Tasks

• Technical supervision and coordination of the overall implementation of the project
• Development of mechanisms to promote project implementation, including technical guidance and supervision of project staff, preparation of annual and quarterly workplans, budget and guide follow-up implementation of project related study reports and recommendations
• Implementation and operationalization of project management structure including the project technical committee, project steering committee and internal meetings
• In collaboration with the Project team, conduct activities relating to aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems protection
• Promote technical measures to enhance restoration of depleted aquatic biodiversity resources and ecosystems; measures including marine protected areas, climate change mitigating measures, nature-based solutions etc
• Enhance implementation of mechanisms to rationalize use of ocean space and other aquatic systems, minimize conflict fostering multisectoral collaborating and regional cooperation towards efficient and sustainable management of transboundary aquatic ecosystems.
• Identification of qualified institutions as African Union Centres of Excellence for research and training in disciplines relevant to aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems conservation
• Develop new initiatives relating to fisheries, aquaculture and blue economy related activities
• Support to implementation of fisheries, aquaculture and blue economy related projects and programmes at AU-IBAR
• Any other duty as may be assigned by the Director of AU-IBAR

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

• Project coordination and technical implementation of activities facilitated, including functions and operationalization of project management bodies e.g., project technical committee and project steering committee
• Measures promoted for aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems conservation and environmental protection implemented
• Technical measures for restoration of degraded aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity supported
• Regional mechanisms for improved transboundary aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems management enhanced
• Institutions identified as AU Centres of Excellence for research and training on aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems conservation
• Partnerships and institutional collaboration enhanced in the management of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems
• Support to development of new initiatives or extension of for fisheries, aquaculture blue economy projects
• Support to implementation of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Blue Economy related projects and programmes at AU-IBAR supported
• Production of consultancy reports

Qualification

The incumbent should have an advanced University Degree in Fisheries Biology and Management, Fisheries Science including research specialization in Fish Population Economy and Analyses. A PhD degree in either of the above will be an added advantage.

General Experience

• At least 15 years progressive combined working experience at senior and advisory positions in African fisheries and aquaculture sector at national, regional and continental levels.
• At least 15 years combined working experience in managing and coordinating donor funded projects on fisheries research, development and management with particular reference to EU, FAO/UN, GEF-World Bank, SIDA, Norway and GTZ Projects
• Demonstrated record of formulation or coordinating formulation of national, regional and continental policies or strategies for the sustainable exploitation and management of aquatic fauna, including fish resources, aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems, in Africa
• Proven record of conducting or facilitating capacity development of African stakeholders on aquatic ecosystems modelling, productivity patterns and scientific data for informed decision making in African fisheries, aquaculture and blue economy sector
• Proven record of formulation of continental projects and programmes on fisheries and aquaculture and related disciplines in Africa
• Experience in fostering partnerships in implementing aquatic biodiversity conservation and ecosystems management

Specific Experience

• Proven record of coordinating formulation of continental framework for blue economy and associated complementarity tools
• Minimum of 4 years combined experience in coordinating the implementation of continental strategy for Blue Economy and related projects on conservation of aquatic biodiversity and integrated ecosystems management
• Proven record of coordinating and facilitating development of harmonized frameworks for management of transboundary marine and freshwater ecosystems in Africa towards
• Evidence of coordinating development of tools to promote best practices and strengthen regulatory frameworks to minimize impact of external factors or threats to aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability
• Proof of record of facilitating establishment and strengthening regional mechanisms for restoration of depleted aquatic biodiversity resources, protect aquatic biodiversity and conflict management
• Record of experience of coordinating selection of institutions as African Union Centres of Excellence for research and training on aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems, management fisheries and aquaculture