Request for Proposal (RFP) - Pacific fisheries engagement

GLOBAL, closes November 11, 2026

About the Company

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.

GFW is an international nonprofit that advances ocean governance through increased transparency of human activity at sea, using satellite vessel tracking data and open technology. GFW engages as an observer at five regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs), including WCPFC, with two policy priorities: vessel tracking through the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and, to a much lesser extent, transparency of vessel ultimate beneficial ownership (UBO).

At WCPFC, GFW presented an observer paper at the 22nd Technical and Compliance Committee (TCC22) framing AIS as a compliance tool, and will build on it at WCPFC23. GFW now needs on-the-ground Pacific expertise to deliver this engagement and to shape a detailed WCPFC engagement strategy for 2027.

Scope of work

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.

Deliverables

- 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.