Consultancy - Specialist in Sustainable Blue Economy for Vanuatu

Scope of Work

• The consultant will work closely with the global SIDS Flagship team, national government and national stakeholders, including relevant ministries, research institutions, bilateral development partners, the private sector, NGOs and local communities, and utilise the UNEP Sustainable Blue Economy Transition Framework and related Rapid Readiness Assessment tool to:
• Analyze relevant legislative and policy frameworks related to a sustainable blue economy in Vanuatu.
• Assess institutional capacities, infrastructures, cross-sectoral coordination systems, • Compile and assess existing data on marine and coastal ecosystem services and resource management, social and economic features, etc
•  Identify key economic sectors, challenges, and opportunities to advance a sustainable blue economy in Vanuatu.
• Propose strategic recommendations to strengthen SBE governance, including application of area-based management framework and tools (e.g ICZM, IWRM, Land-Sea Planning, marine spatial planning.
• Organize inclusive multi-stakeholder consultations, in collaboration with the National Team, to ensure ownership of the process.
• Compile and review existing national frameworks, policies, strategies, financing plans relevant to sustainable blue economy in terms of the ability to support a sustainable blue economy transition.
• In close consultation with Govt of Vanuatu and relevant stakeholders, prepare an integrated SBE strategic action plan and associated theory of change to support the sustainable blue economy transition for feedback and consultations with relevant national and local stakeholders.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in marine sciences, environmental economics, natural resource management, coastal development or a related field is required. A first level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• 7 years of experience in designing sustainable blue economy strategy and policy, marine resource management, integrated coastal zone management or marine spatial planning protocols and guidelines is required.
• Experience working in SIDS, preferably in the Pacific region is required.
• Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills preferably with proven experience working in subjects related to Sustainable Blue Economy is required.
• Demonstrate previous experience conducting similar assignments at regional or global level is desirable.
• Experience conducting assessments and facilitating multi-stakeholder participatory workshops is desirable.
• Knowledge of international policy frameworks and SDGs, particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) is desirable.