Background

An Aquatic biodiversity conservation and the blue economy are critical aspects of sustainable development, encompassing the protection and management of marine ecosystems and the responsible use of ocean resources. However, achieving sustainable outcomes in these areas requires the active involvement and empowerment of women. Women have long played essential roles in coastal communities and possess a deep understanding of the marine environment. Yet, they often face numerous barriers and challenges that hinder their participation and contributions.

In this regard, 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 State and Government 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 strengthening gender-sensitive workplans to enhance the role of women and youth in biodiversity protection and environmental governance in aquatic ecosystems, which support economic activities and livelihoods of women and youth in AU member states. To address this, AU-IBAR commissioned a study to identify priority issues and actions that will enhance the role of women in aquatic biodiversity and environmental management in AU-MS; and to design a continental strategy that guides gender mainstreaming in conservation programmes and initiatives. The Continental Gender Strategy on Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation was developed and endorsed by the Summit of the African Heads of States and Governments in February 2024.

Within the provision of the Aquatic Biodiversity Project, selected environmental-based NGOs in Africa, working at the interface of coastal communities, were proposed to be supported to develop or strengthen all-inclusive strategies that promote gender mainstreaming in aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental management.

Objective of the Consultancy

The main objective of this consultancy is to undertake a gender assessment and develop a plan of action to promote gender equality in the activities of the non-governmental organization (s) working with small-scale fishers and aquaculture producers in the Western Indian Ocean area of South Africa

Specific Objectives & Tasks

To achieve the objectives, the consultant is expected to:

1. Identify a beneficiary NGO that conducts its activities with small-scale fishers and aquaculture producers in South Africa.
2. Undertake a Gender Assessment to document the gender situation by reviewing relevant policies, frameworks, strategies and or legislations which have implications to the social and economic conditions of women in coastal communities. The assessment will identify key barriers faced by women in the sector and identify key opportunities for the improvement of the role of women in the sector.
3. Develop a plan of action / gender policy to address gender challenges. The plan of action will focus on (i) approaches aimed at addressing gender socio-economic issues identified in the gender assessment and stakeholder workshops; (ii) defining approaches that strengthen the inclusion and participation of women in SSF and aquaculture, particularly in the value chain including post-harvest activities (processing and marketing); (iii) identify areas for capacity building, knowledge management and transfer to enhance gender equality and women empowerment; and lastly (iv) develop gender sensitive monitoring and evaluation indicators that will be integrated into the overall Monitoring & Evaluation framework for the NGO
4. Develop a comprehensive Report of the Consultancy.
5. The consultant may be required to support consultative workshop(s) with the beneficiary NGO, women of coastal communities, government officials and other relevant stakeholders.

Expected Outputs

The main expected results of this engagement are:

• a) Inception Report;
• b) Gender Assessment / Analysis Report and Draft MOU;
• c) Draft Gender Plan of Action / Policy
• d) Comprehensive Report of the Consultancy

Detailed Deliverables

• a) Inception Report
  • Inception meeting with AU-IBAR.
  • Agree on beneficiary NGO.
  • Develop a common understanding on the assignment and on the methodology.
  • Agree on assignment timeline and submission of key deliverables.
  • Clarify to the extent possible any unclear issues.
• b) Gender Assessment Report/ formulation of draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
  • Literature review for baseline information.
  • Analysis of legal frameworks at national, regional, and continental level.
  • Analysis of institutional arrangements.
  • Review of existing gender mainstreaming arrangements.
• c) Draft Gender Plan of Action / Policy
• d) Comprehensive Report on the Consultancy

Location

The assignment will be a home-based assignment.
Any travel on specific assignments will require the prior written approval of AU-IBAR.

Duration

The performance period for this assignment shall be two (2) calendar months. The selected candidate should be available to undertake this assignment as soon as the contract is signed.

Remuneration

The fees payable for this consultancy shall be an all-inclusive fee of US$ 12,000 payable at the end of the consultancy and upon submission and approval of all deliverables as listed above.

Expenses for approved missions will be covered separately in accordance with the applicable African Union Commission travel policy.

Supervision and Reporting

The candidate will be supervised by the Gender Expert and Project Team Leader at AU-IBAR. The Project Team Leader at AU-IBAR will have the responsibility of approval of the final report.

Requirements of Consultant

Qualifications

The successful applicant should have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in disciplines related to Environmental Management, Climate Change, Marine Spatial Planning/ Technology, Natural Resource Management, Marine Policy, Development studies with focus on Gender Mainstreaming or related fields of study

General Experience

1. A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in at least one of the sectors – gender and climate change programmes; fisheries and aquaculture, coastal and marine programmes, sustainable aquatic environmental management programmes; integrating gender considerations.
2. Knowledge of national and regional institutions of the African Union (AU) including Regional Economic Communities (RECs) with functions on environment management.
3. Knowledge of processes, political and policy related issues in the governance of aquatic ecosystems at the local, national and regional levels;
4. Proven experience of working with and mobilizing communities (including women and youth) in riparian and coastal settlements.
5. Experience in planning, implementing training and facilitating stakeholders’ consultative workshops.

Specific Experience

1. Experience in supporting or promoting implementation of continental and global instruments, initiatives addressing environmental sustainability, gender considerations and sustainable development;
2. Record of performing similar consultancy and working experience in natural resource management projects at local, national or regional levels in Africa;
3. Experience working with NGOs on issues of environmental management and conservation of aquatic biodiversity.
4. Experience with the practical challenges and mechanisms for effective engagement of communities in all-inclusive initiatives for sustainable aquatic resources management in Africa.

Evaluation Criteria

The applications will be evaluated on the basis of the relevant technical qualifications, experience and competence of the candidates.

Criteria Scores (%)

Qualifications 30

General Experience 30

Specific Experience 40

Total 100

Gender Mainstreaming

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