Rollout the joint management plans, Protocols & frameworks for conserving transboundary marine aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems(Congo DR & Congo) At

Background

The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU–IBAR), is a specialized technical office of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) of the African Union Commission (AUC). AU–IBAR 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 African Union Member States (AU–MS).

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 within the framework of the African Union Agenda 2063.

The African Continent is adjacent to some of highly productive marine ecosystems including the seven African Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) viz., Agulhas Current LME, Benguela Current LME, Guinea Current LME, Canary current LME, Mediterranean Sea LME, Red Sea LME and Somali Current LME. The Continent is also endowed with networks of freshwater Rivers and Lakes. The Seas, Oceans, Lakes and Rivers inhabit a significant number of biodiversity, and the ecosystems provide sources of livelihoods, food security and wealth. The African aquatic ecosystems inhabit living and non-living resources. However, the unsustainable exploitation of these resources is threatening the biodiversity, natural resources and environmental sustainability.

Several factors are threatening aquatic biodiversity in Africa’s aquatic ecosystems. These include; overexploitation of living species, pollution from several sources (land-based municipal and agricultural activities), uncontrolled introduction of exotic species in aquaculture systems, effluents from mining activities. Other threats to aquatic biodiversity include poorly and or unplanned urban development and resource-based industries, such as mining, coastal tourism activities, coastal infrastructure development that destroy or reduce natural habitats. In addition, air and water pollution, sedimentation and erosion, and climate change also pose threats to aquatic biodiversity.

The highest political organ of the African Union endorsed the African Blue Economy Strategy (ABES) aimed addressing some of these challenges and for the AU–Member States to sustainably harness the resources of aquatic ecosystems. The ABES envisioned an inclusive and sustainable Blue Economy that significantly contributes to Africa’s transformation and growth. The Strategy incorporates key critical vectors for promoting Blue Economy development of the Continent, including fisheries, aquaculture and ecosystem biodiversity conservation; shipping, maritime safety and trade; climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability and ecotourism; sustainable energy and extractive mineral resources; governance, institutions and job creation.

The objective of the ABES is to guide the development of an inclusive and sustainable Blue Economy that becomes a significant contributor to Continental transformation and growth, through advancing knowledge on marine and aquatic biotechnology, environmental sustainability, marine ecosystem utilization, conservation and carbon sequestration, the growth of an Africa-wide shipping industry, the development of Sea, River and Lake transport, the management of fishing activities on these water bodies, and the exploitation and beneficiation of deep Sea mineral and other marine resources.

The ABES is consolidated based on the following five thematic technical areas:

1. Fisheries, aquaculture, conservation and sustainable aquatic ecosystems;
2. Shipping / transportation, trade, ports, maritime security, safety and enforcement;
3. Coastal and maritime tourism, climate change, resilience, marine ecosystem, environment, infrastructure;
4. Sustainable energy and mineral resources and innovative industries; and,
5. Policies, Institutional and governance, employment, job creation and poverty eradication, innovative financing.

Accordingly, AU–IBAR with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), is implementing a 3–year project on “Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in African Blue Economy’’ whose overall objective 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:

1. To provide support to AU–MS to ratify and/or align relevant International/Regional Instruments related to blue economy themes (with specific reference to protecting and conserving biodiversity);
2. Optimizing conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity while minimizing conflicts among Blue Economy sub–themes;
3. 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, and;
4. Strengthening gender inclusivity in aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental management.

In line with the provisions of the project, Studies were conducted on assessment of transboundary marine aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems in order to: (i) identify critical aquatic environmental issues affecting biodiversity; (ii) develop mechanisms for joint management plans and Protocols in shared Blue Economy Resources; (iii) formulate harmonized Regional frameworks for aquatic biodiversity conservation.

In this regard, the AU-IBAR under the Biodiversity Project intends to conduct a two-day Regional workshop to roll out joint management plans, Protocols and the harmonized Regional frameworks for conserving marine aquatic biodiversity specifically for two selected Member States of the COREP Region namely the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo. The workshop is scheduled to hold from 26th – 27th of March, 2024 in Kinshasa, Dr – Congo.

The consultative workshop would entail immense technical preparatory activities especially with the Member States, to ensure successful workshop outcomes. In this regard, AU-IBAR seeks to recruit a technical facilitator preferably from the COREP Secretariat to coordinate the two National focal points who will be contracted from the respective COREP partner States one from each of the two COREP Members States of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo and provide technical guidance to the overall process and the respective National focal points and also facilitation of the workshop for effective outcomes.

