Consultant International Fisheries Management Expert
About WorldFish
WorldFish is an international research organization working to transform aquatic food systems to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. It collaborates with international, regional, and national partners to co-develop and deliver scientific innovations, evidence for policy and knowledge to enable equitable and inclusive impact for millions who depend on fish and other aquatic foods for their livelihoods and nutrition. Our work in countries advances progress on multiple 2030 Sustainable Development Goals through science and innovation, with a vision of healthy people, healthy planet and shared prosperity.
About the Project
The project, “Promoting sustainable fisheries management in the Red Sea Large Marine Ecosystem” (RedSeaFish) is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). WorldFish is executing three components of the project while the Regional Commission for Fisheries (RECOFI) is responsible for executing one component.
The project aims to strengthen regional cooperation and management for sustainable shared fisheries in the Red Sea through strengthening fisheries data and information systems, enhancing collaborative regional fisheries management in the Red Sea, improving national regulatory frameworks and institutional capacity to manage Red Sea fisheries, and improving knowledge and awareness to support sustainable fisheries management. The beneficiary countries include Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Jordan, Sudan and Yemen, while Saudi Arabia will partner and engage in project activities. The project management unit will be based in Cairo, Egypt.
Purpose & Objectives of the Consultancy
The purpose of hiring the consultant is to provide technical leadership and support the development and implementation of regional and national fisheries management frameworks and plans in line with the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) and global best practices.
The consultant will work closely with the Project Management Unit (PMU), national fisheries agencies, regional partners (e.g., RECOFI), and technical stakeholders to ensure that fisheries data systems effectively support EAF and regional fisheries management processes.
Scope of Services & Key Activities
The International Fisheries Management Consultant's key responsibilities include:
Support establishment and functioning of the Regional Fisheries Management Working Group
Lead development of Regional Fisheries Management Plans (RFMPs) for priority fisheries
Guide preparation of National Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) aligned with EAF
Support review and strengthening of national fisheries policies and regulations
Provide technical input on management measures (e.g., effort control, closed seasons, gear restrictions, bycatch reduction)
Support strengthening Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) systems
Develop fisheries management indicators and support data-informed decision-making
Facilitate stakeholder consultations and capacity building, ensuring inclusion of women and local communities
Work closely with PMU, national focal points, and regional partners (e.g., RECOFI)
Deliver training and capacity-building programs for enforcement agencies
Key Milestones & Delivery Timeline
Inception report, including methodology and detailed workplan
Assessment report on regional and national fisheries management frameworks and gaps
Regional Fisheries Management Plans (RFMPs) for priority fisheries
Technical guidelines for FMP development, aligned with EAF principles
National fisheries management framework recommendations, including policy and regulatory updates
MCS strengthening plans, including coordination and enforcement mechanisms
Regional and national fisheries management indicators framework
Capacity building outputs, including training materials and delivery of training sessions
Stakeholder consultation reports documenting engagement processes
Final technical report consolidating all outputs, lessons learned, and recommendations for sustainability and scaling
Requirements
This consultancy might be for you if you have the following skills and qualifications:
Advanced degree in Fisheries Management, Marine Science, or related field
Minimum 12 years of proven experience in fisheries management and policy in regional projects
Proven experience in FMP/RFMP development and EAF application
Strong expertise in fisheries management frameworks and regulatory systems
Experience with MCS systems and compliance measures
Familiarity with regional fisheries governance processes
Proven experience in capacity building and policy advisory
Excellent communication and report-writing skills (English)
Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills
Demonstrated experience with GEF and/or FAO MEL systems is a strong asset
Consultancy Duration
The duration of the contract will initially be for a 12-month period with possibility of extension, depending on funding and performance.
Evaluation and Selection
Applications will be evaluated based on the qualifications and experience of the consultant, the quality and feasibility of the proposed approach and work plan, the relevance of previous work examples and the most competitive proposal. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or request additional information before final selection. This opportunity is open for all applicants.
Our Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
Over 40% of WorldFish staff is women with some 30 nationalities represented and contributing to its dynamic multicultural work environment. WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity and inclusion are valued and we seek to have gender balance in the organization. We aim to also seek balance across other diverse dimensions.
People in WorldFish are treated equally irrespective of gender, ethnicity/race, national or social origin, disability, religion, political affiliation, age, family size, marital status or any other form of personal identity.
We are an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourage qualified women and men from developing nations to apply.