Tasks

The main tasks of the Project Coordinator will be:

1. Technical supervision and coordination of the overall implementation of the project.
2. Development of mechanisms to promote project implementation, including technical guidance and supervision of project staff, preparation of annual and quarterly workplans, budget and follow-up implementation of project related study reports and recommendations.
3. Organizing and operationalization of project management structure including the project technical committee, project steering committee and internal meetings.
4. Strengthen institutional capacity for adoption and implementation of appropriate tools for effective protection of aquatic biodiversity, fish resources and ecosystems.
5. Support implementation of mechanisms towards community-led actions for climate change mitigation for restoration of critical ecosystems such as wetlands, flood plans, coral reefs for conservation of aquatic biodiversity.
6. Promote adoption of inclusive value chain approach to strengthen conservation of aquatic biodiversity at regional levels in Africa.
7. Promote the operationalization of AU Centers of Excellence in Aquatic biodiversity and Ecosystems.
8. Facilitate coalition building and partnerships in the continent’s blue space.
9. Any other duty as may be assigned by the Director of AU-IBAR.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

1. Project coordination and technical implementation of activities facilitated.
2. Institutional capacity strengthened for implementation of appropriate tools for effective protection of aquatic biodiversity, fish resources and ecosystems.
3. Mechanism for community-led action for climate change migration and ecosystems restoration promoted.
4. Inclusive regional value chain for aquatic biodiversity strengthened.
5. The AU Centres of Excellence in aquatic biodiversity in ecosystems operationalized.
6. Coalition building and partnerships promoted in the governance of blue space.
7. Miscellaneous duties performed.

Qualification

The incumbent should have an advanced University Degree in Fisheries Biology and Management, Fisheries Science including research specialization in Fish Population Ecology and Analyses. A PhD degree in either of the above will be an added advantage.

General Experience

1. At least 15 years progressive combined working experience at senior and advisory positions in African fisheries and aquaculture sector at national, regional and continental levels.
2. At least 15 years’ combined working experience in managing and coordinating donor funded projects on fisheries development and management with particular reference to EU, FAO/UN, UNIDO, GEF-World Bank, SIDA, Norway and GTZ Projects.
3. Demonstrated record of formulation or coordinating formulation of national, regional and continental policies or strategies for the sustainable exploitation and management of fish resources, aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems, in Africa.
4. Proven record of conducting or facilitating capacity development of African stakeholders on aquatic ecosystems modelling, productivity patterns and scientific data for informed decision making in African fisheries, aquaculture and blue economy sector.
5. Proven record of formulation of national and continental projects and programmes on fisheries and aquaculture and related disciplines in Africa.
6. Experience in fostering partnerships in implementing on aquatic biodiversity conservation and ecosystems management.

Specific experience

1. Proven record of coordinating formulation of the continental framework on blue economy and associated documents.
2. Minimum of 5 years combined experience in coordinating the implementation of continental strategy for Blue Economy and related projects on conservation of aquatic biodiversity and integrated ecosystems management.
3. Proven record of coordinating and facilitating development of harmonized frameworks for management of transboundary marine and freshwater ecosystems in Africa.
4. Evidence of coordinating development of tools to promote best practices and strengthen regulatory frameworks to minimize impact of external factors or threats to aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.
5. Proof of record of facilitating establishment and strengthening mechanisms for protection and restoration aquatic biodiversity, ecosystems and conflict restoration.
6. Record of experience of coordinating selection of institutions as African Union Centres of Excellence and their operationalization for research and training on aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems, management fisheries and aquaculture.
7. Record of supporting and facilitating evidence-based decision making by African Union Policy Organ in the adoption of documents related to fisheries, aquaculture and aquatic biodiversity conservation.

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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 ‘Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in African Blue Economy’:

1. Contribute to development of mechanisms, frameworks, guidelines, strategies on conservation of aquatic biodiversity
2. Strengthen capacity for sustainable exploitation, utilization and conservation of aquatic biodiversity in Africa blue economy sectors
3. Support capacity on and implementation of tools and measures, including marine protected areas, for effective restoration of degraded aquatic habitats and depleted aquatic biodiversity
4. Promote mechanisms and strengthen capacity for regional cooperation on monitoring, control and surveillance systems (MCS) for the sustainable exploitation, utilization and protection of aquatic biodiversity in Africa blue economy
5. Support to enhance mitigation measures and climate action to minimize climate impact on aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems
6. Support to enhancing awareness on control and mitigation of the impacts of plastic pollution in Africa
7. Support capacity development of AU member states and regional institutions on implementation of continental instruments related to aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems conservation
8. Identification and development of new initiatives or projects for sustainable blue economy development
9. Any other duty as may be assigned by the Project Team Leader

Academic Requirements

The incumbent should have a minimum of Masters of Science degree in disciplines related to aquatic biodiversity and conservation; aquatic ecology, or in environmental sciences

General Experience

1. At least 5 years combined working in national institutions with regards to African blue economy sectors particularly in the areas of aquatic biodiversity conservation in Africa
2. Evidence of familiarization of functions of regional economic communities and specialized regional institutions with mandates in blue economy related disciplines
3. Record of working in multidisciplinary project related to aquatic resources management and environment
4. Experience in planning, implementing and facilitating stakeholders’ consultative workshops on conservation of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems management in the continent
5. Evidence of developing strategies for mitigating climate change and plastic pollution in Africa’s aquatic ecosystems

Specific Experience

1. Record of familiarization of challenges, opportunities and status of national and regional capabilities for effective protection of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems
2. Evidence of experience in capacity building and institutional strengthening for effective Monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS systems for combating IUU fishing, aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental protection;
3. Evidence of supporting AU member states to strengthen regulatory frameworks for control and mitigating the impact of negative externalities (including coastal tourism, mining, oil and gas) against aquatic biodiversity and environment
4. Evidence of in-depth understanding and promoting implementing of essential tools for sustainable conservation of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems at national levels and in transboundary context,
5. Record of experience in formulation of governance frameworks, guidelines, knowledge products and strategies related to aquatic biodiversity and environmental conservation
6. Evidence of working experience in similar or related position for at least 3

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