Duties and Responsibilities  

• Under the general supervision of the Head of the Nairobi Convention Secretariat, the consultant will be responsible for the following:
• Develop a case for MSP in the WIO, concepts and methodology, drawing from the WIO MSP strategy, emphasizing on readiness of MSP, institutional capacities, policies, and regulations, particularly in the NMC countries, giving examples of implementation where appropriate.
• Participate in MSP related workshops in the NMC region and provide analysis report to showcase Component 1 activities and share best practices. Include in the report some elements about all MSP related training programs in the NMC countries, partners involved, participants and any resultant national MSP roadmaps.
• Provide finalized geo-spatial analysis outputs related to the activities regarding MSP in the NMC region
• Design and analyze key trends and identify new or emerging issues to enrich the substantive work on the NOCAMO project and links with ongoing initiatives in the Western Indian Ocean region, to guide MSP in the NMC region.
• Work in synergy with the project managers of WIOSAP, SAPPHIRE, SWIOFC Partnership and ACP Meas projects on the development of a common technical approach to support the Ocean Governance Strategy development process and blue economy in the WIO region.
• Review and advise on the technical reports received from technical partners and provide guidance for activity extension.
• Develop fundable proposals to support MSP implementation at regional and national level within the Convention area working with the regional MSP TWG and other partners

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) is required in Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources Management or similar disciplines.
• A first level degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Minimum of six (6) years of relevant progressive experience in organizations with mandate or relevancy to the marine and coastal environments or a related area is required.
• Experience working on coastal and marine environment issues in the Western Indian Ocean is required.
• Familiarity with regional development objectives of Western Indian Ocean countries and the goals and procedures of international development organizations is desirable.
• An experience in Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is required.