Individual Consultancy Service: Aquatic Biodiversity Specialist At African Union – Interafrican Bureau For Animal Resources

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':
Responsibilities

Provide technical support relating to the implementation of the project
Contribute to development of mechanisms, frameworks, guidelines, strategies on conservation of aquatic biodiversity
Strengthen capacity for sustainable exploitation, utilization and conservation of aquatic biodiversity in Africa blue economy sector
Promote mechanisms for restoration of degraded aquatic habitats and depleted aquatic biodiversity
Promote mechanisms for sustainable regional cooperation on monitoring, control and surveillance systems for exploitation, utilization and protection of aquatic biodiversity in Africa blue economy
Strengthen national and regional capacities for establishment of marine spatial planning and in transboundary context
Strengthen institutional capacity at national and regional levels for establishment and governance of marine protected areas and in monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) as tools for conserving aquatic biodiversity
Enhance mitigation measures and climate action to minimize climate impact on aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems
Identification of biodiversity hotspots and support to formulation of regional aquatic biodiversity conservation strategies
Support capacity development of AU member states and regional institutions on implementation of continental instruments related to aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems conservation
Identification and development of new initiatives or projects for sustainable blue economy development
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, environmental sciences.
General Experience
At least 5 years combined working experience at senior, advisory positions or capacity building with regards to African blue economy sectors particularly in the areas of aquatic biodiversity conservation in Africa
Evidence of familiarization of functions of regional economic communities and specialized regional institutions with mandates in blue economy related disciplines
Record of working in multidisciplinary project related to natural aquatic resources management and environment
Experience in planning, implementing and facilitating stakeholders' consultative workshops on blue resources development at African Union level