Request for Proposal (RFP) - Technology and Data Integration to Strengthen Fisheries Monitoring and Marine Protected Area Management in Montenegro

Global Fishing Watch RFP

10h • Remote

About The Position

Global Fishing Watch (GFW) is seeking a consultant to support Montenegro in strengthening its fisheries monitoring and Marine Protected Area (MPA) management through technology and data integration. This consultancy, operating under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GFW and Montenegrin authorities, aims to deepen the integration and adoption of GFW tools into Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) and MPA practices. The role involves evaluating current procedures, identifying gaps, recommending integration points for GFW technologies, and supporting workshops. The goal is to enhance evidence-based decision-making for marine conservation, combat illegal fishing, and improve sustainable ocean governance in Montenegro, aligning with EU accession requirements and regional commitments.

Requirements

• Academic or professional qualification in fisheries science, marine biology, environmental science, or related discipline.
• Knowledge of technological platforms and data for marine management and conservation of MPAs and Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs).
• Knowledge of procedures for fisheries monitoring, MPA management, or equivalent regulatory contexts.
• Demonstrated experience conducting institutional assessments, governance reviews, or operational analyses related to fisheries monitoring, marine conservation, or protected area management.
• Experience facilitating stakeholder workshops and engaging with government authorities in the Mediterranean or European context.
• Knowledge of EU CFP, GFCM frameworks, and regulatory landscape.
• Experience working with international organizations in fisheries or marine management projects.
• Submission of a proposal including a detailed plan and budget.
• Submission of a cover letter explaining interest and qualification, including description of previous experience.
• Submission of a narrative proposal outlining how the provider intends to fulfill responsibilities.
• Submission of a descriptive budget outlining the total cost.
• Submission of a proposed timeline for completing the consultancy.

Nice To Haves

• The consultancy is intended to complement and build on the process of integrating VMS data and interoperability between the FIS and the GFW platform.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate where in MCS operating procedures GFW tools can provide the most operational value and identify how existing official procedures can be improved through integration of GFW technologies.
• Identify which Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or equivalent processes are in place for MCS, identify gaps, and recommend specific points where GFW tools and expertise can be embedded as procedural steps for deployment and operational use.
• Conduct a practical workflow analysis, identifying where GFW tools can contribute to detection, prioritization, investigation, and enforcement actions within existing MCS processes.
• Map additional institutional entry points for GFW tool adoption within Montenegro's broader MCS ecosystem, including an assessment of relevant agencies, institutional mandates, decision-making processes, existing technological capacities, operational challenges, and opportunities.
• Assess how technology is currently embedded in Montenegro's MPA management, designation, and monitoring, identifying gaps and recommending specific entry points where GFW tools and expertise can be embedded as SOPs.
• Review technological platforms currently in use or planned for adoption for MPA management, assessing their challenges, strengths, limitations, and usage by MPA departments and managers.
• Assess whether GIS is in use for specific MPA management or monitoring functions and which datasets or outputs can be uploaded to the GFW platform.
• Provide evidence-based recommendations to Montenegrin authorities and GFW regarding the enhanced use of technology and data in protected area management, including prioritization, implementation effort, institutional ownership, capacity-building needs, and expected management outcomes.
• Support the preparation and facilitation of in-country workshops in Montenegro, including written input to concept notes, agendas, and discussion materials.
• Identify opportunities for GFW technologies and data to support practical management and enforcement outcomes during workshops.
• Deliver a workplan, draft report, final report, presentation of findings, and recommendations for workshop concept development.

Benefits

• Global Fishing Watch is an equal opportunities employer.
• Global Fishing Watch is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion.
• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed