Call for Expression of Interest - African Union Centres of Excellences for Conservation of Aquatic Biodiversity and Ecosystems Management at African Union - InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources

Institutional framework and sustainability

The successful Centres are expected to meet the following institutional framework and sustainability criteria. The Centres should be aligned with and serve as a platform for the Policy Research Network for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PRNFAA) and the Africa Fisheries Reform Mechanism (AFRM).

The Centre of Excellence should:

1. conduct training, research in disciplines of aquatic ecology and biodiversity conservation; or management of aquatic ecosystems
2. be either within or affiliated with a university/research institution(s) and be available to closely work with or support AU-IBAR or any AU institution in the identified disciplines;
3. be existing relevant accredited public institutions;
4. possess evidence of a sustainable self-financing mechanism; and,
5. have proven networking and collaborative/cooperation arrangements with international, regional and national existing institutions in order to share lessons and best practices.

Criteria for Eligibility

The institutions to be selected as Centres for Excellence should meet the following minimum requirements:

1. The institution should be located in Africa;
2. For a particular discipline, the institutions for consideration should foremost have evidence of the required modules, staff and competence in the discipline;
3. The institution should have at least 10 years of established history of education, research and training;
4. The institution should have a track record of attracting students/trainees of diverse background and nationalities in the chosen discipline;
5. The institution should preferably be of regional relevance;
6. Adequate infrastructure and amenities; and,
7. Evidence of Official Recognition by the National Government.