronically and/or virtually with relevant staff at AU-IBAR, AUDA-NEPAD, relevant AUC Depts., RECs, RSCs, RFMBs and COMESA
• Participate and support facilitation of regional stakeholders’ workshops with COMESA members states and other key stakeholders in the region to validate the draft COMESA regional Policy Framework and Reform Strategy, the Implementation Plan and Implementation guidelines
• Ensure that the formulation of the COMESA regional Fisheries and Aquaculture policy and reform strategy, implementation plan and the regional implementation guidelines is mainly guided by the Africa Union Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture, and its Implementation guidelines.

Deliverables/Outputs

The deliverables to be submitted to the Director, AU-IBAR and COMESA Director Industry and Agriculture and are as follows:

Phase I

• A draft inception report within five (5) calendar days of signing the contract. The inception report should demonstrate a clear understanding of the assignment by the consultant(s). The report should also include a detailed work plan, timelines and deliverables of the assignment
• First draft (after 25 days) of the COMESA Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture, implementation plan and implementation guidelines that will be circulated electronically for inputs by AU-IBAR, AUDA-NEPAD, relevant AUC Departments, COMESA, RECs, RFMBs and Fisheries and Aquaculture responsible departments in the COMESA member states
• The second draft (after 35 days) of the regional COMESA Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture, implementation plan and implementation guidelines will incorporate all comments and suggestions made by the above institutions

Phase II

• Facilitation of the physical validation of the final draft of the documents at a regional validation workshop, comments and suggestions made during the regional validation workshop be incorporated to produce final validated documents
• A comprehensive report on the consultancy with lessons and best practices

Requirements

Qualifications

• Minimum post-graduate/advanced degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture: natural (marine) resources; ocean sciences.
• A relevant qualification in legal and public policy studies would be an added advantage.
• PhD degrees in relevant discipline would also be an added advantage.

General experience

The successful consultant is expected to have the following experiences:

• At least 5 years’ experience or familiarization in Fisheries and Aquaculture policy and regulation, management and development
• Record of formulation of relevant policies, strategies, guidelines and frameworks to support sustainable blue Fisheries and Aquaculture governance and development in Africa
• Record of capacity building of stakeholders (member states, Non-State Actors, regional institutions, RECs, RFBs, partners) on Fisheries and Aquaculture policy and regulatory frameworks
• Good record of working with continental institutions, RECs, RFBs and specialized regional institutions dedicated to Africa blue economy, Fisheries and Aquaculture sectors
• Evidence of facilitating workshops at regional and continental levels on related Africa blue Fisheries and Aquaculture sector

Specific experience

• Evidence of formulation of Fisheries and Aquaculture Policies, regulations, strategies and guidelines for regional institutions (inter-governmental) in Africa
• Record of formulation of implementation plans and monitoring frameworks for structured rolling out in the Fisheries and Aquaculture sector at regional and continental levels in Africa and/or other tropical regions
• Evidence of designing mechanisms for coordination of fisheries and Aquaculture policies and regulatory frameworks to ensure sustainable sector management and development in Africa
• Familiarization of other relevant AU and global instruments or initiatives that support Fisheries and Aquaculture development in Africa
• Evidence of familiarization with COMESA priorities, MTSP and Industrialization plan regarding Blue Fisheries and Aquaculture

Other essential attributes

• Record of good writing skills and scientific publications in relevant fields or disciplines in Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Record of delivery of assignments within tight schedules
• Proficiency in English is required.