Fisheries and Aquaculture Trade and Investment Expert at African Union - InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources

Specific Responsibilities

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

1. The consultant will support finalization of the framework consultancies and will draft terms of reference for specific services listed in (a) to (f) below under the framework contract and supervise the recruited consultant in completing the tasks.
   • a. Conduct studies to establish which AU MS have sectoral strategies and investment plans and develop a mechanism for twinning between those with and those without.
   • b. 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.
   • c. Conduct institutional assessment of laboratories and diagnostics networks in the various regions of Africa and recommend mechanisms for establishing regional reference laboratories and diagnostic networks for fish and fish products. The consultancy should also entail assessment of capacities for other certification processes for enhanced market access.
   • d. Develop an advocacy strategy and mechanism for effective participation of women and youth fish traders in fisheries and aquaculture policy dialogue and networking.
   • e. Facilitate identification of strategic regional value chains for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture
   • f. Develop guidelines to strengthen diagnostic capacities of competent national authorities and networks on aquatic animal disease detection, surveillance and coordinated responses, based on OIE Aquatic Animal Health Code and Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals
2. Participate in the preparatory meeting of formulating common Africa in Codex alimentarius for fish and fish products and providing inputs to the Aquatic Animal Code
3. Prepare the meeting documents to establish regional aquatic animal health networks,
4. Organize national workshops to facilitate establishment of national chapters for AWFISHNET in fragile states (5 AU MS) towards strengthening effective engagement in decision making at national levels on issues relating to fisheries and aquaculture.
5. Prepare documentation for and participate in the upcoming STC meeting
6. Perform all other duties as requested by the supervisors including but not limited to following up of the proper implementation of services procured through the framework contract.

Deliverables

1. Specific terms of reference approved for all the activities listed in 1(a) to (f) in 30 days
2. Expected outcomes of the activities (are:
   • a. Completion of studies on which AU MS have sectoral strategies and investment plans and mechanism developed on twinning
   • b. Completion of studies and national and regional investments plans reviewed
   • c. Completion of studies on institutions and reference laboratories identified.
   • d. production of report and advocacy strategy developed for effective participation of women and youth fish traders in fisheries and aquaculture policy dialogue
   • e. Completion of studies and regional strategic value chains identified
   • f. Completion of studies and guidelines developed for strengthening diagnostic capacities of competent authorities
3. Participated in the preparatory meeting of formulating common Africa in Codex alimentarius for fish and fish products and providing inputs to the Aquatic Animal Code
4. Meeting documents to establish regional aquatic animal health networks prepared
5. National workshops in 5 AU MS and national chapters of AWFISHNET established.
6. Prepare documentation for and participate in the upcoming STC meeting prepared

Academic Qualifications

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). A PhD degree in relevant fields will be an added advantage;
• A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience in in marketing and trade of agriculture products in Africa of which at least 3 years should at managerial level.

OR

• Bachelor university degree in Marketing and Trade in Agriculture Products (Preferably with specialization in fish and fisheries products) or Economics (preferably in Natural Sciences);
• Qualification(s) in related Natural Sciences would be an added advantage. A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience in marketing and trade of agricultural products in Africa of which at least 5 years should be at managerial level.

Required Skills

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

Relevant Experience

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

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 postharvest 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