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 AU-IBAR, and with overall guidance from the Senior Animal Production Officer at AU-IBAR, the consultant will:

• Initiation and Reporting
• Attend an initial briefing with AU-IBAR.
• Prepare an inception report detailing the approach and methodology for the consultancy.
• Policy and Plan Review
• Review national and regional fisheries-aquaculture plans to promote sustainable, climate-resilient practices, focusing on National Agricultural Investment Plans (NAIPs), Regional Agricultural Investment Plans (RAIPs), and other investment programs in 15 AU Member States and 5 Regional Economic Communities (RECs).
• Institutional Assessment and Network Development
• In collaboration with the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), conduct an assessment of regional laboratory and diagnostics networks in Africa.
• Develop recommendations for establishing regional reference laboratories and diagnostic networks for fish and fish products.
• Operational Support
• Support the establishment of regional aquatic animal health networks and facilitate the development of standards for Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures.
• Study Implementation and Platform Linkages
• Facilitate the implementation of recommendations from the study on platform and network rationalization.
• Strengthen linkages between these platforms and regional institutions.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Implement the consultative methodologies recommended in the FishGov2 study, ensuring cost-effective and inclusive engagement with stakeholders.
• Strategic Sectoral Support
• Aid in the development of sectoral strategies and investment plans.
• Create a twinning mechanism to support consultative processes.
• Value Chain Development
• Identify and support strategic regional value chains in fisheries and aquaculture to enhance sustainability and regional trade.
• Network Operationalization
• Facilitate the activation of continent-wide networks such as AWFISHNET and ANAF, along with their regional and national chapters.
• Report Publication and Dissemination
• Produce and disseminate reports on platform and network establishment, and related activities through AU-IBAR’s communication channels.
• Knowledge Product Development
• Develop at least 10 knowledge products relevant to fisheries and aquaculture issues in Africa.
• Common Positions and Advocacy
• Support Member States’ representation in international standards organizations and forums, fostering the development of common African positions.
• STC Support
• Contribute to the Specialized Technical Committee (STC) processes by developing supporting documents and other materials.
• Progress Reporting
• Submit monthly progress reports on assigned tasks.
• Additional Duties
• Undertake any other duties as assigned by the supervisors.

Deliverables

• Inception Report – outlining methodology and approach.
• Reviewed Policies – integrating climate-resilient fisheries and aquaculture in NAIPs and RAIPs (15 national and 5 regional).
• Institutional Assessment Report – strengthening regional reference labs for fish and fish products (in collaboration with WOAH).
• Network Establishment Support – operationalizing regional aquatic animal health networks.
• Platform Rationalization Recommendations – implemented with strengthened linkages to regional institutions.
• Stakeholder Consultation Methodologies – cost-effective mechanisms implemented.
• Operationalized Networks – full activation of AWFISHNET and ANAF, including national chapters.
• Published Reports – on AWFISHNET national chapters, accessible via AU-IBAR’s website.
• Knowledge Products – at least 10 relevant resources developed.
• Common Positions – at least 10 positions for international standards bodies developed.
• Other Assigned Tasks – as required by supervisors.

Duration

The consultancy will last for 6 months, with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory performance and funding availability. The selected candidate should be prepared to start immediately.

Remuneration

Remuneration is based on the AU Salary scale P2 Step 5, with monthly payments contingent on satisfactory progress reports.

Supervision

The consultant will report directly to the Senior Fisheries Officer at AU-IBAR, who will oversee deliverables and approve all reports.

Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Postgraduate degree (Master’s) in Marketing, Trade in Agricultural Products (preferably specializing in fish and fisheries products), Economics (with a focus on natural resources), Fisheries, Aquaculture, or Veterinary studies. A PhD in a relevant field is an advantage.

General Experience

• Familiarity with the African fisheries and aquaculture sector.
• Understanding of trade challenges in African fisheries and aquaculture.
• Knowledge of regional and international instruments and frameworks for trade facilitation.
• Proven experience in integrating fisheries and aquaculture into NAIPs.
• Experience in co-management practices with fishing communities and other stakeholders.

Specific Experience

• Experience in facilitating intra-regional trade in fish products, including trade corridor analysis.
• Capacity building expertise for value chain stakeholders, especially in post-harvest processes.
• Knowledge of international trade issues, including familiarity with standards organizations.
• Understanding of the role of regional organizations (RECs, RFBs) in fisheries development.