Consultancy Service: “End of Project Evaluation for The Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity In African Blue Economy Project (FIRMS ONLY)

Context 

Programme’s Background and Overview

The African Continent is adjacent to highly productive marine ecosystems including the seven African Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) viz., Agulhas Current LME, Benguela Current LME, Guinea Current LME, Canary Current LME, Mediterranean Sea LME, Red Sea LME and Somali Current LME. The Continent is also endowed with networks of Rivers and Lakes, a significant number of which are transboundary. The oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers inhabit a significant amount of biodiversity and the ecosystems that provide sources of livelihoods, food security, and wealth. These African aquatic ecosystems inhabit living and non-living resources.

Crucially, these aquatic ecosystems are presently providing substantial benefits to the Continent in terms of food security, livelihoods, income and generally also play the role as Safety Nets for a large majority of Africans. These water bodies also provide opportunities for a large number of economic activities, including fisheries and aquaculture development, coastal and marine tourism, deep-sea mining, oil and gas exploitation, offshore energy, etc. Therefore, the African Union blue economy development approach considers both the marine ecosystems and freshwater ecosystems. However, these activities should be conducted in a sustainable way and must be inclusive in order to be effectively and positively associated with the blue economy. The challenge is that the unsustainable exploitation of these resources is threatening the aquatic biodiversity and its resources as well as negatively impacting on environmental sustainability with serious implication for food and nutrition security, livelihoods and overall socio-economic growth of the continent.

The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), a specialised technical office of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) of the African Union Commission (AUC), is mandated to support and coordinate the utilisation of livestock, fisheries, aquaculture, and wildlife as resources for both human wellbeing and economic development in African Union Member States. AU-IBAR is also supporting the implementation of the   Africa Blue Economy Strategy that was endorsed at the summit of African Union Heads of State and Government, the highest political level of the Continent in February, 2020. The Strategy incorporates key critical vectors for promoting Blue Economy development of the Continent, including fisheries, aquaculture, and ecosystem conservation; shipping, maritime safety and trade; climate change, environmental sustainability and ecotourism; sustainable energy and extractive mineral resources; governance, institutions and job creation. Towards the implementation of the Africa Blue Economy Strategy, AU-IBAR, since October 2021, has implemented a Continent-wide Project on ‘Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in African Blue Economy’, with assistance from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). The project was initially scheduled for 36 months (from October, 2021 to October, 2024) and was granted an 18-month extension was granted to the project from 15th December to 14th June 2027.

The overall objective of the Project

To enhance the Policy environment, Regulatory frameworks and institutional capacities of AU Member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to sustainably utilize and conserve aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems.

The specific objectives of the project are as follows:

1. Ratifying and/or aligning relevant International/Regional Instruments related to Blue Economy themes (with specific reference to protecting and conserving biodiversity)
2. Optimizing conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity while minimizing conflicts among Blue Economy sub-themes
3. Strengthening measures for mitigating the negative impacts of coastal and marine tourism, oil, gas, deep-sea mining and climate change on aquatic biodiversity and the environment
4. Strengthening gender inclusivity in aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental management.

Implementation Modalities

AU-IBAR is responsible for the overall management and coordination of the Project, grant management and reporting to the Funding Partners under the political leadership of the AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) who provides political leadership. A project management Unit, Project Technical Committee and were established

Stakeholders

The key stakeholders to the project include African Union Member States (the Ministries or departments in charge of fisheries, aquaculture, aquatic biodiversity, environment, Blue Economy, energy, coastal and marine tourism, marine time trade and transport), Regional Economic Communities, Regional Fisheries Bodies, Water Basin Authorities, Institutions, Regional Sea Conventions (Abidjan Convention, Nairobi Convention), private sectors, Non-State Actors, Women organizations, Development partners, Universities, and Research Institutions,

Partnerships

The project has mainly been implemented through collaboration with partners working in the same aquatic space.  
 

