Result of Service

An updated blue economy roadmap for Seychelles

Work Location

Home Based- Seychelles

Expected duration

3 months

Duties and Responsibilities

1. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION The Department of the Blue Economy (DBE) has been in existence since 2015, as the body responsible to coordinate the implementation of the Blue Economy agenda of Seychelles. It is responsible for providing strategic direction and co-ordination in the Blue Economy’s implementation, as part of the continued sustainable development of Seychelles. The Department’s vision is to develop a Blue Economy as a means of realising the nation’s potential through innovation and knowledge-led programmes, being mindful of the need to conserve the integrity of the Seychelles marine environment and heritage for present and future generations. The work of the Department is guided by four Strategic Priorities which are Creating sustainable wealth; Sharing prosperity; Securing healthy, resilient and productive oceans; and strengthening the enabling environment. The Government of Seychelles’ Blue Economy Strategic Policy Framework and Roadmap (2018–2030) or “Roadmap” as interchangeably called, outlines a comprehensive agenda to harness marine resources while ensuring ecological integrity and intergenerational equity (Government of Seychelles, 2018). It prioritizes key sectors such as sustainable fisheries, maritime transport, ocean-based tourism, and renewable ocean energy, with an emphasis on innovation and research. This underlines the fact that the strategic importance of the Blue Economy for Seychelles lies in its multi-dimensional value instead of focusing on specific industries or sectors. The Roadmap, was designed to align with the targets and timeframes of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (Department of Blue Economy, 2018). The strategies within the Roadmap were based on priorities set out in the Seychelles National Development Strategy (NDS) 2019–2023 (Ministry of Finance, Trade and Economic Planning, 2019) and Seychelles Vision 2033 (Department of Economic Planning, 2019). In 2024, DBE undertook a comprehensive assessment of the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Framework, covering 2021–2024. Results show that over 75% of the framework’s objectives had been achieved, reflecting significant socio-economic progress, strengthened institutional capacity, improved marine and coastal resource management, and the integration of sustainable practices into education and skills development. These achievements reinforce Seychelles’ commitment to building a diversified, inclusive, and resilient Blue Economy. Over the past decade, the Department of Blue Economy (DBE) has focused on creating an enabling environment to support economic diversification and improve livelihoods. This has been achieved through the implementation of more than 140 targeted projects such as research, capacity building, institutional development, and resource mobilization. Throughout these efforts, DBE has remained steadfast in its commitment to preserving the integrity of Seychelles' marine environment and heritage—for the benefit of both current and future generations. Considering that there have been substantial changes in the operating environment since its adoption in 2018. The Department is currently undertaking an internal review of the Blue Economy Strategic Policy Framework and Roadmap (2018–2030) and is at the point of meeting and conducting surveys with its external partners which will allow the Department to obtain the necessary feedback to develop more streamlined policies and strategies. It is in this respect that the DBE seeks to undertake stakeholder consultations, administer surveys, facilitate meetings and prepare analytical reports with the support of a consultant. The national consultant will support the Department in engaging external stakeholders, collecting and analysing data, documenting findings, and preparing reports which will then culminate into the final version of the revised Blue Economy Strategic Policy Framework and Roadmap. 2. OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE OF CONSULTANCY The primary objectives of the assignment include, but are not limited to: i. To strengthen institutional capacity within the Blue Economy Department and relevant staff to effectively undertake policy review, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning exercises. ii. To gather and analyse data and perspectives from external stakeholders to inform the review and updating of the Seychelles Blue Economy Policy and strategic direction. iii. To generate evidence-based findings and recommendations that will support the formulation of streamlined and responsive Blue Economy policies suited to current environmental, economic, social, and governance realities. iv. To develop a new Seychelles Blue Economy Strategic Policy Framework/Roadmap 2.0 that provides a coherent strategic direction, implementation framework, and priorities for the next phase of Blue Economy development. 3. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES In close consultation with and under the guidance of the project manager at the Sub-Regional Office for Eastern Africa (SRO-EA) and the Department of Blue Economy, Seychelles, the selected consultant will have the main duty and responsibility to conduct an update of the blue economy roadmap of Seychelles. With the view to perform the above, the consultant will carry out the following tasks and activities: i. Preparation of the stakeholder consultation framework: Develop a stakeholder consultation and engagement plan, including identification of key stakeholder groups, consultation methods, timelines, and data collection approaches aligned with the objectives of the policy review. ii. Design of data collection instruments: Prepare and finalise survey questionnaires, interview guides, workshop materials, and any other data collection tools required to obtain qualitative and quantitative stakeholder input. iii. Implementation of stakeholder consultations: Conduct stakeholder interviews, facilitate workshops and consultation sessions, administer surveys, and ensure systematic collection and documentation of stakeholder responses. iv. Consultation reporting: Prepare consultation reports summarising stakeholder participation, key issues raised, opportunities identified, constraints highlighted, and sector-specific perspectives relevant to the Blue Economy policy review. v. Analysis of stakeholder feedback and strategic priorities: Analyse stakeholder feedback and other relevant evidence to identify emerging national priorities, cross-cutting themes, policy gaps, implementation challenges, and opportunities for strengthening the Blue Economy agenda. vi. Development of policy recommendations: Formulate evidence-based recommendations to support the revision and streamlining of Blue Economy policies, strategic priorities, institutional arrangements, and implementation mechanisms. vii. Drafting of the new strategic framework and roadmap: Assist in drafting and consolidating the different sections of the new Seychelles Blue Economy Strategic Policy Framework and accompanying Roadmap, including the vision, strategic objectives, priority actions, implementation arrangements, monitoring framework, and indicative timelines.

Qualifications/special skills

A Master’s degree in Public Policy, Economics, Blue Economy, Marine Science, Environmental Management, Development Studies, Natural Resources Management or related fields At least 3 years of relevant experience in project management is required. Experience in a related field, such as marine conservation, sustainable development, or international development, is highly desirable ─ Experience of working with national institutions would be an asset. ─ Work experience in a multicultural environment or in an international organization is desirable. ─ Demonstrated experience working under tight deadlines and delivering high-quality outputs. ─ Strong oral and written communication skills. ─ Ability to work independently, proactively and with little supervision.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Proficiency in Creole is highly desirable

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

National consultant for data collection and reporting for a review of the blue economy roadmap of Seychelles