Background
African aquatic resources contribute significantly to food and nutrition security, income generation, and economic welfare. Specifically, the fisheries and aquaculture contribute 6% of the Africa’s agriculture GDP. Fisheries and aquaculture has consequently been identified as a key agricultural value chains for transformation under CAADP framework. The need to transform fisheries and aquaculture into a more vibrant sector was re-affirmed by the Malabo Declaration, CAMFA I and II. Consequently, a strategy, the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa was developed. Among the pillars of this continental strategy are jump-starting market-oriented sustainable commercial aquaculture, promoting sustainable fisheries and improving access to markets for fish and fish products underpinned by sound policies and regulatory frameworks.
Establishing a vibrant commercial fisheries and aquaculture implies expansion and intensification of production systems as well as increased movement of fish stock and products within and between countries due to trade. Consequently the risk of occurrence, spread and introduction of new aquatic pathogens increases posing a threat to aquatic production, aquatic environmental health and food safety. As a consequence of such production trends, White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) on prawn farms and Aphanomyces invadans infection (EUS) have already been experienced in Southern Africa which resulted in tremendous losses for producers through mortality and loss of markets. The outbreaks of WSSV and EUS brought to light the level of inadequacy in Africa’s human and institutional capacity both national and regional level to effectively respond and control aquatic animal diseases.
Rationale
As part of the strategy to strengthen continental capacity of Member States for fish disease prevention, control and surveillance, short-term training programs for veterinarians in the prevention, diagnosis and control of fish diseases are proposed. In order to develop and embark upon regional training programs to strengthen the capacity of Capacity of Practicing Veterinarians and OIE Focal Points in the Prevention, Diagnosis and Control of Fish Diseases the services of a consultant are sought to develop a standard template training module for use and/or adaptation in the various regions of the continent.
Objectives of the Consultancy
The objectives of the consultancy are to:
- Develop a one week short-term training manual and training materials on fish disease prevention, control and surveillance for veterinary personnel in Africa. both the control and surveillance of transboundary and other aquatic animal diseases of economic importance.
- Conduct two training sessions, one in English and one in French for veterinarians on the continent in Fish Disease Prevention, Control and Surveillance.
The target audience shall be OIE country focal Points and/or practicing veterinarians.
Scope of the Consultancy
The specific activities of the consultancy shall include but shall not be limited to:
- Review of relevant literature on aquatic animal disease control or health management on the continent including regional and national policies and plans.
- Develop training manual and training materials for the training of Veterinarians in Fish (including other aquatic animals) Disease Prevention, Diagnosis and Control that shall include aspects related international standards for aquatic animal disease control. Among the areas to be covered are:
- General overview of the status and systems of fish (aquatic animal) production in Africa
- Basic principles of aquatic animal production
- Water quality
- Diagnosis and control of OIE notifiable and other significant diseases on the continent.
- Disease hazards and risk assessment
- Records keeping, data evaluation and surveillance
- Contingency planning and auditing
- Practical sessions
- Conduct training with support from AU-IBAR in the fish training on fish Disease Prevention, Control and Surveillance.
Expected Outputs of the Consultancy
The following outputs are expected from the consultancy:
- A training manual on fish disease prevention, control and surveillance.
- Two trainings conducted.
Duration and Content of the Proposal
Location and Field Mission
This activity will be implemented through the engagement of consultants or appropriate institutions. The exercise shall mainly comprise a desk study and teaching. Travel to selected relevant location(s) will be necessary.
Commencement & Duration of Assignment
The duration of this consultancy is for 30 days (including 10 days preparation) for two training sessions. The target participants would be drawn from relevant institutions in 54 member states of the African Union. The training will be implemented in two phases: one training session shall be for English speaking participants and the second for French speaking participants.
Remuneration
The total amount available for this consultancy is for US$ 30,000 including the professional fees, travel expenses and DSAs.
Requirements
Qualifications
The successful candidate(s) should be trained veterinarians with an advanced degree in aquatic animal health/disease control.
General Experience
- At least 10 years working experience in the fisheries and/aquaculture sectors.
- At least 5 years working experience in aquatic animal disease control.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience of aquatic animal disease prevention, control and surveillance
Specific Experience
- Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in the application OIE aquatic animal health standards and procedures for aquatic animal disease control.
- Evidence of capacity development for veterinarians in fish disease prevention, control and surveillance and other related professionals shall be an added advantage.
- Knowledge of fish farming and other aquatic animal production systems in Africa shall be an added advantage.
Languages
The consultant must have professional working knowledge in English, French or both. Because the two trainings shall be conducted, one in English and the other in French. The training manual should be provided in both languages. AU-IBAR will shall be responsible for translating the manual into either French or English but the consultant shall review these for quality control.
Reports
The selected Consultants will be required to prepare the following technical reports in English/French:
Inception Report (IcTR)
Preliminary inception report on methodology and approach after five days
Interim Technical Report (InTR)
Interim report on the progress of the exercise after 10 days of activity
Final Technical Report (FTR)
The Final Technical Report (FTR) that includes the training manual should take into account contributions and comments from AU-IBAR. The draft final report must be submitted 40 days after the consultancy activities.
Submission & Approval of Progress Reports
The progress reports must be written in English or French. The AU-IBAR (The Chief Animal Production Officer and the Senior Fisheries Officer) are responsible for approving the progress reports.
Submission of Technical
For this consultancy, the applicants should submit only technical proposals that should include:
- Outlining the proposed methodology for conducting the training, notably an outline of course content and objectives, proposed course schedule, expected training requirements and estimated costs for running training that excludes the consultant’s costs.
- A profile and CVs of the consultant(s) undertaking the work indicating relevant experience and contribution of each one of them.
- Other relevant information showing past experience in related field showing past and current assignments of similar nature.
- Contact addresses (Postal, email and telephone) of at least three referees or any other information that may show the consultant’s ability to carry out the assignment to satisfaction.
Selection of the Consultant
The selection of the consultant will be based on the technical evaluation. The Consultant with the highest technical score will be selected.
HOW TO APPLY:
Submission of Proposals
Applications should be sent to: applications@au-ibar.org with mention “CAPACITY BUILDING FOR VETERINARIANS IN FISH DISEASE PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS AND CONTROL IN AFRICA”.
Deadline
The deadline for application is 10th June at 15h00 (Nairobi time).