Table 1: Partnerships and their role in the project

No	Partner	Full Name	Areas of Collaboration
1	UNESCO	United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization	2nd Global Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) forum
2	Nairobi Convention	Nairobi Convention	Transboundary MSP
3	Abidjan Convention	Abidjan Convention	Transboundary MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING (MSP)
4	WIOMSA	Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association	Transboundary MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
5	IUCN	International Union for Conservation of Nature	Gender Mainstreaming
6	WWF	World Wide Fund for Nature	Transboundary MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING
7	FCWC	The Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea	Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS)
8	SADC-Secretariat	Southern African Development Community – Secretariat	Harmonized management of transboundary freshwater ecosystems
9	LVFO	Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization	Harmonized management of transboundary freshwater ecosystems
10	COREP	Regional Fisheries Commission for the Gulf of Guinea	Harmonized management of transboundary freshwater ecosystems; MCS
11	IGAD	Inter-Governmental Authority on Development	Knowledge share and MCS
12	KMFRI	Kenya Marine and Fisheries research institute	Mitigating climate change and ecosystems restoration
13	ZASCI	Zanzibar Seaweed Cluster Initiative	Mitigating climate and environmental management
14	Mabuyi Development partners	Mabuyi Development partners	Gender mainstreaming in small-scale fisheries in South Africa
15	SWAM	Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management	Capacity building and technical support to project implementation
16	SRFC	SubRegional Fisheries Commission	Strengthening capacity on Regional MCS systems

Midterm Evaluation

A midterm evaluation for the project was carried out, and the midterm evaluation report will be used as a baseline for assessing the extension phase

Proposed Evaluation

Description of the Assignment 

The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) seeks to undertake an independent End-of-Project Evaluation of the Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in African Blue Economy Project. The evaluation will focus on the no-cost extension period from 15 October 2024 to 14 December 2026, building on the Mid-Term Evaluation. The evaluation covers project implementation from 15 October 2024 through 14 December 2026, evaluating overall performance following the Mid-Term Evaluation (MTE) and during the implementation of the project's extended phase. 
The purpose of the End-of-Project Evaluation is to provide an independent and evidence-based assessment of the project's overall performance, with particular emphasis on the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and emerging impact of the interventions implemented since the Mid-Term Evaluation. The evaluation will assess the extent to which the project has achieved its intended outputs, outcomes, and strategic objectives, contributed to strengthening aquatic biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems, and supported the implementation of the Africa Blue Economy Strategy across African Union Member States and Regional Economic Communities.
The evaluation will also assess the extent to which the recommendations of the Mid-Term Evaluation have been implemented, identify factors that facilitated or constrained project performance, document lessons learned and good practices, and evaluate the likelihood that project results and benefits will be sustained beyond the closure.  Furthermore, the evaluation will generate strategic recommendations to inform future AU-IBAR programming and guide the design of subsequent interventions aimed at consolidating and scaling up achievements in aquatic biodiversity conservation and sustainable blue economy development in Africa.
Specifically, the evaluation will enable AU-IBAR, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities, and other project partners to: 

1. Provide an independent assessment of the overall performance of the project since the Mid-Term Evaluation, including progress made in implementing the recommendations of the Mid-Term Evaluation.
2. Assess the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and emerging impact of the project in achieving its intended objectives, outcomes, and results.
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of the project's implementation arrangements, governance structures, partnerships, monitoring and evaluation systems, communication and visibility, and resource utilization in delivering planned results.
4. Identify and document lessons learned, good practices, innovations, and success factors that can inform replication, scaling up, and future programming in aquatic biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable blue economy development.
5. Assess the sustainability of project results, including institutional, technical, financial, policy, environmental, and stakeholder ownership dimensions, and identify measures required to sustain and consolidate project achievements.
6. Provide practical, evidence-based recommendations on strategic priorities, future interventions, and opportunities for strengthening continental and regional efforts to conserve aquatic biodiversity and promote the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems beyond the completion of the first phase of the project.

Tasks

 In line with the objectives of the End-of-Project Evaluation, the consultant(s) shall undertake, but not be limited to, the following tasks:

