At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Pacific fisheries engagement and enhance ocean governance through transparency.
- Company: Join Global Fishing Watch, a non-profit dedicated to sustainable ocean management.
- Benefits: Flexible work environment, opportunity to make a real impact, and collaboration with global experts.
- Other info: Work on exciting projects with a diverse team committed to making a difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to protect our oceans and promote fair fishing practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in fisheries management or policy, strong communication skills, and passion for ocean conservation.
Global Fishing Watch is an international, non-profit organization committed to advancing ocean governance through increased transparency. We create and publicly share knowledge about human activity at sea to enable fair and sustainable use of our ocean. Founded in 2015 through a collaboration between Oceana, SkyTruth, and Google, GFW became an independent non-profit organization in June 2017. Using cutting-edge technology, we create and publicly share map visualizations, data, and analysis tools to enable scientific research and drive a transformation in how we manage our ocean.
By 2030, we aim to monitor and visualize the impact of ocean-going vessels, both industrial and small-scale, that are responsible for the vast majority of the global seafood catch. We believe human activity at sea should be common knowledge in order to safeguard the global ocean commons for the common good of all. Global Fishing Watch is working to enhance fisheries management by promoting transparency, building analytical capacity, and fostering regional collaboration. Through open data, satellite technology, and partnerships with governments and stakeholders, we aim to equip decision makers with the tools needed to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, support small-scale fishers, and improve marine conservation.
Our program focuses on sharing insights, capacity development and the integration of advanced monitoring and evaluation techniques to drive evidence based policy and sustainable ocean governance. Global Fishing Watch (GFW) seeks an independent consultant to support its Pacific engagement through the end of 2026, centred on the 23rd Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC23) in Vanuatu.
Scope of work:
- WCPFC23 engagement: Help finalise GFW's observer paper, plan and support bilateral meetings with WCPFC Members and Cooperating Non-Members (CCMs), attend WCPFC23 in person, and take meeting notes.
- Socialising AIS: Develop tailored messaging and an outreach plan to build support for AIS among Pacific Island members, the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA), and distant-water fishing nations.
- Scoping UBO: Map existing WCPFC provisions relevant to vessel ownership and chartering, identify gaps and entry points, and gauge member appetite for beneficial ownership transparency.
- 2027 engagement strategy: Synthesise results and intelligence from WCPFC23 into recommendations that inform a detailed GFW WCPFC engagement strategy for the year ahead, including TCC23 and WCPFC24.
Deliverables and timeline:
- Due 23 November 2026 - Written WCPFC23 outreach plan on AIS and UBO: priority CCMs, key messages, asks, and meeting schedule; plus review and input on GFW's observer paper.
- Due 27 November 2026 - AIS briefing note and talking points tailored to Pacific audiences; UBO scoping note (3–5 pages).
- During WCPFC23 - In-person support at WCPFC23 in Vanuatu: bilateral meetings, side-event or outreach support, daily meeting notes, supporting with final meeting report.
- Due January 15, 2027 - Concluding report: WCPFC23 summary reflections on AIS and UBO, and recommendations for GFW's 2027 WCPFC engagement strategy.
The consultant will send brief progress updates by email weekly.
Submission requirements:
- A short technical proposal (maximum 2 pages) describing your approach to the four scope areas.
- A financial proposal with day rate, total fee, plus estimated reasonable travel expenses to WCPFC23 (reimbursed at cost and subject to GFW’s travel policy).
- A CV, and two references.
- Confirmation of availability for the contract period and WCPFC23.
Evaluation: GFW will assess proposals on relevant WCPFC and Pacific experience (40%), quality of the proposed approach (30%), value for money (20%), and availability (10%). Shortlisted candidates may be invited to a brief interview. Proposals should be submitted by November 11, 2026.
Equal Opportunities: Global Fishing Watch is an equal opportunities employer. Global Fishing Watch is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within our organization and in the greater ocean management and conservation community. We believe that diverse backgrounds, skills, knowledge and viewpoints make us a stronger organization.
Request for Proposal (RFP) – Pacific fisheries engagement in Sydney employer: Global-Fishing-Watch-Rfp
Global Fishing Watch offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of technology and ocean conservation. Employees can expect a collaborative work culture that values transparency and innovation, with opportunities for professional growth in a mission-driven environment. The organization is committed to advancing ocean governance, making it an attractive employer for those passionate about sustainability.
