Background

The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) is implementing a three-year project on “Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in African Blue Economy”, with support from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA). The project is supporting the implementation of the African Blue Economy Strategy (ABES) which was endorsed by the African Heads of States and Governments at a Summit held in Addis Ababa-Ethiopia, in February 2020. The Project is designed to enhance the policy environment, regulatory frameworks and institutional capacities of African Union member states and Regional Economic Communities to sustainably utilize and conserve aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems.

An important area which the project is addressing is to strengthen measures for mitigating the negative impacts of climate change on aquatic biodiversity, including fish stocks,  and environment, which support economic activities and livelihoods of AU member states. To address this, AU-IBAR commissioned studies to document the negative impact of climate change on aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems in Africa and the study recommended  mitigation strategies for climate change impact.

Based on the outcomes of the study report on ‘The Impact of climate change on the aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity and mitigation measures by the aquatic biodiversity project’ (2022), seaweed farming and mangrove restoration initiatives were identified as essential for climate change resilient blue economies, biodiversity conservation and ecosystems restoration, safeguarding rural livelihoods and providing essential new ecosystem services. As such, it was envisaged to further extend support to ongoing initiatives to strengthen conservation, climate change efforts and enhance livelihoods through on nature-based solutions for aquatic biodiversity conservation and ecosystems restoration. Nature-based solutions are an emerging paradigm for ecosystem restoration and aquatic biodiversity conservation underlined by social and economic benefits.   

The concept is gaining ground on the continent especially through implementing natural resource projects or programmes at community levels. However, an emerging issue in the implementation of the first phase of the aquatic biodiversity projects, was the need to elaborate the concept to facilitate African Union Member States and other stakeholders to embrace the concept for implementation in their efforts for restoration of degraded ecosystems, depleted aquatic biodiversity, including fish stocks that would benefit both the environment and the people associated with the resources.

Nature-Based Solutions, such as ecosystem restoration, sustainable fisheries management, and blue carbon ecosystem protection, offer significant opportunities for biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and enhanced livelihoods. However, Africa lacks a comprehensive strategy for integrating Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) into policies and practices related to aquatic biodiversity conservation. To address these challenges, a Continental Strategy on Nature-Based Solutions that will guide the implementation of NbS across the continent to foster sustainable and inclusive development, resilience, and climate adaptation is essential.  

Objectives of the Consultancy

The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop a Continental Strategy on Nature-Based Solutions to provide structured guidance to the African continent for aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental management.

The specific objectives of the strategy would be to:

• Simplify and enhance awareness on Nature-based Solutions.  
• Align with continental, regional, and national priorities, policies, and frameworks.
• Provide strategic direction for the integration of NbS into national development plans, climate action plans (NDCs), biodiversity conservation strategies, and sectoral policies, including fisheries management.
• Promote inclusive sustainable management and restoration of aquatic ecosystems (e.g. marine, wetlands, mangroves, freshwater ecosystems, coral reefs) while addressing socio-economic challenges.
• Enhance the capacity of African countries to access financing and technical resources for the implementation of NbS.
• Provide a roadmap for the implementation, monitoring, and scaling-up of NbS across Africa.

Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake the following key tasks:

1. Liaise with project team at AU-IBAR.
2. Situational Analysis
   • Conduct a comprehensive review of existing policies, frameworks, and strategies related to NbS across Africa.
   • Assess the current status and potential of NbS in different regions and ecosystems (e.g., coastal areas, marine areas, freshwaters and wetlands).
   • Identify key challenges, opportunities, and gaps in the current implementation of NbS at national and regional levels.
   • Identify and conduct field visits to two locations with ongoing NbS practices for aquatic biodiversity conservation and ecosystems restorations, document, lessons and best practices that would inform the development of the continental strategy.
3. Stakeholder Engagement
   • Engage key stakeholders, including African Union member states, regional economic communities (RECs), development partners, civil society, private sector, and indigenous communities.
   • Facilitate consultations and workshops with relevant stakeholders to gather inputs, priorities, and perspectives on the development of the strategy.
4. Strategy Development
   • Draft a comprehensive Continental Strategy on Nature-Based Solutions for aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental management that includes:
     • A vision, mission, and purpose for NbS in Africa.
     • Strategic pillars and priority actions for NbS interventions in aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental management Guidelines for mainstreaming NbS into national policies and development plans for aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental management.
     • A financing and resource mobilization framework.
     • A framework for capacity-building, knowledge-sharing, and technology transfer.
     • Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting mechanisms to track progress and impact.
     • Identify nature-based enterprises as alternative livelihoods options.
5. Validation and Finalization
   • Present the draft strategy to key stakeholders for validation.
   • Incorporate feedback and finalize the strategy document.
   • Develop a dissemination plan to ensure that the strategy is effectively communicated to all stakeholders.

Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs:

1. Inception Report: Submitted within 7 days of signing the contract, detailing the methodology, approach, and work plan for the consultancy, along with a timeline of activities and deliverables.
2. Situational Analysis Report: Submitted within 30 days of signing the contract, providing an overview of existing NbS-related policies, frameworks, and practices in Africa, and identifying gaps and opportunities.
3. Draft Continental Strategy on NbS: Submitted within 50 days of signing the contract. A comprehensive draft strategy, incorporating feedback from stakeholder consultations.
4. Summary Report: Submitted within 60 days of signing the contract. A 10-page popular version of the key findings and recommendations.
5. Validation workshop and Report: Submitted within 75 days of signing the contract. An approved comprehensive final report, not exceeding 30 pages (excluding annexes), summarizing the study's findings, recommendations, and proposed strategies.
6. Final Strategy and Dissemination Plan: Submitted within 90 days of signing the contract. A strategy for effectively communicating and disseminating the final document to relevant stakeholders.

Duration and Timeline

The duration of the assignment is 90 days from the start date as indicated in the contract, with the following key milestones:

• Inception Report: 7 days of signing the contract.
• Situational Analysis Report: Within 30 days of signing the contract.
• Draft Strategy: Within 50 days of signing the contract.
• Summary Report: Within 60 days of signing the contract.
• Validation Workshop: Within 75 days of signing the contract.
• Final Strategy: Within 90 days of signing the contract.

Duty Station

This consultancy will be home-based with travel on specific assignments agreed with the AU–IBAR Management.   

Duration

The duration of this assignment is 90 days from the start date indicated in the contract.

Remuneration

The professional fee for this consultancy is an all-inclusive amount of USD 9000. No other payment will be made in respect of this consultancy. Expenses for approved travel will be covered separately in accordance with the applicable African Union Commission rules and regulations.  

Supervision and Reporting

The candidate will be under the direct supervision of the Project Team leader with oversight supervision by the Director of AU-IBAR. The team leader will have the responsibility of approval of reports.

Requirements

Qualifications

The successful candidate should have an advanced degree in disciplines related to Aquatic and Sciences, Marine Environmental Protection; or Aquatic conservation biology. A PhD degree will be an added advantage.

Experience

General Experience

1. Familiarization with national and regional institutions with mandates in aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental management.
2. Familiarization with functions of regional economic communities and specialized regional institutions with mandates in fisheries, aquaculture, aquatic biodiversity and environmental protection.
3. Knowledge of AU and global instruments related to aquatic biodiversity conservation, environmental management, integrated development, inclusivity and equality.
4. Experience of governance issues in Africa large marine and freshwater ecosystems, management systems, transboundary issues, challenges and opportunities.
5. Record of experience working with multiple stakeholders across a wide range of disciplines in ocean governance and in facilitating stakeholders’ consultative workshops.

Specific Experience

1. At least 5 years of experience in implementing or managing of projects or programmes in fields related to aquatic ecosystems-based management and community integration in Africa.
2. Demonstrated evidence of performing similar tasks related to this consultancy in the last 5 years.
3. Record experience in working with governments and partners on governance issues related to the subject matter in Africa for conservation of aquatic ecosystems and environments.
4. Evidence of formulating policies, strategies for restoration of degraded ecosystems to enhance aquatic biodiversity conservation in Africa.

Evaluation & Award Criteria

The applications will be evaluated on the basis of the relevant technical qualifications, experience and competence of the candidates.
Applications received will be reviewed on the basis of the criteria below:

Criteria for Scores

Gender Mainstreaming

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

Application Deadline

All applications should be received by 22^nd November 2024, midnight Nairobi local time.