1. Conduct a comprehensive review of all relevant project documentation, including the Project Document, Theory of Change, Logical Framework, annual work plans, progress reports, financial reports, monitoring and evaluation reports, communication products, knowledge products, and other relevant project records.
2. Review the project's monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) framework, performance indicators, baseline information, means of verification, and available monitoring data to assess the quality, reliability and adequacy of evidence used to measure project performance.
3. Assess the implementation status of the recommendations from the Mid-Term Evaluation and determine the extent to which corrective actions have contributed to improved project performance and results.
4. Assess the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability and emerging impact of the project in relation to its stated objectives, expected outputs, outcomes and overall goal, considering the evolving policy and institutional context within the African Blue Economy.
5. Assess the extent to which the project has achieved its planned outputs and outcomes, identify unintended positive or negative results, and evaluate the project's contribution towards strengthening aquatic biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration and sustainable blue economy development in Africa.
6. Assess the effectiveness of the project's implementation arrangements, governance structures, coordination mechanisms, partnerships, resource utilization, risk management, monitoring and reporting systems, and institutional capacities in delivering project results.
7. Evaluate the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement, including the participation of African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities, Regional Fisheries Bodies, development partners, civil society organizations, women and youth groups, private sector actors and other key beneficiaries, and assess stakeholder perceptions regarding project relevance, ownership and results.
8. Assess the effectiveness of the project's communication, knowledge management and visibility strategies, including dissemination of knowledge products, policy influence, awareness creation, and visibility of AU-IBAR and SIDA support.
9. Assess the sustainability of project results, including institutional, technical, financial, policy, environmental and social sustainability, and evaluate the adequacy of the project's exit strategy and mechanisms for sustaining benefits beyond the completion of the first phase.
10. Identify, document and validate lessons learned, good practices, innovations and success stories that can inform replication, scaling-up and future interventions in aquatic biodiversity conservation and sustainable blue economy development.
11. Develop practical, evidence-based recommendations to strengthen future AU-IBAR programming, guide the design of subsequent phases of the project, and enhance the long-term conservation and sustainable management of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems across Africa.
12. Prepare and submit an Inception Report, present preliminary findings to AU-IBAR and key stakeholders for validation, and prepare and submit a comprehensive Final End-of-Project Evaluation Report that incorporates stakeholder feedback and meets AU-IBAR's quality assurance requirements.

Expected Outputs and deliverables 

The consultant(s) shall produce the following key outputs:

1. Inception Report: Detailing evaluation methodology, data collection tools, sampling plan, and an Evaluation Matrix (due Day 5). 
2. A comprehensive assessment of project performance, providing an evidence-based evaluation of the project's relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and emerging impact, including an assessment of progress towards the achievement of planned outputs, outcomes, and overall project objectives.
3. An assessment of the implementation of the Mid-Term Evaluation recommendations, including the extent to which the recommendations were addressed and their contribution to improving project performance and results.
4. An evaluation of the project's implementation arrangements, including governance structures, partnerships, coordination mechanisms, monitoring and evaluation systems, communication and visibility, stakeholder engagement, and the efficiency of resource utilization.
5. A documented analysis of stakeholder perceptions and beneficiary feedback, highlighting stakeholder satisfaction, ownership, perceived benefits, challenges encountered, and recommendations for strengthening future interventions.
6. A comprehensive documentation of lessons learned, good practices, innovations, and success stories that can inform replication, scaling-up, and future programming in aquatic biodiversity conservation and sustainable blue economy development.
7. An assessment of the sustainability of project results, including institutional, technical, financial, policy, environmental, and social sustainability, together with recommendations for strengthening the sustainability and long-term ownership of project achievements.
8. Practical, evidence-based recommendations for future AU-IBAR interventions, including strategic priorities for consolidating project achievements, strengthening regional and continental cooperation, and informing the design of subsequent phases or related programmes.
9. Draft & Final Evaluation Reports: High-quality report (including Executive Summary and presentation decks) reflecting stakeholder feedback from the validation session. 

Proposed Methodology

The evaluation should be undertaken by a team of experts with expertise among other things in Programme/Project Evaluation, Aquatic Systems and Fisheries Management as well as social inclusion and gender. The evaluation should focus on both results achieved so far based on the project theory of change; the log frame’s indicators; and the processes, procedures, and tools put in place to achieve the results.  

The consultants will execute the activities below in close coordination with the AU-IBAR. Moreover, the implementation should ensure close and constant coordination with the relevant stakeholders notably the AU Member States, specialized regional institutions, RECs and NSAs including women organizations (African women fish processors and traders’ network – AWFISHNET).

The consultants are expected to use both quantitative and qualitative evaluation techniques leveraging technologies to ensure sufficient coverage of all project components and stakeholders.

Location and Duration

The consultancy will largely be conducted working from home with field missions by the consultants to Nairobi, Kenya (AU IBAR), Zambia (Freshwater ecosystems and fish stocks restorations), Madagascar (for Small-scale Octopus fisheries and MPA), Dakar, Senegal (SRFC on joint MPA effective governance), and Libreville (COREP Secretariat on MCS, MPAs, Harmonized management of shared ecosystems).

