Background
The IGAD region is endowed with huge marine and freshwater resources. However, these resources are not properly developed and used to improve the livelihoods and food/nutrition security of the region due to various constraints. Blue Economy is a new approach to have sustainable development of water-related socio-economic and ecological services in an integrated manner. This approach needs to be popularized and harmonized. The need for sustainable use and exploitation of the blue resources requires establishment of institutions and the availability of BE experts in the region.
The Blue Economy Unit of IGAD has developed a draft 5-year (2021 – 2025) Regional Blue Economy Strategy and its Implementation Plan. The IGAD Blue Economy Strategy intends to structure the Blue Economy implementation at both national and regional levels while increasing cooperation and regional integration and strengthening support to the member states to effectively translate policies into concrete actions.
IGAD has signed a project (enhancing blue economy in the IGAD member states for biodiversity conservations and livelihood diversification) aimed at promoting Blue Economy with funding from Sweden Government (SIDA). The project will be implemented within three years in the IGAD Member Countries: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda.
The main objectives of the project include:
- To establish functional BE structure at regional and national levels to cater for the regional and national needs (selected member states of IGAD),
- To assess the impact of pollution and develop mitigation measures on aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems.
- To enhance capacity in knowledge generation and dissemination on key BE questions for the IGAD region for learning, policy and practice change among the Member States.
The project will include implementation of the IGAD BE Strategy, capacity building activities, analysis and exchange, as well as demonstration activities in pilot sites, supporting all the participating countries in developing and applying best practice for linking management of biodiversity and related coastal ecosystems and livelihoods diversification.
Rationale
The Blue Economy provides a sustainable development model that looks to the marine and aquatic resources to provide new economic opportunities, as well as poverty alleviation, food security and sustainable livelihoods. IGAD countries have a great Blue Economy potential that is generally underutilized. Traditional sectors such as fisheries, tourism, mineral extraction, and marine and river transport are showing evidence of significant development capacities while emerging sectors such as aquaculture, marine biotechnology and bioprospecting, desalination and renewable energy are currently requiring attention and request substantial investments in the near future.
It will be critical to map and identify institutions with research, academia, professional associations, CSOs, NGOs, BE training institutions in the IGAD member countries. There is a need for a detailed analysis of who is doing what and where in the IGAD region. This background document will help to design capacity building plans in the region, sharing experience within the region and fill the gaps from institutions outside the region.
during Catch Assessment Surveys (CAS).
The Main objectives of the assignment:
The overall objective of this consultancy is to map all available Blue Economy institutions, centers of excellence and experts in IGAD Member States.
The duration of the assignment:
The assignment will be for 60 working days, implemented over a period of 3 months.
The Required Qualifications:
The lead regional consultant should have an advanced degree in disciplines related to marine science, aquatic sciences, fisheries science, oceanography, environmental sciences or a related discipline. A PhD degree will be an added advantage.
The seven national consultants that will collect data in their respective country and write national reports should have a minimum of MSC degree in disciplines related to blue economy.
General Experience for the Lead Regional Consultant
- Familiarization with national institutions with mandates in Blue Economy
- Familiarization with functions of regional economic communities and specialized regional institutions with mandates in Blue Economy related sectors.
- Knowledge of IGAD, AU and global instruments related to Blue Economy
Specific Experience for the Lead Regional Consultant
- At least 10 years working experience in research and development in BE related institutions and research experience in marine and/or aquatic natural resources.
- Demonstrated evidence of performing similar tasks related to this consultancy in the last 5 years.
- Good record of experience in working with national consultants
For further information kindly see attached the terms of refence (TORs).
How to apply:
Interested Individual Consultants who are citizens of the IGAD Member States are invited to send their letters of application with their CVs. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
The Expression of Interest (EOIs) shall include the following components:
- A cover letter outlining the suitability of the consultant for the assignment, motivation and summarizing the relevant experience.
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae of consultants who will undertake the assignment, including names, addresses, and contacts (e-mail and telephone numbers) of three referees.
- Copies of relevant work undertaken in the last three years (electronic version).
- No Technical or Financial Proposals Required in this Stage.
- IGAD is an equal opportunities employer. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
Interested and qualified consultants may send their application that fulfils the above requirements to the following email addresses: procurement@igad.int.
Applications should be submitted to the address below no later than Thursday 11 April 2024. Please note that only shortlisted consultants will be contacted.
Women applicants are encouraged.
Procurement Unit
IGAD Secretariat
Avenue Georges Clemenceau
P.O. Box 2653, Djibouti
E-mail: procurement@igad.int
Download attached ToR document in PDF below
TOR_Mapping of BE Institutions and Experts_Final TIG
