To support the implementation of project activities, Expertise France has established a project team based in Ebène. The team is led by the Project Manager and composed of one Administrative & Finance Officer as well as two long-term experts to deliver project activities.

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the “Marine Debris” Expert will provide expertise on marine debris, particularly by supporting the implementation of IORA’s Strategic Framework of Action on Marine Debris adopted in November 2022.

The assignment will contribute to advancing a coordinated regional response to marine debris in the Indian Ocean, recognizing the transboundary nature of marine pollution and the need for integrated, basin-wide solutions. The Expert will be based at IORA headquarters in Ebène, along with the entire Expertise France team.

In collaboration with the project team, the Expert will undertake the following tasks, in particular:
•    Support the implementation of the IORA Strategic Framework of Action on Marine Debris in the Indian Ocean, covering the full waste chain, in particular plastic translating strategic priorities into regional initiatives, partnerships, and capacity-building activities across Member States.
•    Provide technical support to IORA’s work on marine debris, including relevant working groups and mechanisms, as appropriate;
•    Facilitate policy dialogue among IORA Member States and contribute to the development of regional approaches, roadmaps and initiatives addressing marine debris and plastic pollution.
•    Prepare a reference report assessing the situation in the region, analyzing information and data on the status and impacts of marine debris in IORA Member States, as well as the policies and strategies adopted to date;
•    Map relevant stakeholders in the region with whom IORA could work to reduce marine debris;
•    Issue recommendations for a harmonized approach to upstream and downstream marine debris management across Member States;
•    Support awareness-raising, advocacy and behavioral change initiatives targeting public authorities, private sector stakeholders, coastal communities and other relevant actors.
•    Strengthen regional cooperation on marine plastic pollution through exchanges of knowledge, experience, and technical expertise;
•    Promote knowledge-sharing and facilitate the dissemination of scientific, technical and policy-related information generated by IORA, its Member States, academic partners and relevant regional initiatives.
•    Support project coordination and follow-up, including planning, monitoring of deliverables, coordination with partners, and timely delivery of activities;
•    Contribute to the preparation of project documents, meeting reports, briefing notes, official correspondence, and other institutional documents related to marine debris activities;
•    Support documentation, reporting, and knowledge-transfer activities for the IORA Secretariat to strengthen continuity of project implementation;
•    Identify opportunities for partnerships, technical cooperation and resource mobilization to support the implementation of IORA's marine debris agenda.

This job description is not exhaustive. More generally, the Expert is responsible for achieving the objectives of their sub-component and must carry out any activity necessary for the proper execution of the project.

Expected deliverables
•    Regional assessment report ; 
•    Country profiles
•    Stakeholder mapping; 
•    Knowledge products; 
•    Regional workshops; 
•    Recommendations for harmonised approaches; 
•    Contributions to IORA Working Groups; 
•    Inputs to Secretariat strategic documents.