The overall objective of this assignment is to develop a Strategic Action Plan, the associated Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, and the Resource Mobilization Strategy for APRIFAAS.

Specifically, the consultant will;

• To conduct a study of the existing APRIFAAS Governance instruments, relevant documents such as AU PFRS and African Fisheries Reform Mechanism (AFRM), CAMFA I and II reports ABES, CAADP, especially on the role of networks and platforms in shaping Africa’s aquaculture transformation agenda for the next decade.
• To develop a Strategic Action Plan and a Resource mobilization plan of the APRIFAAS based on the key elements identified by APRIFAAS bureau members at the meeting held in Naivasha, Kenya, from 28th to 29th July 2025.
• Take a deep dive into the previous reports of the APRIFAAS general assembly and board meetings to pick out key resourceful recommendations for consideration.
• Identify and conduct interviews with strategic institutions/organizations/ platforms that play critical roles in Fisheries and aquaculture policy, regulation, research, strategic planning and implementation.
• Recommend how to develop and maintain strategic partnerships and engagement with key development partners, including preparation of a strategy engagement for involvement of the private sector in APRIFAAS activities.
• Explore opportunities for partnerships (and mobilizing & leveraging resources from the non-traditional partners like the private sector).
• Conduct a detailed analysis of potential global and local development partners to map the feasibility of securing funding.
• Develop the draft APRIFAAS Strategic Action plan, including a resource mobilization strategy and M&E framework.
• Facilitate relevant workshops, virtual or physical, for validation of the Strategic Action Plan, including RMS of the APRIFAAS, during the eighth APRIFAAS General Assembly.
• Prepare a consultancy report including lessons and best practices, way forward and next steps.

Approach & Methodology for Undertaking the Assignment

During the consultancy, the consultant is expected to;

• Develop a detailed and comprehensive inception briefing with relevant AU-IBAR staff and APRIFAAS Chairperson to agree on expectations and provide clarity on any outstanding issues.
• Conduct a detailed desk review of background information on the specialized regional fisheries institutions, identifying opportunities and key challenges.
• Be conversant with the AU Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture (PFRS) and the Africa Fisheries Reform Mechanism (AFRM) and other relevant documents like the ABES, CAADP.
• Be familiar with the African Fisheries Reform Mechanism.
• Scrutinize the available action plans of the other relevant platforms and align the draft action plan with those of the other platforms.
• Review the Key Elements Identified by bureau members in Order to develop the Strategic Action Plan, including the Resource mobilization strategy of the APRIFAAS.
• Conduct extensive reviews of the instruments, functions and activities of APRIFAAS and other networks and platforms to identify areas of synergies, overlaps and propose recommendations for enhancing their effectiveness and sustainability of the Plans.
• Identify and conduct interviews with institutions/ platforms that play a critical role in Fisheries and aquaculture policy, regulation, research, strategic planning and implementation.
• Consult with key staff at AU- IBAR, AUC, AUDA-NEPAD, RECs, RFBs, RFMOs, AU Platforms and all other relevant institutions/organizations with respect to the activities to solicit their views on the proposed Strategic Action Plan, including RMS.
• Develop a draft 5-year Strategic Action Plan (Strategic plan with its implementation plan), including RMS for circulation to key stakeholders.
• Facilitate the validation of the Strategic Action Plan.
• Present the Strategic Action Plan for adoption during the APRIFAAS General Assembly in November 2025.
• Incorporate comments/inputs from the validation workshop and submit a final version of the document to the AU-IBAR and APRIFAAS chair (COMESA).

Qualifications

• At least a post-graduate/advanced degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture, marine science, Natural science, economics, finance, management, business administration, strategic planning, M&E, resource mobilization, among other related courses.
• PhD degrees in a relevant discipline would also be an added advantage.

General Experience

The successful consultant is expected to have the following experiences:

• At least 5 years’ working experience or familiarity in the Fisheries and Aquaculture sector, policy and regulation, strategic planning, management and development.
• Record of designing sector strategic action plans, especially in the fisheries and Aquaculture sector.
• Experienced in national, regional and international levels, especially at the policy level and donor assistance agencies.
• Good record of working with continental institutions, RECs, RFBs, RFMOs and specialized regional institutions dedicated to the African blue economy, Fisheries and Aquaculture sectors.
• Evidence of facilitating workshops at regional and continental levels on the related African blue Fisheries and Aquaculture sector.