The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), under the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (DARBE), is implementing the project “Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in African Blue Economy” with funding from SIDA. The project aims to enhance the policy environment, regulatory frameworks and institutional capacities of AU Member States and regional bodies to sustainably utilize and conserve aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems.

The 18-month extension of the project calls for a Project Coordinator with expertise in sustainable blue economy and project management. The expert will provide overall technical guidance and coordination for implementation, ensuring that outcomes related to biodiversity conservation, gender inclusion, climate resilience and regional cooperation are achieved.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide technical supervision and coordinate overall implementation of the project.

• Develop mechanisms to promote project implementation, including supervision of staff, preparation of workplans and budgets and follow-up on study reports.

• Organize and operationalize project structures including technical and steering committees and internal meetings.

• Strengthen institutional capacity to adopt and implement tools for aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem protection.

• Support community-led climate mitigation actions for ecosystem restoration (wetlands, floodplains, coral reefs).

• Promote inclusive value chain approaches at regional levels for aquatic biodiversity conservation.

• Operationalize AU Centres of Excellence in aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems.

• Facilitate coalition building and partnerships in Africa’s blue economy space.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of AU-IBAR.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

• Effective technical implementation and coordination of project activities.

• Strengthened institutional tools and mechanisms for biodiversity protection.

• Promoted community-led action on climate and ecosystem restoration.

• Enhanced regional value chains and operational AU Centres of Excellence.

• Strengthened coalitions and partnerships in blue economy governance.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Fisheries Biology and Management, Fisheries Science or Fish Population Ecology and Analyses.

• PhD preferred.

General Experience

• Minimum 15 years in senior/advisory roles in Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.

• At least 15 years managing donor-funded projects (e.g., EU, FAO, UNIDO, GEF, SIDA, Norway, GTZ).

• Proven experience in formulating national/regional/continental policies and strategies.

• Strong background in capacity development on aquatic ecosystems modelling and fisheries data.

• Proven ability to design fisheries-related projects and programmes in Africa.

• Experience building partnerships for aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem management.

Specific Experience

• Proven record of leading the development of continental blue economy frameworks.

• At least 5 years coordinating blue economy strategy implementation.

• Experience harmonizing frameworks for managing transboundary marine and freshwater ecosystems.

• Demonstrated ability to develop regulatory tools for aquatic biodiversity conservation.

• Experience in operationalizing AU Centres of Excellence for training and research.

• Proven track record supporting AU policy organs on fisheries and biodiversity issues.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong diplomacy and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Excellent writing and analytical abilities.

• Leadership and teamwork capabilities.

• Proficiency in at least two AU official languages.

Gender Mainstreaming
The African Union is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Contract Details

• Duty Station: Nairobi, with field travel as required.

• Duration: 6 months, renewable depending on performance and funding.

• Remuneration: AU Salary Scale P3 Step 7 plus mission costs per AU Commission rules.

• Supervision: Reports to the Director of AU-IBAR or assigned representative.

Application Instructions
Send applications by email to:

• procurement@au-ibar.org

• Copy to: emmah.boro@au-ibar.org

• Subject line: “Project Coordinator – Sustainable Blue Economy Expert”

Applications must include:

1. Detailed CV and cover letter

2. Academic and professional certificates

3. Declaration on exclusion criteria

4. Identification documents