Careers at African Union - InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources

The specific objectives of the project are as follows:

• Ratify and/or align relevant international/regional instruments related to blue economy themes (with specific reference to protecting and conserving biodiversity)
• Optimizing conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity while minimizing conflicts among blue economy sub-themes
• Strengthening measures for mitigating the negative impacts of coastal and marine tourism, oil, gas, deep sea mining and climate change on aquatic biodiversity and environment.
• Strengthening gender inclusivity in aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental management

For the implementation of this project, AU-IBAR seeks the services of a Gender Policy and Strategy Expert – Aquatic Environmental Management, for a short-term consultancy, to strengthen the role and participation of women in the conservation of aquatic biodiversity and the environment.

Job Description Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Project Team leader at AU-IBAR the incumbent will undertake the following targeted areas of work so as to achieve the objectives of the Project ‘Aquatic Biodiversity in African Blue Economy’:

• Strengthen policies and strategies to promote women and gender equality in the conservation of aquatic biodiversity and environmental management
• Integrate community-driven approaches to ecosystem-based climate change mitigation strategies and enhance promote the application of nature of nature-based solutions to aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental management
• Enhancing continental awareness and promoting implementation of Payments for Ecosystem Services as an innovative approach to nature conservation
• Facilitate implementation of continental strategy by AU member states and related global instruments relevant to aquatic biodiversity and environment
• Identify and mainstream gender related issues across project’s activities relevant to aquatic biodiversity and environmental management
• Develop knowledge products, guidelines to facilitate integration of gender perspectives in biodiversity conservation and environment management by AU member states, RECs, NGOs etc
• Identify and develop inventory of key stakeholders (private sector, NGOs, research and public institutions etc.) involved in environmental and biodiversity conservation in Africa
• Promote partnership and institutional linages in the implementation of projects’ activities
• Identify and develop new initiatives related to gender mainstreaming in aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental management
• Any other duty as may be assigned by the Project Team Leader

Academic Requirements

• The incumbent should have a Minimum of a Master’s degree in the field of environment, biodiversity conservation, aquatic sciences, A qualification in gender development related study would be an advantage.

General Experience

• Record of familiarization of African blue economy sector
• Experience working with and/or familiarization of regional economic communities and specialized regional institutions with mandates related to management of aquatic biodiversity and environmental management in Africa
• Record of working experience in gender mainstreaming activities and projects in the field of the environment and biodiversity conservation
• Experience in developing or supporting developing of policies, strategies for strengthening gender considerations in natural resources governance
• Proven experience of working with communities in coastal and marine environmental issues

Specific Experience

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in aquatic environmental management institution, aquatic biodiversity conservation setting in Africa
• Familiarization of continental and global instruments, initiatives relevant to climate change migration, environmental sustainability, gender considerations in natural resources management.
• Evidence of Understanding the concept of payment for ecosystems (PES and nature-based solutions for ecosystems conservations
• Experience in planning, implementing training and facilitating stakeholders’ consultative workshops relating to aquatic ecosystems
• Proven evidence of familiarization of activities of NGOs in conservation of aquatic biodiversity and environmental management

Required Skills

• Diplomacy and good interactive skills necessary for dealing with senior officials in Government, Regional Organizations, and donor/development organizations in Africa;
• Very strong writing, analytical and communication skills are necessary.
• Proficiency in at least two AU languages

Deliverables

• Policies, strategies or management plans to promote women and gender equality in the conservation of aquatic biodiversity and environmental management strengthened
• Community-driven approaches to ecosystem-based climate change mitigation strategies integrated in the project’s activities
• Implementation of nature-based solutions to aquatic biodiversity conservation and ecosystems restoration promoted
• Identification. and mapping and inventory of main stakeholders (private sector, NGOs etc.) involved in environmental and aquatic biodiversity conservation, conservation and environmental management gender mainstreaming in their activities conducted.
• Partnerships and Institutional linkages facilitated in the implementation of the project for generation of synergies
• AU member States and other institutions or organizations supported to domesticate gender sensitive continental and global instruments relevant to aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental management
• Gender related issues across project’s activities relevant to aquatic biodiversity and environmental management are identified and mainstreamed
• Knowledge products developed or support to development of knowledge products gender related issues in aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental management
• New relevant initiatives or projects developed or development supported
• Other duties performed as may be assigned by supervisor

Evaluation Criteria

• The applications will be evaluated on the basis of the relevant technical qualifications, experience and competence of the candidates.

Criteria Scores (%)

• Qualifications 20
• General Experience 15
• Specific Experience 45
• Female applicants 10
• Other skills 5
• Proficiency in language 5

Gender Mainstreaming

• The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Duty Stations

• The contract should be implemented from the AU-IBAR offices in Nairobi unless otherwise with the Contracting Authority.

Duration

• The effective duration of this assignment is 6 months. The contract would be renewable depending on availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
• The selected candidate should be available to undertake this assignment as soon as the contract is signed.

