1)     General objective

 The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop a robust EIA framework and data collection methodology that will enable the Blue Economy Division of the AUC to assess, monitor, and manage the environmental impacts of blue economy activities across member states effectively.

 Major duties and responsibilities:

 The specific objectives will be to:

        (i)               Conduct a review of existing EIA frameworks and data collection practices related to the Blue Economy in Africa;

(ii)              Identify gaps, challenges, and best practices from both African and international contexts;

(iii)            Develop a comprehensive EIA framework tailored to the Blue Economy sector;

(iv)            Ensure the framework aligns with international standards and best practices while addressing specific African contexts and needs;

(v)              Develop guidelines for assessing impacts on inland water body, marine and coastal ecosystems, biodiversity, socio-economic factors, and climate change resilience;

(vi)            Develop tools and templates for data gathering, including indicators and metrics for monitoring environmental impacts;

(vii)           Propose mechanisms for data validation, storage, and sharing among Member States;

(viii)          Develop training materials and conduct workshops for AUC staff and relevant stakeholders on the use and implementation of the EIA framework and data collection methodology;

(ix)             Facilitate consultations with key stakeholders, including government agencies, Member States, RECs, academia, and the private sector;

(x)              Link with the ongoing blue economy dash-board activity (more specifically its “governance” pillar);

(xi)             Connection should also be made with the other blue economy projects implemented by Expertise France;

(xii)           Incorporate stakeholder feedback into the final EIA framework and data collection methodology.

2)     Outcome

 The consultant should provide the following:

    1.  An Inception report within ten working days of signing the contract. The inception report should demonstrate a clear understanding of the assignment by the consultant(s). The report should also include a detailed work plan, timeline and deliverables of the assignment.

2.  A baseline assessment and plan to address any information gaps through survey or other relevant data collection tools.

3.  First draft of the Environmental Impact Assessment is to be submitted after 30 working days.

4.  The second draft to be submitted after 45 Working days incorporating all comments and suggestions made by stakeholders.

5.  The final draft to be submitted after 60 days and no later than 4 months following the signature of the contract.

6.  A comprehensive report on the consultancy with lessons and best practices.

7.  Participate and present the draft EIA at a consultative meeting with Technical Working Group and overall stakeholders.

3)     Anticipated deliverables

 The Consultant will deliver an inception report, an interim report including the final draft of the EIA guidelines and a validated version by the stakeholders, AUC and French-AU Technical Facility.

        (i)               Inception Report outlining the approach, methodology, and work plan.

(ii)              Baseline Assessment Report.

(iii)            Draft EIA Framework and Data Collection Methodology.

(iv)            Final EIA Framework and Data Collection Methodology.

(v)              Workshop reports.

(vi)            Final Comprehensive Report with recommendations.

      2)     Submission and approval of reports

Electronic versions of the reports referred to above must be submitted to the Coordinator of the French-AU Technical Facility and African Union Commission (Blue Economy Division). The reports must be written in English. The coordinator and the Blue Economy Division of the AUC are responsible for approving the reports.

       4)     Language requirement

Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages, knowledge of two or more other working language(s) would be an added value.

        5)     Evaluation criteria

Interested candidates must provide information demonstrating that she/he has the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services.  Consulting firms may propose individual consultant/s, but only the experience and qualifications of individuals shall be used in the selection process, and that his or her corporate experience shall not be considered, and the contract would be signed with the proposed individual.

Interested candidates are requested to submit their CV together with the copies of their diploma, and possibly the references.

         6)    Coordination

Ø  The service provider shall designate a single contact person for project implementation purposes. M. Kervin Kumapley, Project Coordinator of the Expertise France AU Facility, will be the service provider’s contact persons. Name: Mr. Kervin Kumapley - E-mail: kervin.kumapley@expertisefrance.fr

Ø  AUC Blue Economy’ contact address: Mr. Georges H. Mba Asseko, HoD, Blue Economy - Email: mbaassekog@africa-union.org