Objectives of the Consultancy

The overall objective of the technical facilitation is to adequately prepare and facilitate the consultative workshop on rolling out consultants’ study report on joint management plans, Protocols and the harmonized Regional frameworks for conserving aquatic biodiversity and environmental management; in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo aligned. He / She will also be liaising with the AU-IBAR team on preparations of activities on the ground.

The specific tasks of the consultant are:

1. Support and coordinate the activities of the National Focal Points for the two MSs of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo for identification of appropriate MDAS and sourcing relevant documents;
2. Conduct in-dept review of the consultant’s report on transboundary assessment of environmental issues impacting marine ecosystems and aquatic biodiversity;
3. Technically coordinate the two National Focal Points to review relevant National Instruments, identify gaps with respect to the consultant’s study report;
4. Based on the outcomes of the reviews and gap analyses, technically liaise with the National Focal Points to develop the Policy guidelines for a consolidated harmonized Strategy, for each of the two Countries, for conservation of aquatic biodiversity and environmental management in transboundary marine ecosystems between the two Countries;
5. Facilitate technical preparation of the of Regional consultative workshop, including group discussions;
6. Develop the final comprehensive workshop report; and,
7. Any other tasks leading to effective, efficient and successful organization of the workshop.

Evaluation Criteria

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

Criteria Scores (%)

Qualifications 25

General Experience 15

Specific Experience 45

Other skills 10

Proficiency in language 5

Gender Mainstreaming

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

Qualifications

The incumbent should have a Minimum of a Master’s degree in environmental studies, aquatic sciences, social sciences with extensive experience. Professional qualifications in environmental management issues and aquatic ecosystems conservation studies would be added advantage.

Experience

General Experience

1. A working experience of at least 5 years and familiarization with National public, private institutions or Agencies in the ECCAS Region in charge of Blue Economy Sectors including coastal tourism, Fisheries and aquaculture, environment, Water transport, mining, forestry;
2. Familiarization with management issues in marine ecosystems in Central Africa, including sources of environmental degradation and their impacts on aquatic biodiversity, environment and riparian communities;

Specific Experience

1. Experience working with specialized Regional institutions, including Regional fisheries bodies;
2. Knowledge of existing Continental and Global initiatives or Instruments promoting environmental best practices for sustainable aquatic ecosystems, climate change mitigation and adaptation (e.g. UNFCC) as well as Regional or International experience in related disciplines;
3. Knowledge of functions of Regional Economic Communities, Centres of Excellence and specialized Regional institutions; and,
4. Proven experience of conducting related assessments for enhanced natural resources governance, including Blue Economy Sector Development.

Required Skills

1. Diplomacy and good interactive skills necessary for dealing with senior officials in Government, Regional Organizations, and donor/development organizations in Africa;
2. Evidence of facilitating stakeholder workshop
3. Very strong writing, analytical and communication, computer skills are necessary;
4. Proficiency in at least 2 AU official languages.

Expected Outputs

1. National Focal Points effectively coordinated to undertake the tasks of reviewing the Policies, Laws and reports highlighting gaps from the relevant Blue Economy MDAs, i.e. fisheries, aquaculture, environment, water transport, coastal tourism and forestry available;
2. National Focal Points facilitated to source requisite information, identify relevant National Instruments, appropriate MDAs;
3. Technical supervision of National Focal Points for gap analyses of National Instruments conducted and mechanism for alignment with consultants’ study report and Regional framework developed;
4. Review of the two reports from the respective National Focal Points produced;
5. Technical facilitation of workshop conducted, guidelines for working group session developed;
6. Report on the Policy guidelines and Regulatory frameworks for the consolidated National Strategy (for each of the Countries) for harmonized conservation of aquatic biodiversity and environmental management developed; and,
7. Comprehensive workshop report.

Duration of the Consultancy

The duration of the consultancy will be for 7 days.

Remuneration and Terms of Payment

The cost of the mission is 300 USD per day for 7days for a total of 2,100 USD (Two thousand one hundred US dollars only). However should travel be required, AU-IBAR will take charge of travel costs (tickets) and DSA for any approved travel related to this consultancy

Payment will be made after submission of approved satisfactory reports.

Supervision and Coordination

The COREP and Project coordinator at AU-IBAR will coordinate the Technical Consultant before and during the preparation and execution of the workshop.