BACKGROUND 

Africa has demonstrated the commitment towards sustainable development through the adoption of Agenda 2063 whose 6th goal is ”Blue/Ocean Economy for accelerated economic growth”. This vision has been translated into the Blue Economy Strategy whose objective 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 of marine and aquatic biotechnology, environmental sustainability, the growth of an Africa-wide shipping industry, the development of sea, river and lake transport, the management of fishing activities on these aquatic spaces, and the exploitation and beneficiation of deep sea mineral and other resources.

Furthermore, the African Union has also enacted a broader strategy and vision for the sector known as the Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS) 2050 whose overall objective is to address maritime challenges for sustainable development and competitiveness. It aims to foster more wealth creation from Africa’s oceans, seas and inland water ways by developing a thriving maritime economy and realizing the full potential of sea based activities in an environmentally sustainable manner. The African Charter on Safety, Security and Development (Lomé Charter) is also another continental instrument, which aims at preventing and curbing national and transnational crime, especially terrorism, piracy and armed robbery against ships, as well as all forms of trafficking at sea and enhancing environmental protection.

In order to facilitate the implementation of these frameworks, the African Union established a Blue Economy Division under the Directorate of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy. The division draws its mandate from the above mentioned frameworks and it is therefore to facilitate expedited implementation of these frameworks for the benefit of African communities, and the world at large, as some of the aquatic related actions have global significance.

OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION

This position will provide technical support to the Directorate of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy of the African Union Commission in facilitating the implementation of the African Blue Economy and the AIM 2050 Strategies. The Expert will support the operationalisation of the blue economy related frameworks and programmes to benefit AU Member States and RECs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Blue Economy Expert will be expected to:

• Support the implementation of the blue economy and AIM Strategies including the development of annual and multi-year work plans and budgets;
• Provide technical support in the development of concept notes and programmes to facilitate implementation of the strategies by member states and RECs.
• Undertake preparations of policy and technical documents for meetings and others
• Conduct policy research to inform the development of African common positions on blue economy related subjects.
• Undertake assessments as a basis for supporting member states including on capacity building.
• Undertake monitoring, evaluation and reporting on the implementation of blue economy strategies and programmes.
• Supporting member states and RECs in the domestication of the blue economy strategies including in policy development or alignment.
• Support visibility of blue economy activities, results and output through communication and various platforms.
• Develop and maintain a database of blue economy focal points in member states and RECs.
• Contribute to the routine activities of the Directorate of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy.
• Undertake any other activity as assigned by the supervisor.

A more detailed ToR for this assignment is available at this link

DELIVERABLES 

The Blue Economy Expert will be responsible for the following deliverables:

1. Development of work plan and budget.
2. Compilation of various reports.
3. Development of documents.
4. Initiating project proposals.
5. Conducting assessments.
6. Monitoring and reporting .

REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS 

The Blue Economy Expert will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Blue Economy Advisor or his/her delegate/ the Principal in charge of Blue Economy. The Expert will also be expected to work horizontally with other Experts within the blue Economy and the Directorate of SEBE at large.

DUTY STATION

This assignment requires that the Blue Economy Expert be based at the African Union Headquarters, in the Directorate of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy, Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Education:  Master’s degree in Biology, Oceanography, Fisheries, Environmental Science.
• Essential Work experience: Minimum of 5 years demonstrated experience working in Africa on issues of fisheries, marine biology, shipping, coastal zone management, offshore mining.
• Desired work experience:
  • Experience in negotiating blue economy related agreements.
  • Experience in the development of blue economy policies and management plans for marine or freshwater resources.
  • Experience in monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
  • Experience in carrying out assessments or surveys.
  • Experience in combating IUU fishing or controlling marine pollution.

LANGUAGES

• Fluency in written and spoken English (essential)
• Knowledge of any other AU languages is an advantage

COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrates integrity with good values and ethical standards.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish strong cooperative relationships with senior government officials and development partners.
• Flexibility and ability to operate in diverse cultural settings and with a variety of stakeholders, culturally and gender sensitive.
• High-level planning, organizational, and time management skills, including flexibility, attention to detail and ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• High computer literacy (in particular, word processing and presentation software).
• Analytical and problem-solving skills of high order, including the ability to formulate recommendations and advise senior management on tackling difficult situations.
• Leadership qualities, including the ability to make sound judgement, meet challenges constructively and creatively
• Ability to quickly adapt to change and to operate in a fast-paced environment.

TENURE OF APPOINTMENT

The appointment shall be for an Initial period of one (1) year, the first three (3) months of which shall be on probation. It shall be renewable subject to performance and availability of funds.

REMUNERATION

The salary attached to the position is at P3 Step 5 inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
• A dedicated Staff Care Unit

HOW TO APPLY

• When submitting your application, kindly register in English your full employment history and education. Please include your full name as written in your passport. Uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed.
• NORCAP values diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
• NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates .
• Approved Health Certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment.
• Feedback will be given to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of this advertisement.
• Apply before 2nd December 2023, 23.59 PM (Oslo time)