[Hiring] Request for Proposal (RFP) - Pacific fisheries engagement @Global Fishing Watch RFP

Role Description

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.

The consultant will work with GFW's International Policy Officer – RFMOs on four areas:

• 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

The consultancy runs from 16 November 2026 to 15 January 2027, with an estimated 25–30 working days.

• 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

• Interested individuals should submit a proposal including a detailed plan and budget. The proposal should consist of:
• 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.

Submission deadline

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. Bringing together professionals who possess broad experiences and a spectrum of perspectives will enable us to reach our goal of improved ocean governance faster. We hire and promote qualified professionals without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or parental status, national origin, age, physical or mental disability or medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Our organizational goals match the urgent challenges facing our global ocean, and our mission is designed to help secure a healthy ocean for all. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of humanity’s diversity, by providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees of Global Fishing Watch and for our partners, vendors, suppliers and contractors.