AU-IBAR, with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), is implementing a project on “Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in African Blue Economy”, for three year’s period. The overall objective of the project 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:

Ratify and/or align relevant international/regional instruments related to blue economy themes (with specific reference to protecting and conserving biodiversity)
Optimizing conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity while minimizing conflicts among blue economy sub-themes
Strengthening measures for mitigating the negative impacts of coastal and marine tourism, oil, gas, deep sea mining and climate change on aquatic biodiversity and environment
Strengthening gender inclusivity in aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental management

For the implementation of this project, AU-IBAR seeks the services of a Planning and Monitoring Officer, for a short term consultancy’ to support the implementation of activities relating mainly to project planning and monitoring for sustainable exploitation and conservation of aquatic biodiversity in African blue economy.
Objective of the Consultancy

The main objective of this consultancy is to support the ‘Conservation of Aquatic Biodiversity and Ecosystems in the Context of the African Blue Economy’ Project by strengthening its planning, monitoring and evaluation systems and practices and generate evidence-based feedback for delivery of project deliverables.

Job Description Summary
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":

Participate in the design, implementation and periodic reviews of project management processes and tools for strategy development, operational planning and budgeting, and results monitoring and reporting;
Provide technical support relating to the implementation of the project, particularly, supporting the project team to achieve strategic alignment with project objectives, by promoting Results-Based Management approach to project planning, management and monitoring of the project through the development of operational annual plans and performance indicators and targets grounded in the overall project work plan;
Undertake monitoring missions to track progress of project implementation and generate evidence-based monitoring reports against performance targets of the project to advice the project team on realization of planned deliverables;
Design and propose process improvements based on innovative techniques and best practices to ensure that activities pertaining to the annual planning and reporting cycle are implemented as per the project annual work plan;
Coordinate the preparation of regular Monthly, Trimester, Semi-Annual and Annual Reports on annual planning and budgeting, and results monitoring and reporting within prescribed timelines for communication with relevant stakeholders;
Coordinate the development of the project exit strategy;
Perform any other duties assigned by the Project Team Leader and / or the Director, AU-IBAR.

Academic Requirements

The incumbent should have an advanced University degree in Strategic Management, Project Planning and Management or related fields. An academic degree and relevant experiences in the field of Animal Resource and their ecosystems such as Fisheries and Aquaculture, Environmental Science, Agriculture and Veterinary would be an added advantage.

General Experience

At least 7 years of continuous working experience at senior and advisory positions in Results-Based Management (project planning, monitoring, reporting and evaluation) environment
Evidence of familiarization of functions of Regional Economic Communities, specialized regional institutions and AU Member States in implementation of blue economy related disciplines
In-depth experience of working within the multi-partner environment at continental, regional and national levels.

Specific Experience

Working knowledge and evidence of understanding and experience of African Union project planning, monitoring and reporting processes and tools, including the planning cycle;
An in-depth working knowledge with the African Monitoring and Evaluation Reporting Tool (AMERT) to develop work plans and budgets, and reports;
Familiarity with African Union Agenda 2063; and the Africa Blue Economy Strategy themes and their linkage to aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems;
Record of experience of formulation of frameworks, guidelines and strategies related to blue economy themes, including aquatic biodiversity and environmental conservation;
Proven experience and track record of working with project staff to develop work plans and budgets, reporting tools, and results-based reports.

Required Skills

Diplomacy and good interactive skills necessary for dealing with senior officials in Government, Regional Organizations, and donor/development organizations in Africa;
Good networking skills and ability to maintain positive and constructive dialogue and relationships with key institutions operating in the regions;
Organizational and inter-personal skills, and ability to work in a multi-cultural team environment
Very strong writing, analytical and communication skills are necessary.
Demonstrated ability to provide strong leadership and foster team environment is required
Ability to work under pressure and according to tight deadlines
Essential computer skills in particular competency in the use of basic Windows MS Office programs (Word, Excel, Power Point)
Proficiency and / or working knowledge of at least two AU languages (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, and Kiswahili)

Deliverables

Project annual work plans and budgets
Project quarterly calendar of missions and meetings
Monthly, Trimester, Semi-Annual and Annual Reports on project implementation progress
Field monitoring reports
Project Exit Strategy
Monthly report of works performed