The assignment is expected to begin in January 2027 and should be completed within two (2) calendar months from the start date.

Supervision

The consultancy will be under the immediate supervision of the Project Coordinator and oversight supervision by the Director, AU-IBAR. The Project Co-ordinator, the Project Team, beneficiaries, stakeholders, will be the contact persons to facilitate access to documentation and information.

Reporting

Reports will be submitted to the project coordinator for review and approval by the Director. The language for reporting shall be English. AU-IBAR may translate the final evaluation document as deemed necessary.

Reports will be submitted in accordance with the schedule below:

Report	Due Date
Contract Signature	Day 0
An inception report detailing an understanding of expectations and highlighting the approach to fulfilment of the assignment.  (maximum 5 pages)	Day 5
Interim report will be submitted for review by AU-IBAR on the progress made	Day 25
Draft final report which will be submitted to AU-IBAR for review.	Day 45
AU-IBAR will circulate this draft final report to key stakeholders for comments	Day 45-Day 52
AU-IBAR will submit consolidated comments on draft final report to Consultant	Day 52
Final evaluation report incorporating input from AU-IBAR and key stakeholders to be submitted by Consultant to AU-IBAR	Day 60

The evaluation reports shall provide clear, evidence-based information regarding:

1. Fieldwork & Stakeholder Engagement Scope: Detailed documentation of evaluation activities undertaken, including specific Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), specialized regional institutions, and key stakeholder organizations visited or consulted during field missions and virtual engagements. 
2. Beneficiary & Stakeholder Coverage: Disaggregated breakdown of targeted beneficiaries, non-state actors (including women and youth groups), civil society representatives, and institutional key informants interviewed, detailing consultation mechanisms and representation.
3. Evaluation Findings & Results Analysis: Comprehensive evaluation of planned vs. actual outcomes and emerging impacts resulting from project interventions, structured around the OECD-DAC criteria (Relevance, Coherence, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Sustainability, and Impact).
4. Strategic & Operational Recommendations: Practical, evidence-based recommendations to inform future AU-IBAR programming, sustainability strategies, institutional continuity, and the design of subsequent project phases beyond the current implementation window.
5. Progress Monitoring & Briefings: Regular verbal progress updates and debriefings to the AU-IBAR Project Coordinator and evaluation oversight team throughout the assignment to flag emerging insights or operational constraints. 

Responsibilities of AU-IBAR

AU-IBAR will provide the necessary support to ensure the Consultant is able to access documentation, reports, stakeholders and beneficiaries. AU-IBAR shall provide logistical support as needed, including provision of travel expenses for approved missions in accordance with the AUC Travel Policy.

The following documents will be availed to the Consultant on commencement of the contract:

•    Contract documents 
•    Aquatic Biodiversity Project document and reports to date
•    Mid Term Evaluation Report 
•    Africa Blue Economy Strategy 
•    Policy framework and reform strategy for fisheries and aquaculture in Africa
•    Updated Indicator tracking tool 
•    A list of key stakeholders to be interviewed, developed in consultation with the consultants
•    Any other relevant document(s) requested by the consultants

Remuneration

The maximum budget available for professional fees under this Consultancy is USD 18,000. Expenses for travel on official and approved missions (including flights and daily subsistence allowance) will be covered separately by AU-IBAR in accordance with the applicable African Union Commission rules and regulations. The Consultant firm or team will be responsible for medical and travel insurance cover for the individual experts for the duration of the consultancy.

Requirements

Applications are invited from eligible firms or consortiums to undertake this consultancy. The firm or team of experts should be experienced in evaluating complex projects relating to natural resources and Blue Economy, particularly on aquatic biodiversity, aquatic ecosystems and fisheries at National, Regional and Continental levels in Africa; The consultants should have Africa-wide knowledge of the Blue Economy Sector, particularly aquatic ecosystems, fisheries and aquaculture sector in Africa.

The team proposed should consist of no less than two key experts whose qualifications, experience and skills are stated below.

Team Leader

Responsibilities

As a Team Leader, s/he will be responsible for all aspects of the Evaluation and will be the focal point for the rest of her/his team. The Team Leader should ensure close and regular communication with and timely reporting to the Contracting Authority (AU-IBAR). The Team Leader is also responsible for the quality of the evaluation process and the required outputs.

