Analysis of Institutional and Policy Environment for the Wildlife Management in Africa

Analysis of Institutional and Policy Environment for the Wildlife Management in Africa
 

Background
 

The potential contribution of the wildlife sectors to the economies of the AU MS is also not clearly appreciated or divulged. 

Yet national economies and especially grassroots communities could be benefiting a lot more from the wildlife which would result in a better appreciation of these resources. African countries have the potential to sustainably exploit and utilize the available wildlife resources while conserving the available biodiversity and preserving ecosystem services. 

In most African countries, the roles, responsibilities and benefits of the various stakeholders with interest in wildlife, including institutions, private actors and communities, are not clearly understood or defined. This has resulted in conflicts and/or misunderstandings between and among the stakeholders involved in wildlife. 

The policy landscapes in the different countries also need to be clearly understood bearing in mind the transboundary nature of most wildlife territories. 

An understanding of governance issues in wildlife resource management, particularly involving private sector stakeholders and local communities, is important.
 

Hence, like any other animal resources sector, the wildlife industry in most African countries is experiencing changes. 

As an initial step, it is essential to establish the current status of the wildlife industry in Africa. This would entail an understanding of some of the following issues: challenges and constraints faced by the industry; the key drivers, the opportunities that exist; and the general trends in the industry. 

This will be reinforced with an understanding of the institutional arrangements and coordination mechanisms of the various stakeholders and the policies impacting on wildlife in the different AU Member States (MS).
 

It is therefore, necessary to conduct critical analyses of the current status, institutional arrangements and policy landscapes of wildlife management on the continent to produce evidence and details on which inclusive developments in wildlife, which will benefit a greater proportion of African communities, can be based. 

This will address some of the glaring gaps and shortfalls in the general management of wildlife resources and will enable appropriate programming of wildlife development. It is proposed to initiate the process in Eastern and Southern Africa and subsequently scale out the results to other regions.
 

We therefore, seek the services of two experts to conduct an assessment of the institutional policy environment that support/guide wildlife management in Africa.

Major duties and responsibilities
 

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Animal Production Officer of AU-IBAR, the incumbents will:

• Conduct assessment of the status and trends of the wildlife in Africa.
• Identify challenges, constraints, drivers, opportunities for sustainable wildlife management.
• Assess the institutional and policy environment and mapping of stakeholders in wildlife management, including lobbying groups and any other affiliated institutions in the selected countries. 
• The assessment should focus on regional policy and institutions and should include SWOT analyses, of policies impacting directly and indirectly on wildlife management and development in the selected countries. 
• The institutional assessment should also analysis the coordination and existing partnerships.
• Propose policy and interventions entry points to enhance biodervisity conservation and the contribution of wildlife in food security and economic growth in Africa.

Qualifications
 

The incumbent will have a university degree in Wildlife Management or Natural Sciences and/or a post-graduate degree with specialization in wildlife, policy analysis or a closely related field.
 

Experience

• At least seven years of working experience in wildlife management or related fields and demonstrated sound understanding of wildlife and associated policy issues;
• Experience in dealing with senior government officials, international environmental/wildlife organizations, technical experts, development partners and stakeholders in the private sector and civil society is required;
• Competency in use of computers including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, statistical analyses and internet is required.

Skills and competencies

• Very strong writing, analytical and communication skills are necessary.

Language requirement

• Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages is a requirement. 
• Knowledge of one or more of the other AU working languages would be an added advantage. 
• ENGLISH & FRENCH

Duration of contract
 

The contract will be for (02) TWO months.
 

Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
 

Application
 

To apply, please submit the following:
 

a. A letter stating your motivation for the assignment, your understanding of the TORs and a proposed methodology;
 

b. A detailed and updated CV indicating your nationality, age and gender, experience;
 

c. Names and contact details (including e-mail addresses) of three referees;
 

d. Certified copies of degrees, diplomas and other academic qualifications.
 

Applications must be received not later than 15th September 2013 and should be addressed to: E-mail: l.costa@aesagroup.eu ; and a copy to g.amolo@aesagroup.eu 
 

Successful candidate will be notified by email.