As part of the implementation of the project of "Promotion of agriculture and fisheries value chains in Guinea-Bissau", funded by the European Union, Expertise France is looking for a Component Coordinator – Fisheries sector and blue economy.

The Component Coordinator will play a key role in implementing and supervising interventions related to fisheries governance, fisheries information systems, food safety and traceability, artisanal fisheries development, fisheries infrastructure, private-sector development, market access and blue economy opportunities, ensuring coherence between investments, institutional strengthening and business-development actions.

Under the hierarchical supervision of the Project Team Leader, the component coordinator is responsible for the operational implementation and monitoring of activities related to the development of the fisheries value chain.

He/she will join a field project team based in Bissau, including a Team Leader, an administrative and financial manager, an economic development component coordinator, a procurement and contracts officer, a project assistant, and a monitoring and evaluation officer. This team will be complemented by key experts who will be mobilized according to the missions. The field project team will be supported by colleagues at headquarters in implementing the project in accordance with Expertise France procedures, notably for the proper contractual management of experts, the application of procurement rules, quality control of operational and financial reports, support for the orientation and operational implementation of the intervention strategy, capacity building, etc.

The component coordinator will be specifically responsible for:

• Carry out the activities related to the fisheries value chain implemented under outcome 1.1 and specific objective 2 of the project detailed below, directly or through implementing partners;
• Ensure the operational, financial, administrative and quality control monitoring of activities carried out from Bissau, and carry out field visits through frequent trips;
• Participate in the recruitment, mobilization and proper management of experts and technical assistants selected in connection with the activities of the fisheries value chain;
• Contribute to the technical and financial reports for the EU Delegation.

Specifically, without being exhaustive, the duties of the component lead will include:

1 - Implementation and coordination of activities

• Lead the planning, programming and coordination of fisheries value chain activities according to the overall project work plan;
• Identify the expertise needs for the various activities and ensure the adequate mobilization of technical experts as coordinator of the expertise and technical assistance provided;
• Ensure quality control of activities and deliverables, verify compliance with the indicators defined in the project’s logical framework and provide advice to technical experts;
• Actively participate in the implementation of activities by providing strategic guidance and ensuring the integration of cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, youth inclusion and disability, and climate resilience;
• Draft calls for proposals, procurement plans, technical guidelines and contribute to the quality control of contracts and the monitoring of contractual commitments;
• Contribute to the design, monitoring and implementation of grant mechanisms, including technical support to beneficiaries, compliance control, and monitoring results achieved with the grants officer;
• Support national institutions in the development and implementation of fisheries governance, management, traceability and regulatory reform initiatives;
• Coordinate technical assistance related to fisheries policies, management plans, monitoring systems and digitalization of fisheries information;
• Coordinate activities aimed at improving food safety, traceability, certification and compliance with international seafood market requirements;
• Supervise the planning, implementation and operational monitoring of fisheries infrastructure investments and equipment schemes, in collaboration with procurement, grant and engineering experts;
• Identify investment opportunities and support the structuring of commercially viable business models in fisheries, aquaculture, processing and associated services.

2 - Stakeholder engagement and strategic alignment

• Establish close collaboration with partners and stakeholders in the fisheries sector;
• Promote synergies and avoid overlaps with existing or parallel interventions, ensuring active coordination with regional and bilateral programmes funded by the EU and other donors;
• Lead consultations with technical experts, value chain actors and national institutions to define priorities, ensure alignment with national strategies and encourage stakeholder participation;
• Ensure the capitalization of experiences, results and lessons learned, including by taking advantage of innovative practices developed in other countries in the region (West Africa and PALOP), and promoting their adaptation to the context of Guinea-Bissau;
• Develop and maintain a regular dialogue with companies, professional organizations, cooperatives, processors, marketing actors and other value chain operators in order to identify constraints and opportunities for the development of the sector;
• Identify and promote opportunities for partnerships between public and private actors and contribute to improving access to markets, financial services and investment.

3 - Reporting and accountability

The component lead will contribute to internal and external reporting processes to ensure transparency, coordination and accountability. He/she shall:

• Ensure regular internal reporting at the project level in order to monitor progress, inform decision-making and facilitate coordination between components;
• Provide accurate and timely information to the Team Leader and the entire project team in order to support quality reporting to the EU delegation and other stakeholders;
• Contribute to the preparation of steering committee meetings and technical committee sessions.