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).
The Vision of the AU–IBAR in the Strategic Plan 2018–2023 is an Africa in which animal resources contribute significantly to integration, prosperity and peace. AU–IBAR’s intervention in the fisheries, aquaculture and other Blue Economy Sector is guided by the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for fisheries and aquaculture in Africa (PFRS) and the African Blue Economy Strategy (ABES), both of which aim at socio-economic transformation of Africa, underpinned by 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 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 over–exploitation 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 at 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 economic 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:
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:
In line with the provisions of the project, AU–IBAR commissioned a consultancy to assess relevant Continental and Global biodiversity and environmental Instruments and develop priority actions for their enhanced ratification and implementation. The studies have been completed and report validated. The next stage in the process under the Biodiversity Project is to support selected AU–MS to review National Policies, Regulatory Frameworks and align the National Instruments with relevant Continental and Global biodiversity conservation and environmental management Instruments.
The Republic of Uganda was selected to be supported in the Eastern Africa due to the necessity to conserve the vast nature of aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity therein and also, the planned Oil and gas exploration as well as other development activities including developments in agriculture in Uganda.
The objective of this consultancy is to engage a National Consultant to undertake a review of the National Policies, Regulatory Frameworks of the Republic of Uganda for coherence with relevant Continental and Global biodiversity and environmental management Instruments.
Specific tasks for this consultancy will include but not limited to:
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
The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
The incumbent should have a minimum of a Master’s degree in environmental studies, aquatic/marine sciences, social sciences with extensive experience, professional qualifications in environmental management issues and aquatic ecosystems conservation studies.
The effective duration of the consultancy will be for 10 days.
The total profession fee is 300 USD per day for 10-days for a total of 3,000 USD (Three thousand US dollars only). Payment will be made after submission of approved satisfactory reports.
The Project Coordinator at AU–IBAR will supervise and coordinate the National consultant.
Applications should be submitted through email to: procurement@au-ibar.org with a copy to albert.obiero@au-ibar.org and should include the title “Uganda National Consultant: Review & Alignment of National Instruments with Relevant Continental and Global Instruments” in the subject of the email.
Applications should include the following:
A Personal Data Protection and Privacy Statement is attached as information for the applicants.
Applications should be submitted to the address given above by 17:00hrs, 26th April, 2024, Nairobi Local Time.
Attachments
Terms of Reference (English Version)
Tagged as: African Union - InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources, Uganda
AI: Hello human, I am a GPT powered AI chat bot. Ask me anything!