Academic qualifications

Master’s level or equivalent in Marine resources, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Natural Resources, Climate change or related disciplines. A PhD in the above qualifications will be considered an added advantage

General Professional Experience

1. At least 10 years of professional working experience in the field of aquatic sciences, fisheries management or aquaculture development.
2. Working experience in African Union member states and National institutions in charge of Blue Economy, fisheries and environmental management.
3. Familiarisation with the mandates and functions of Regional Economic Communities and specialized regional institutions with mandates on regional integration, aquatic ecosystems, fisheries and environmental management.
4. At least 5 years’ experience on projects’ and programmes’ design, management, and supporting implementation in Africa.
5. Proven knowledge on Continental and global frameworks promoting fisheries management, aquaculture development. Climate Change mitigation, environmental management and healthy aquatic ecosystems and blue economy.

Specific professional experience

1. Proven evidence of Africa-wide knowledge of the Blue Economy Sectors in Africa.
2. At least 10 years’ experience in capacity building on disciplines relating fisheries management, environmental management and aquatic ecosystems conservation.
3. Previous experience in conducting monitoring and evaluations on projects relating to Aquatic Biodiversity conservation and Environmental Management.
4. Experience in implementation arrangements, results/performance assessment and in managing evaluations.
5. Evidence of practical experience in conducting assessments on implementation of Blue Economy Sectors’ Policies, regulatory frameworks and initiatives towards conservation of biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
6. Experience conducting studies involving Non-Statue actors, on co-management practices, social inclusion, gender mainstreaming and empowerment in natural resources systems.
7. Expert in Monitoring and Evaluation, Data Collection and Analysis for programme evaluation in the sector.

Language skills

The team leader should be fluent in at least two AU official languages.

Responsibilities

1. To assist the team leader conduct stakeholder’s analysis, and categorize and map stakeholders.
2. Assist the Team leader to develop appropriate questionnaires for conducting online and in-person interviews of identified stakeholders.
3. To collect information and data based on the project logical framework matrix and the objectively verifiable indicators.
4. To support the Team Leader in collecting and organizing information and data, conducting the analysis and performance assessment based on defined evaluation criteria and questions.
5. To contribute to drafting of the deliverables to be submitted.

Qualifications

A master’s degree at academic level in Social Sciences, Economics, Statistics or other related 
fields,

General Professional Experience

1. At least 10 years of professional experience in areas such as project and programme cycle management and design.
2. Proven experience in statistical, data collection, M&E in ocean sciences, fisheries. Aquaculture.
3. Record of experiences in partners’ and stakeholders’ consultations and engagement.
4. Evidence of experience working in the field, conducting interviews with stakeholders on issues relating to aquatic ecosystems, fisheries, aquatic biodiversity and environment

Specific professional experience

1. Sound knowledge of use or application of quantitative and qualitative methods and tools for collecting evidence-based data and information.
2. Familiarization of the Blue Economy sectors in Africa.
3. Proven experience in conducting monitoring and evaluation of donor funded projects.
4. Familiarization with stakeholders in the Blue Economy Sector (including fisheries, aquaculture, environment)

Language skills

Fluency in at least two AU official languages.

Gender Mainstreaming

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and teams including qualified women and young African professionals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Evaluation criteria

The applications will be evaluated based on the relevant technical qualifications, experience and competence of the candidates.

Criteria	Scores (%)
General Experience of the firm/consortium/team	5
Approach & Methodology	10
Qualifications of the team	20
General experience	20
Specific Experience	40
Language	5
Total	100

Submission of the application

Applications are open to firms or consortiums or a team of experts, of eligible nationalities. 
Applications from individual experts will not be accepted.

Applications should be submitted to procurement@au-ibar.org, with a copy to emmah.boro@au-ibar.org and and should include the title “End-Term Project Evaluation for the Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in African Blue Economy Project ” in the subject of the email:

Applications should include the following:

-    Technical Proposal 
-    Brief description of the firm/consortium highlighting suitability for the assignment
-    Brief (3-5 pages) description of approach and methodology of the firm
-    Detailed curriculum vitae with references and relevant experience to be provided for each key expert
-    Copies of academic and professional certificates of key experts
-    Signed declaration on exclusion criteria (format provided in website) to be signed by the firm and each of the proposed experts
-    Copy of registration documents of the firm and/or identification documents of key experts

Applications should be submitted to the address given above by 09th October, 2026 at 23:45hrs Nairobi Local Time.