Request for Proposal (RFP) - UN/FLUX Implementation and analysis Consultant

Introduction

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. Our major focus is on commercial fishing because it is the most widespread human activity at sea, the most impactful on ocean health, and the most crucial for global livelihoods and food security. 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.

GFW is working to improve public availability and transparency of vessel tracking and ownership information by designing interoperability solutions that could enable countries to automate their data sharing processes. 

Background

Timely and up-to-date information sharing is critical for preventing, deterring, and eliminating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. However, key international and regional databases contain sparse and incomplete information. Automatization of data collecting and sharing could reduce the time and effort required to upload and update information, improve data coherence across different sources. 

The UN/FLUX standard is an emerging framework designed with the intention to improve data interoperability, particularly in the realm of fisheries management. This RFP will support the development of Global Fishing Watch’s interoperability work which aims to support countries to exchange data at regional and international level. Our priority countries of interest are: Brazil, Chile, Madagascar, Panama, and Senegal.

Expected deliverables 

• Deliverable 1: A report providing an overview of the UN/FLUX standard and its applications to fisheries data exchange. The report should include at least:

1. A brief overview of the origin, function, and objectives of UN/FLUX. 
2. The countries and regional fisheries management organisations using UN/FLUX with detail on the type of data UN/FLUX is used for. The report should include  a detailed case study from a country that has implemented UN/FLUX and a detailed description and analysis of the use of UN/FLUX in one RFMO. These case studies should consider lessons learnt, best practices, timeframes for implementation, costs and resources involved and any reported benefits (including improvements in fisheries data management, data sharing and interoperability, and transparency. Any changes in the type, frequency, or volume of the data exchanged with the FAO Global Record, RFMOs, or other States should be considered). 
3. An assessment of the challenges and opportunities of uptake of UN/FLUX (with particular reference to Brazil, Chile, Madagascar, Panama, and Senegal) and the costs involved.

• Deliverable 2: A set of conclusions and recommendations for the use of UN/FLUX to exchange information on fishing vessel tracking and ownership information. This deliverable should make reference to any particular conclusions and recommendations for the countries of significant interest (Brazil, Chile, Madagascar, Panama, and Senegal). 

Requirements:

The consultant will have:

1. Knowledge of the UN/FLUX Standard and data exchange.
2. Experience in ocean governance and/or fisheries management regulations. 
3. Experience in fisheries management, in particular fisheries data management. 
4. Experience working with government and RFMO stakeholders. 

Expected timeline

The work will ideally begin on January 13th 2025 and be completed by April 13th 2025 

Submission Details

Proposals should include:

1. A cover letter, explaining interest and qualification for the consultancy including a description of previous experience with the types of work proposed in the request for consultants’ proposals.
2. A resume/CV
3. A proposed plan of work (Word document) outlining how the consultant intends to fulfil the responsibilities outlined in the previous section. This should include information on engagement with key stakeholders and a summarized proposed timeline, including:
1. Expected delivery dates for all deliverables. 
2. Expected payment points.
4. Key time points that documents will be shared with Global Fishing Watch for review.
5. A list of all staff members who will be working on the commission (if more than one).
6. A budget breakdown (Excel file) detailing costs for all deliverables that includes: 
1. The number of work days expected (per employee) and associated day rate and what these entail (e.g. research, report writing, meetings)
2. Costs of any external activities

Please send proposals through the provided link.  

The closing date for this is 23:59 CST on December 15th ,2024. Successful applicants will be invited to a further discussion with Global Fishing Watch and a final decision will be made and communicated to all applicants.