Request for Proposal (RFP) - Vietnam Fisheries Expert Consultant

Who we are

Global Fishing Watch is an international, non-profit organization committed to advancing ocean governance through increased transparency. We use cutting-edge technology to create and publicly share knowledge about human activity at sea, promoting fair and sustainable use of our ocean.

Our main focus is on commercial fishing, which is the most widespread and impactful human activity at sea, vital to global livelihoods and food security. By 2030, we aim to monitor and visualize the impact of both industrial and small-scale vessels responsible for most of the global seafood catch.

Global Fishing Watch works with governments and other stakeholders to co-develop solutions and build local capacity to tackle IUU fishing and enhance marine protection.

Who we are looking for

Global Fishing Watch is seeking to engage an experienced individual with good knowledge and familiarity with the Vietnamese fishing industry. Building on the initial collaborations undertaken in the country, he/she must be able to provide technical inputs to key deliverables and communicate strategic recommendations that will help maximize the impact of the work. The individual must be able to provide critical support to help contextualize and refine the interventions being provided by Global Fishing Watch to its country stakeholders. 

The candidate should be adept with a remote working environment, and preferably located within the Asia region, especially in Vietnam. 

Scope of work

Working under the supervision of the Policy Officer, Asia, and in close collaboration with the rest of the Asia team and local implementing partner, the individual will have the opportunity to contribute to the breadth of Global Fishing Watch’s deliverables in Vietnam. These include:

1. Providing advice on Global Fishing Watch’s strategies and interventions to enhance local understanding and impact, and support the engagement with governments and stakeholders in Vietnam to promote and demonstrate the value of Global Fishing Watch’s interventions towards improved fisheries management.
2. Contribute to the development and roll-out of analytical and capacity development products by providing critical local knowledge for a contextualized approach to ensure that Global Fishing Watch’s interventions are tailored to local circumstances and needs.
3. Monitor the marine policy landscape and identify opportunities for Global Fishing Watch to help advance marine and fisheries policy and ocean governance in Vietnam. The consultant will advise on strategies to align Global Fishing Watch’s objectives with national priorities, ensuring the organization’s objectives are aligned with ongoing national policy discussions.
4. Support Global Fishing Watch and its partners in organizing meetings and regional workshops and in developing briefs and progress reports. 
5. Provide strategic recommendations that will help advance the work and engagement of Global Fishing Watch and advise on approaches that align with government priorities.
6. Provide advice on creating impactful presentations and key messages on relevant topics and themes.  

Deliverables

Requirements

• At least seven years of relevant professional experience working in the Vietnam fishing industry and maritime spatial planning.
• Experience working with current and evolving political, sustainability, and/or conservation trends on a regional and international level.
• Excellent diplomatic skills, including an ability to work and communicate effectively with a broad spectrum of individuals within a range of cultural environments.
• Strong understanding of fisheries management and experience advising government stakeholders on related issues.
• Proficient in English and Vietnamese language skills, both written and verbal.
• An ability to work under pressure and within a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive self-starter with a keen eye for opportunities, ensuring Global Fishing Watch is informed in a timely manner.

Preferred qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant area or equivalent experience
• Experience in fisheries public policy, compliance, monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) on fishing vessels.
• Vessel tracking and analytical experience.

Note: If you do not fulfil all the essential requirements but feel you can contribute to the team, we encourage you to apply and describe your interests in the cover letter.

Deliverables and payment

The consultant will be paid by a combination of fixed and time-based payments as outlined below: 

• Fixed deliverables

Payment will be made upon satisfactory approval of the following three deliverables, with the amount agreed and invoiced accordingly:

1. An inception report summarizing the current state of fisheries management in Vietnam, including stakeholder mapping, relevant laws and policies, and the potential of enhanced traceability and accountability in the sector.
2. Support to develop a technical note on contextualizing global vessel tracking best practices in Vietnam
3. A synthesis narrative report to review and assess the 12-month engagement works. The report should provide clear observations, actionable recommendations, and identify emerging opportunities to deepen collaboration in Vietnam.

• Ad-hoc support

Any advice, research, or feedback request on a regular or ad-hoc basis will be compensated at an agreed hourly rate between USD25-35 with pre-agreed ceilings. Rate is commensurate with experience. 

The consultant will be required to submit a time log and brief descriptions of the tasks completed, which will be reviewed and approved prior to the payment. 

Submission requirements

Interested individuals should submit a proposal via email, including a detailed plan and budget, to tamara.palis-duran@globalfishingwatch.org. 

The proposal should consist of:

• A cover letter explaining the provider’s interest and qualifications for the consultancy, including a description of previous experience with the types of work proposed in the RFP.
• Resume/CV of the candidate.
• A narrative proposal outlining the scope of services you can provide, demonstrating alignment with our goals and objectives. (Word document)
• A descriptive budget (max US$10,000 in an Excel file) outlining the cost for the fixed deliverables: 1) Inception report (US$3,000), 2) Support the creation of a technical report adapting Global Fishing Watch’s global best practices for vessel tracking in the Vietnamese context. (US$3,500), and 3) A synthesis narrative report to review and assess the 12-month engagement works. (US$3,500)

Submission deadline

Proposals should be submitted by 26 May 2025