Remuneration

• The remuneration for this Consultancy is a fixed at P3Step 5 of the African Union Salary Scale, Monthly Payment after submission of satisfactory report.

• Expenses for missions will be covered separately in accordance with the applicable African Union Commission rules and regulations.

Supervision and Reporting

• The candidate will be under the direct supervision of the project team leader with oversight supervision by the Director of AU-IBAR. The team leader will have the responsibility of approval of reports.

How to apply

Application Deadline

The deadline for submission of proposals is 10th November 2023, Nairobi Local Time.

The address for submission of applications through email to: procurement@au-ibar.org.

Other Requirements for This Position

• Preference will be giving to women for this assignment. Women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply.

Documents forming part of this application:

• Terms of reference
• Declaration on exclusion criteria
• Data protection and privacy statement

Documents to be submitted with the application

• Technical proposal including references of previous relevant work experience
• Curriculum Vitae
• Identification documents e.g. passport with relevant biodata pages
• Tax status/registration documents
• Signed declaration on exclusion criteria

go to method of application »

Specific Responsibilities

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

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Liaise with the direct supervisor for briefing on tasks
• Preparation of Inception report after 10 days of signing contract, outlining methodology and approach
• Support institutionalization of fisheries and aquaculture database at AU-IBAR and piloting in AU member states and other institutions
• Facilitate review and align national fisheries and aquaculture polices and laws with the PFRS, regional instruments and global best practices in at least 10 AU member states and 3 RECs
• Dissemination of study report, through various platforms, on best practices and lessons learnt on functional institutional anchorage between RECs and Regional fisheries Bodies/ Regional Sea conventions (RFBs/RSC) and promote implementation of proposed framework for effective anchorage among regional institutions;
• Enhance institutional cooperation and coordination in regional fisheries through established AFRM platforms
• Strengthening linkages between specialized regional fisheries institutions and environmental agencies to support implementation of the proposed mechanism
• Enhance operationalization of the platform for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and enhance strategic positions for effective participation in continental and global fora
• Enhance operationalization of the biennial forum for reporting progress of domestication of continental and global instruments.
• Prepare a roster of fishery and aquaculture experts in the different Member States and set up a consultation mechanism to draft common positions
• Facilitate review of national instruments for domestication of prioritized global instruments in at least 15 AU member states
• Development of knowledge products to enhance utilization of best practices in fisheries and aquaculture
• Support to STC process, including development of documentations
• Support selected AU member states to participate in global fora
• Preparation of monthly reports on progress of implementation of task
• Perform all other duties as requested by the supervisors

Deliverables

• Satisfactory Inception report is developed, submitted and approved
• The Fisheries and aquaculture database transferred to AU-IBAR, functional and piloted in AU member states
• Policy and legislative review conducted in at least 10 AU members and 3 RECs, validated and aligned to the PFRS and global instruments
• Study reports by Centres Excellences finalized and disseminated to wider stakeholders though various platforms – AU-IBAR websites, Zoom links etc
• Institutional linkages and coordination promoted among regional institutions with mandates in fisheries, aquaculture and environment– RECS, RFBs, RFMOs and RSC within the framework of APRIFAAS
• The operationalization of SIDS platform for effective participation in global fora and Biennial forum for domestication of continental and global instruments enhanced
• A roster of experts developed and consultative mechanism set up facilitate to drafting of common positions
• 15 knowledge products developed and disseminated through various platforms
• Documents developed for presentations to STC
• Selected AU MS supported to participate in global fora
• Other assigned performed as may assigned by supervisors

Duty Station

• The duty station shall be the AU-IBAR offices in Nairobi, Kenya unless otherwise agreed with the Contracting Authority.

Duration

• The duration of this assignment is 6 months but renewable based on availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The selected candidate should be available to undertake this assignment with minimum delay.

Remuneration

• The remuneration for this Consultancy is based on AU salary scale of P3 step 5. Payments will be done on monthly basis after satisfactory report, strictly consistent and compliant with the deliverables.

Supervision

• The successful expert will be under the direct supervision of the Senior Fisheries Officer at AU-IBAR who shall have the responsibility of approval of reports.

Consultant’s Requirements

Academic Requirements

• The incumbent should have a Post-graduate University degree (Master’s degree) in fisheries sciences, aquaculture or related aquatic sciences. PhD qualification in relevant disciplines would be an added advantage.

General experience

• At least 7 years proven working experience in the African fisheries and aquaculture sector
• At least 5 years demonstrated experience working for donor funded fisheries and aquaculture related projects at regional or continental level
• Record of policy and strategy formulation related to fisheries and aquaculture
• Proven Knowledge of regional and global instruments, initiatives and regimes relevant to African fisheries management and aquaculture development
• Record of supporting policy development and establishment of functioning mechanisms in fisheries and aquaculture sector

Specific experience

• Proven experience in promoting regional cooperation and coherence in the sector and knowledge on the activities and roles of RECs and RFOs in fisheries and aquaculture sector
• Record of capacity building for management of shared and transboundary fisheries and aquaculture resources
• Experience of promoting adherence to global process relevant to fisheries and aquaculture
• Record of formulating and publication of knowledge products in fisheries management approaches and aquaculture development practices
• Sound knowledge on issues of high seas fisheries and governance of large marine ecosystems

Required Skills

• Demonstrated experience in dealing with senior government officials and development partners;
• Good networking skills and ability to maintain positive and constructive dialogue and relationships with key institutions operating in the regions;
• Self-starter with the ability to strategically plan own work;
• Very strong writing, analytical and communication skills are necessary.

