The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), a specialised technical office of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) of the African Union Commission, is mandated to support and coordinate the utilisation of livestock, fisheries, aquaculture and wildlife as resources for both human wellbeing and economic development in the Member States of the African Union.
The specific objectives are as follows: i. African Union decisions on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture policies are evidence based; ii. Fisheries and aquaculture policies in Africa are coherent with the PFRS and other AU priorities and coordinated at continental, regional and national levels and iii. Africa is adequately represented and effectively participates in international fisheries and aquaculture fora and ably domesticates relevant global instruments. For the implementation of this second phase, AU-IBAR seeks the services of a Fisheries and Aquaculture Trade and Investment Officer to assist in the implementation of the activities of the project, mainly related to trade, marketing and investment activities.
Main Functions
- Provide support in the following up on the activities of the project, including monitoring and evaluating progress made in line with a predefined strategic plan
- Contribute in conducting analysis and generate accurate reports in a timely manner
- Participate in the organisation of relevant meetings, congresses and conferences with stakeholders.
- Engage with relevant mid-level stakeholders and develop working relationships.
- Assist in setting the overall research direction, and in executing studies on a relevant policy area.
Specific Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Project Team Leader (Senior Fisheries Officer) at AU-IBAR, and overall oversight of the Senior Animal Production Officer, the incumbent will provide general technical support to the Project. He/ she shall perform the following tasks:
- Assist in the implementation of trade, market and investment related activities of the project
- Create awareness among relevant non-fisheries and aquaculture decision makers to stimulate in-country investments in fisheries and aquaculture and support mainstreaming of fisheries and aquaculture in NAIPs and RAIPs
- Facilitate identification of strategic regional value chains for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture and support RECs and AU Member States in reviewing their trade and SPS policies to facilitate fish trade along strategic regional value chains;
- Develop programmes to empower and strengthen capacity of fisheries and aquaculture traders (with due consideration for small scale traders and women engaged in fish trade and processing) along fisheries and aquaculture the value chain
- Support to enhancing effective participation of AU member states in related regional and global fora of standard setting organizations
- Support initiatives to facilitate intra and inter regional fish trade development in line with the regional integration trade agenda and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area
- Support harmonization of fisheries trade policies, regulations, traceability and certification mechanisms
- Develop mechanisms for the establishment of regional reference laboratories and diagnostic networks for fish and fish products
- Support the operationalization of aquatic animal health networks, women and youth trade and market organizations
- Assist in building capacity of competent authorities for accredited certification and compliance with regional and international fish import requirements
- Perform all other duties as requested by the supervisors
Required Skills
- Good networking skills and ability to maintain positive and constructive dialogue and relationships with key institutions;
- Experience in dealing with senior government officials and international development partners;
- Self-starter with the ability to plan own work with reference to defined strategies;
- Very strong writing, analytical and communication skills are necessary.
Application deadline is July 19, 2021.
