A.  OBJECTIVES

The overall objective of the national expert is to support national ownership and ensure that country‑specific characteristics are integrated into the implementation of sustainable and inclusive blue economy strategy interventions supported by the Blue Facility.

More specifically, the expert will contribute to:

·       establishing effective governance for the strategy development process;

·       conducting diagnostics of blue economy sectors (fisheries and aquaculture, maritime transport and ports, coastal tourism, energy, maritime services, etc.);

·       analyzing environmental, social, institutional and legal contexts;

·       identifying risks and opportunities based on up‑to‑date national data;

·       defining strategic vision and development scenarios;

·       developing operational action plans and implementation frameworks adapted to national contexts.

B.  ORGANISATION

The Blue Facility will establish a roster of national experts in blue economy strategies across the 13 countries covered by WASOP or experts who have previously worked on similar issues in West Africa.

Experts will be mobilized according to technical assistance requests submitted by countries.

They will preferably be based in the country of intervention but may also work remotely combined with field missions.

The national expert will work in close collaboration with an international lead expert, who will provide technical support and backup.

Key counterparts include:

·       the WASOP Sustainable Blue Economy management team and Blue Facility coordination;

·       the international reference expert for blue economy strategies;

·       national public institutions, private sector actors and civil society organizations;

·       other experts mobilized for specific technical assistance missions.

     C.  MAIN ACTIVITIES

The national expert may contribute to the following activities (non‑exhaustive):

Preparation of the Technical Assistance Program

·       Contribute to preparing the budget and indicative timeline for technical assistance activities;

·       Provide information on national context, sector developments and institutional positioning;

·       Facilitate engagement of national stakeholders in the strategy process;

·       Support preparation of terms of reference for additional experts when needed.

Implementation of Blue Economy Strategy Support

·       Work closely with national authorities responsible for developing the strategy;

·       Mobilize key stakeholders around the strategy process;

·       Propose and draft terms of reference for the steering committee overseeing the strategy;

·       Conduct sectoral, institutional and legal diagnostics;

·       Support development of strategic vision and strategic pillars;

·       Contribute to the development of operational action plans;

·       Support the design of financing strategies and investment plans;

·       Facilitate workshops, meetings and field missions;

·       Participate in coordination and monitoring meetings with WASOP teams.

    D.  EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

Deliverables that the national expert may be required to develop, review, or contribute to (non-exhaustive list):

Preparation of the implementation of the technical assistance mission

·       Terms of Reference (ToR) of the experts to be mobilized

·       Minutes / reports of meetings with national stakeholders

Implementation of the Blue Economy strategy technical assistance

DIAGNOSTIC AND PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS PHASE

·       Inception Report, mission ToR – agenda and proposals for stakeholders to be consulted

·       Stakeholder mapping (governments, private sector, NGOs, communities, technical and financial partners, etc.) and engagement strategy

·       Diagnostic Study: overview of the blue economy sectors (sectoral, institutional, socio-economic and environmental analysis)

·       SWOT Analysis and Issue Matrix: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (by sector and cross-cutting)

·       Vision and Strategic Framework (Vision, Objectives, Strategic Axes, indicators)

STRATEGIC PLANNING PHASE (Defining the vision, objectives and action plan)

·       National Sustainable and Inclusive Blue Economy Strategy

·       National Action Plan (NAP) – translating the strategy into concrete actions

·       Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (M&E)

FINANCING STRATEGY / INVESTMENT PLAN (Defining the vision, objectives and action plan)

·       Financing Strategy: Investment Plan (needs, sources and mobilization)