Purpose of Job
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 Vision of the AU-IBAR Strategic Plan 2018-2023 is an Africa in which animal resources contribute significantly to integration, prosperity and peace. Within the framework of the African Union 2063, the Africa Blue Economy Strategy environed an inclusive and sustainable blue economy that significantly contributes to Africa’s transformation and growth.
As a follow up of First phase of Fisheries Governance project (FISHGOV1), the second phase, also with EU support, “Enhancing sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture development in Africa: A programme for accelerated reform of the sector (FISHGOV2)’ is aimed at enhancing the contribution of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture to the achievement of the AU Agenda 2063’s objectives, notably in terms of food security, livelihoods and wealth creation.
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 Senior Policy Officer – Fisheries and Aquaculture to support the implementation of the activities of the project.
Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience
The incumbent should have a
- Post-graduate University degree (Master’s degree) in fisheries sciences, fisheries socio-economics, related equivalent disciplines in policy and planning. A PhD degree in relevant fields will be an added advantage.
- A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience in the fisheries and aquaculture development in Africa of which at least three (3) years should at supervisory level;
OR
- Bachelor university degree in fisheries sciences, fisheries socio-economics, related equivalent disciplines in policy and planning.
- Qualification(s) in related Aquatic Sciences would be an added advantage.
- A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience in aquaculture in African Fisheries of which at least three (3) years should be at supervisory level.
The incumbent should also have:
- Sound experience of institutions setup at national and regional levels for fisheries and aquaculture management and development;
- Extensive experience in formulation of policies, strategies relating to fisheries and aquaculture at national, regional or continental levels;
- Familiarization with African Union policy processes, institutions and initiatives relevant to fisheries and aquaculture;
- Sound knowledge of CAADP process;
- Familiarization with AU instruments supporting ocean governance, fisheries and aquaculture sector;
- Sound knowledge of global instruments and processes relevant to fisheries and aquaculture;
- Record of working experience externally funded relevant development projects and/or knowledge of partners’ interventions in fisheries and aquaculture sector in Africa.
Required Skills
- Demonstrated experience in dealing with senior government officials and development partners
- Good networking skills and ability to maintain positive and constructive dialogue and relationships with key institutions operating in the regions;
- Self-starter with the ability to strategically plan own work;
- Very strong writing, analytical and communication skills are necessary.
Application deadline is July 19, 2021.
