Head, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning - Global Ocean Programs

Background

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.

The Position

This is an exciting role responsible for leading the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) efforts of Global Fishing Watch. The Head, MEL will work closely with regional program teams and external partners to track progress, assess impact, and ensure continuous learning to enhance the effectiveness of transparency, training, and analysis initiatives that support fisheries and biodiversity management in the region.

The Head, MEL will lead the implementation of the overall MEL framework, oversee data collection and analysis, and develop insights that inform decision-making. They will be expected to manage monitoring and evaluation processes, provide technical guidance on impact assessment, and support reporting and learning activities across teams.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in MEL methodologies, a keen understanding of ocean governance and fisheries management, and a commitment to using data-driven approaches to drive sustainability and policy improvements.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

MEL Framework Implementation

• Overall lead in implementation of Global Fishing Watch’s MEL framework to assess the effectiveness of Global Fishing Watch’s interventions, including necessary refinements and adjustments to the MEL approach
• Ensure MEL processes are embedded within program planning and execution, aligning with organizational and fisheries management and biodiversity goals in the regions.
• Establish and maintain data collection tools and methodologies to support systematic monitoring and impact assessment.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Track key performance indicators and analyze to assess program progress, effectiveness, and areas for improvement. 
• Conduct periodic evaluations, including baseline assessments, mid-term reviews, and impact studies, to inform program adjustments.

Learning and Knowledge Sharing

• Document and disseminate lessons learned, best practices, case studies and success stories to inform program adaptation and innovation.
• Organize learning sessions, workshops, and webinars to facilitate knowledge exchange among internal teams, partners and stakeholders.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure MEL framework is implemented effectively and serve its purpose
• Provide technical support and capacity development on MEL methodologies for program staff and external stakeholders.
• Foster inclusive and participatory MEL approaches, ensuring engagement with diverse stakeholders, including representatives from small-scale fishers, local communities and industry.

Reporting and Compliance

• Support the preparation of grant reports, project updates, and annual impact reports, ensuring alignment with reporting requirements.
• Maintain compliance with ethical standards and data protection policies in all MEL activities.

Candidate description

Required

• Masters degree in monitoring and evaluation, ocean conservation, fisheries management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 7- 10 years of experience in related monitoring, evaluation and learning, coupled with experience working in specific regions and national experience
• Proven experience in designing and implementing MEL frameworks in international development or ocean conservation related programs.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data collection, analysis and visualization to assess program impact.
• Fluent English speaker with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality outputs.
• Experience in working with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs and community based organizations.
• Ability to translate complex data into clear insights and actionable recommendations for program improvement.
• Strategic skills matched with an ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines while performing in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and a strong abililty to work effectively with other teams whose delivery is in languages other than English

Preferred

• Experience in MEL within fisheries, marine conservation or ocean governance programs.
• Knowledge of fisheries management, ocean governance frameworks and policies related to IUU fishing.
• Familiarity with geospatial data, satellite monitoring or data visualization tools relevant to fisheries management.
• Experience working in Africa, particularly in the fisheries or marine conservation sector.
• Understanding of participatory approaches to MEL, including engagement with small-scale fishers and coastal communities.
• Proficiency in additional languages spoken in the region's GFW works is an advantage.
• An understanding of the complexities and internal communications surrounding collaboration in a global matrix and remote organization.
• Experience working in funding organizations or international bodies.

The successful candidate will meet most, but not necessarily all, of the criteria above. If you don’t think you check all the boxes, but believe you have unique skills that make you a great fit for the role, we want to hear from you!

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Additional Information

Note: The application period for this role closes on May 22, 2025

Reporting to: Chief Program and Policy Officer

Manages: 1 direct report

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not supported at this time.

Location: This is a remote role, but candidates must be legally authorized and based in the following countries to be considered: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Panama, Senegal, Spain,  UK, USA

The role requires availability during European and African time zones, or the ability to adapt working hours to collaborate effectively across these regions.

Permanent/Fixed Term/Contractor: Open-ended

Full Time hours: Yes 

Recruiting process: Recruiting Process: A cover letter along with a CV will be requested to see how your experience and interest connect to the position. We expect the cover letter to allow applicants an opportunity to explain details on how their skill set aligns with the role and provide a better understanding of their suitability for the position. If selected for consideration, the hiring process for this position will include an initial call with our Talent Acquisition team, followed by a formal 45 minute interview with 1-3 team members. Candidates advancing beyond this round will be asked to take a technical assessment and/or submit a representative code sample. Lastly, a final interview with 2-4 teams members to review your assessment and assess functional skills.

Compensation: A compensation range for this position is US USD 125-140k year for US-based employees, GBP 75-85k per year for UK based employees, EUR 65 - 80k for Spain based employees, EUR 75 - 85k for France based employees  - For applicants located outside of these locations, the pay range will be adjusted to the country of hire. Compensation is commensurate with experience and will vary depending on the hired candidate’s country of residence, in accordance with local laws and regulations. GFW offers pension/retirement, health and other benefits commensurate with similar level GFW employees in the country of employment. The position may be a GFW employee or consultant, depending on the country of residence  

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.

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