Gender Mainstreaming

• The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Evaluation Criteria

• The applications will be evaluated on the basis of the criteria set out above and marks awarded as follows:

Criteria Scores (%)

• Academic Qualifications 20
• General Experience 20
• Specific Experience 50
• Other Skills 10

Total 100

How to apply

Submission of Applications

Documents to be submitted:

• Detailed curriculum vitae
• Signed declaration on exclusion criteria (format provided)
• Copies of academic qualifications
• Copy of identification documents

Application Modalities

• Applications should be submitted via email to procurement@au-ibar.org.
• The deadline for submission of applications shall be 7th November 2023 at midnight, Nairobi local time.

go to method of application »

Specific Responsibilities

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

The expert shall perform the following tasks:

• Liaise with AU-IBARs for briefing on tasks
• Prepare inception report, outlining methodology and approach
• 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 in 15 AU member states and 5 RECs
• In collaboration with WOAH, conduct institutional assessment of laboratories and diagnostics networks at regional levels in Africa and recommend mechanisms for establishing regional reference laboratories and diagnostic networks for fish and fish products.
• Support operationalizations of regional aquatic animal health networks, development of standards and capacity for SPS
• Facilitate dissemination and implementation of recommendations of study report on rationalization of platforms and networks and facilitate linkages with regional institutions
• Facilitate dissemination and implementation of study report on methodologies for cost-effective stakeholder consultative mechanism
• Support to development of sectoral strategies and investment plans and develop a mechanism for twinning and consultative process
• Support to identification of strategic regional value chains for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture
• Enhance operationalization’s of continent networks including AWFISHNET and ANAF, including associated regional and national chapters
• Publication and dissemination of reports on establishment of platforms and networks national chapters and other reports
• Development of knowledge products on identified issues relevant to fisheries and aquaculture in Africa
• Support common positions and effective participation of AU member states and other stakeholders in standard setting organizations and fora
• Support to STC processes, including development of documents
• Preparation of monthly reports on progress of implementation of task
• Perform all other duties as requested by the supervisors

Deliverables

• Briefing by supervisor and Inception report developed
• 15 National and 5 regional policies reviewed to mainstream climate resilient fisheries and aquaculture in NAIP and RAIPs
• In collaboration with WOAH, institutional assessment for strengthening regional reference laboratories for fish and fish products conducted
• Establishments and / or operationalization of regional aquatic animal health networks supported
• Recommendations of study report on rationalization of platforms and networks implemented and linkages with regional institutions promoted
• Recommendations of study report on mechanisms and methodology for cost-effective stakeholders’ consultations implemented
• AWFISHNET and ANAF fully operationalized and implementation of activities supported
• Reports on establishment of 15 AWFISHNET national chapters published and disseminated through various platforms, including AU-IBAR website
• At least 10 knowledge products developed relevant to fisheries and aquaculture development
• At least ten common positions developed in relevant standard setting organizations
• Other duties performed as may be assigned by supervisors

Duty Station

• The duty station shall be the AU-IBAR offices in Nairobi, Kenya unless otherwise agreed with the Contracting Authority.

Duration

• The duration of this assignment is 6 months with a possibility of renewal depending on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The selected candidate should be available to undertake this assignment with minimum delay.

Remuneration

• The remuneration for this Consultancy is at AU Salary scale P2 Step 5. Payments will be done on monthly basis after satisfactory report, strictly consistent and compliant with the deliverables.

Supervision

• The successful expert will be under the direct supervision of the Senior Fisheries Officer at AU-IBAR who shall have the responsibility of approval of reports.

Requirements

Academic Requirements

• 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), fisheries and aquaculture or Veterinary studies. A PhD degree in relevant fields will be an added advantage.

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 and
• Proven knowledge on co-management practices and working experience with fishing and fish farming communities and other non-state actors in African fisheries and aquaculture sector

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 post-harvest 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

Other Skills

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

Gender Mainstreaming

• The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Evaluation Criteria

• The applications will be evaluated on the basis of the criteria set out above and marks awarded as follows:

Criteria Scores (%)

• Academic Qualifications 20
• General Experience 20
• Specific Experience 50
• Other Skills 10

Total 100

How to apply

Submission of Applications

Documents to be submitted:

• Detailed curriculum vitae
• Signed declaration on exclusion criteria (format provided)
• Copies of academic qualifications
• Copy of identification documents

Application Modalities

• Applications should be submitted via email to procurement@au-ibar.org.
• The deadline for submission of applications shall be 7th November 2023 at midnight, Nairobi local time.