Project Coordinator – SIDA Project

Background The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), a specialized technical office of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) of the African Union Commission (AUC), is mandated to support and coordinate the utilization of livestock, fisheries, aquaculture and wildlife as resources for both human wellbeing and economic development in the Member States of the African Union. The Vision of the AU-IBAR Strategic Plan 2024-2028 is an Africa in which animal resources contribute significantly to integration, prosperity and peace. AU-IBAR’s intervention in the fisheries and aquaculture sector is guided by the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for fisheries and aquaculture in Africa (PFRS) which is aimed at improving governance of the sector for increased sustainable contribution to food security, livelihoods and wealth creation. Also, within the framework of the African Union 2063, the Africa Blue Economy Strategy (ABES) environed an inclusive and sustainable blue economy that significantly contributes to Africa’s transformation and growth. The ABES, that is endorsed at the highest political level of the continent, incorporates key critical vectors for promoting blue economy development in Africa, including fisheries, aquaculture and ecosystem conservation; shipping, maritime safety and trade; climate change, environmental sustainability and coastal and marine tourism; sustainable energy and extractive mineral resources; governance, institutions and job creation. Towards the implementation of the ABES, AU-IBAR, with support from the Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (SIDA), is implementing the project on “ Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in African Blue Economy ’, for the last four years (from October 2021 to June 2027). The overall objective of the project is to enhance the policy environment, regulatory frameworks and institutional capacities of AU member states and regional economic communities to sustainably utilize and conserve aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems. 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. Project Timeline & Lifecycle • Initial Phase: October 2021 – October 2024 (3-year grant agreement funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency - SIDA). • First Extension: October 2024 – December 2025 (14-month no-cost extension to consolidate results and address outstanding activities). • Current Extension: December 2025 – June 2027 (18-month funded extension driven by high member-state demand and emerging biodiversity challenges). Key Milestones Achieved (Post-2025 Implementation) Combating IUU Fishing: Partnered with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to train 14 fisheries and environmental experts across 7 countries (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda) in Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS). Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Partnered with the Sub-Regional Fisheries Commission (SRFC) to train 29 regional stakeholders—including youth and women—on MPA governance and design. Small-Scale Fisheries Value Chains: Strengthened technical capacity, market access, and climate resilience for 17 stakeholders of small-scale octopus fisheries across 6 Western Indian Ocean nations (Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Seychelles, Tanzania). Freshwater Conservation: Partnered with the Department of fisheries in Zambia to train 50 community members in Zambia on nature-based solutions (NbS) to protect and restore Lower Zambezi River ecosystems. Global Governance & African Voice: Enhanced effective African participation and voice in global fora by capacity building of 31 AU member states and built institutional capacity across 13-member states to domesticate six international environmental and fisheries instruments. Emerging Priorities & Future Focus In the course of project implementation, stakeholders identified the following seven strategic focus areas for continued action, which were also highlighted by continental stakeholders and the Project Governing Bodies (i.e. the Project’s Technical and Steering Committees): Natural Capital Valuation: Quantifying the economic value of aquatic ecosystems, ecosystem services, and blue carbon to justify conservation financing. Pollution Mitigation: Curbing plastic and chemical waste impacts on marine life and fish stocks. Inclusive Value Chains: Expanding support for artisanal fisheries, seaweed, clams, mangrove oysters, and sea cucumbers. Social Inclusion: Embedding women and youth systematically into biodiversity management. Institutional Capacity: Strengthening AU Centres of Excellence and maintaining a continental roster of aquatic experts. Global Alignment: Aligning with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, UNFCCC processes and other relevant global frameworks. Framework Scaling and Institutionalization: Mainstreaming AU-endorsed policies on Nature-based Solutions and gender equity. Strategic Outlook & Operational Call Drawing from these initiatives, AU-IBAR has designed a 10-Year Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Ecosystems Transformation Programme structured around four pillars: Sustainable aquatic ecosystems and inclusive fisheries value chains. Resilient aquaculture development. Accelerated intra-African fish trade. Strengthened governance, regional coordination, and global advocacy. Immediate Next Step: AU-IBAR is recruiting a Sustainable Blue Economy Expert / Project Coordinator to oversee project delivery through June 2027, ensure orderly closeout, and spearhead resource mobilization proposals for the broader 10-year transformation agenda. Objective The overall objective of the consultancy is to coordinate and technically guide the effective implementation of the Project “Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in African Blue Economy’, currently implemented at AU-IBAR with funding from the SIDA; and related initiatives associated with advancing aquatic biodiversity conservation, ecosystems management, fisheries and aquaculture management towards sustainable blue economy development in Africa. Tasks The main tasks of the Project Coordinator will be: Technical supervision and coordination of the overall implementation and seamless closure of the SIDA Project. Development of mechanisms to promote effective project implementation, knowledge sharing or dissemination and utilization of project outcomes for policy and institutional reforms. Strengthen institutional capacity for adoption and implementation of appropriate tools for effective protection of aquatic biodiversity, fish resources and ecosystems . Support implementation of mechanisms towards community-led actions for climate change mitigation for restoration of critical ecosystems such as wetlands, flood plans, vegetation, grass-beds, coral reefs for conservation of aquatic biodiversity and fish stocks. Promote adoption of inclusive value chain approach to strengthen conservation of aquatic biodiversity, fisheries and aquaculture development in Africa. Promote capacity building and operationalization of AU Centres of Excellence (COEs) in Aquatic biodiversity, Ecosystems, fisheries and aquaculture. Facilitate collaboration and partnerships with regional, continenta