The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), a specialised technical office of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) of the African Union Commission (AUC), plays a central role in supporting the sustainable utilisation of livestock, fisheries, aquaculture and wildlife across the continent. Guided by its Strategic Plan 2024–2028, AU-IBAR envisions an Africa in which animal resources significantly advance integration, prosperity and peace. Its work in fisheries and aquaculture is further anchored in the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy (PFRS) for fisheries and aquaculture in Africa, as well as the Africa Blue Economy Strategy endorsed at the highest political levels. With support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), AU-IBAR has been implementing the project “Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in the African Blue Economy” (2021–2025). The initiative aims to enhance policy frameworks, regulatory systems and institutional capacities of AU Member States and Regional Economic Communities to better conserve and sustainably utilise aquatic biodiversity. The project focuses on four objectives: alignment with global and regional instruments; optimisation of biodiversity conservation; mitigation of impacts from tourism, extractive activities and climate change; and strengthening gender inclusivity in aquatic biodiversity management. Following notable achievements, SIDA has granted an extension to consolidate results and address emerging priorities. AU-IBAR seeks two short-term consultants to support the implementation of the extension phase: 1. Legal and Institutional Officer – Natural Resources and Environmental Law The Legal and Institutional Officer will support legal, policy and institutional components of the project, with responsibilities including strengthening participation of African stakeholders in global environmental fora, supporting the drafting of regional cooperation instruments, and enhancing the continent’s capacity to engage with global frameworks relevant to aquatic biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. The incumbent will also contribute to harmonised management of transboundary freshwater and marine ecosystems and support capacity development across relevant blue economy value chains. Eligibility and Key Requirements Academic Qualifications Minimum of a Master’s degree in Marine or Ocean Policy, Conservation Biology, Environmental Sciences. A qualification in Public Policy or Law is an added advantage. General Experience Experience working with or familiarisation with Regional Economic Communities and specialised regional institutions involved in aquatic biodiversity and environmental governance. Knowledge of continental and global environmental instruments. Experience in formulating or supporting policies, strategies, frameworks and regulations governing transboundary aquatic ecosystems. Understanding of global and continental fora related to aquatic biodiversity and environmental management. Specific Experience Proven experience drafting MoUs, rules of procedure or legislation at national or continental levels. Demonstrated support for AU stakeholder participation in continental and global environmental processes. Experience in developing negotiation mechanisms and capacity building for AU Member States and regional institutions. Evidence of collaboration on regional strategies for rational management of shared ecosystems. Publications related to domestication of global instruments on aquatic biodiversity conservation. Required Skills Strong diplomacy, communication and networking abilities. Excellent analytical and writing skills. Proficiency in at least two AU official languages. 2. Gender Policy and Strategy Expert – Aquatic Environmental Management The Gender Policy and Strategy Expert will strengthen gender integration across project activities, support implementation of the AU-endorsed continental gender strategy for aquatic biodiversity, and advance community-led ecosystem restoration efforts. The expert will help operationalise regional value chain strategies, especially the West Indian Ocean Network for Small-scale Octopus Fisheries (WION-SOF), and enhance mechanisms for private sector, women and youth participation in climate-related decision-making. Eligibility and Key Requirements Academic Qualifications Minimum of a Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, Life Sciences, or International Policy Development with a focus on gender. General Experience At least 5 years of relevant experience in development institutions, NGOs, UN agencies, AU Member States or international aid projects. Minimum of 3 years of experience in gender and climate change programmes, aquatic ecosystem conservation or gender-responsive environmental programming. Experience mobilising coastal and riparian communities. Experience with regional economic communities and specialised institutions on gender integration. Demonstrated experience facilitating capacity building and stakeholder consultations. Specific Experience Familiarity with AU and global environmental and gender instruments. Experience strengthening community capacity on Nature-based Solutions for ecosystem restoration. Prior work on gender mainstreaming in at least three African coastal environmental settings. Evidence of supporting gender-sensitive strategy development for AU Member States. Proven experience producing knowledge products on gender and climate change mitigation. Required Skills Strong diplomacy, communication, analytical and computer skills. Proficiency in at least two AU official languages. Effective networking and stakeholder engagement abilities. Common Conditions for Both Positions Duty Station: Nairobi, with travel as required.Duration: 6 months, renewable based on performance and funding.Remuneration: P3 Step 5 (AU Salary Scale), payable monthly upon satisfactory reporting.Supervision: Directly supervised by the Project Team Leader, with oversight from the Director of AU-IBAR.Application Requirements: CV and cover letter Copies of academic and professional certificates Declaration on exclusion criteria Identification documents Submission:Applications must be submitted by email to procurement@au-ibar.org with copy to emmah.boro@au-ibar.org, clearly indicating the position title in the subject line. Deadline: 18 December 2025 at 18:00hrs Nairobi Local Time. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the seeking organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. 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