Director Program Impact

The application period will close on November 2, 2026, 9:00 am CET. 

Background

Global Fishing Watch (GFW) is an international, non-profit organization committed to advancing ocean governance through increased transparency. Founded in 2015 through a collaboration between Oceana, SkyTruth, and Google, Global Fishing Watch became an independent non-profit organization in June 2017. 

Our organizational strategy is centered on three pillars: 1) countering illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing; 2) strengthening marine protection by improving the design and effectiveness of marine protected areas and other conservation measures; and 3) generating and openly sharing actionable and credible data on human activity at sea, increasing a science-based understanding of what is happening across our ocean and influencing change. An overarching principle across all of GFW’s work is promoting transparency in fishing and other human activity at sea in both policy and practice. In doing so, we aim to realize our vision of a healthy, productive and resilient ocean. All of our work is underpinned by our efforts to make human activity at sea more visible, measurable and accountable, and is built on our technology and open data, which empower governments and civil society to improve ocean monitoring and management.

Purpose of role 

In this new position, we are seeking an inspiring, strategic leader and accomplished manager who is passionate about delivering lasting impact for our ocean. Reporting to the Chief Impact Officer (CIO), this role is accountable for shaping the strategic direction and implementation of our work to combat IUU fishing and support effective implementation of the 30x30 global target and High Seas Treaty (BBNJ). They will ensure our partnerships continue to grow in reach, quality, effectiveness, and impact — extending our reach and influence where we don’t have staff on the ground, helping to sustain the use of our tools beyond individual projects, and providing additional expertise in priority areas.

The ideal candidate will bring proven experience in international marine conservation and ocean governance, along with a strong aptitude for engaging high-level government representatives across national, regional and international fora. The position also requires a strong understanding of, and enthusiasm for, leveraging our technology and data to effect change. They will also bring a creative and collaborative mindset, working closely with Product, Research and Engineering to shape the continued evolution of our technology and data offering.

The Director will be accountable for co-developing strategies with regional leads that encompass programmatic outcomes across IUU fishing and marine biodiversity, while connecting cross-regional initiatives where appropriate. They will oversee our regional programs in Africa, Latin America and the Mediterranean, line-managing the Head of Africa, Head of Latin America and Senior Manager, Mediterranean. They will also line-manage our Pacific Program Officer, while scoping future programmatic opportunities across Asia and the Pacific, as well as our Senior Manager, Biodiversity Program, advancing implementation of our plan to support global efforts to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 (30x30). Direct and indirect line management will be in the figure of 15 plus. 

To be successful, they must ensure regional and thematic strategies are highly integrated with our international policy, applied research, analysis and capacity development teams within the global program division, with support needs clearly identified and joint work plans agreed as required. They will also ensure regional and thematic program needs are understood across our Science, Technology, Communications and Fundraising divisions, with clear expectations around both the support regional teams need and what regional teams must generate and contribute to enable effective collaboration. With direction from the CIO, who also manages the international policy, monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), applied research and capacity development team leaders within the global program, the post holder will collaborate across these functions, and the wider organization, to provide strategic leadership to their teams.  

The Director will bring solid experience in multi-disciplined, remote team management, financial stewardship, fundraising, and embedding MEL into program design and delivery. They will partner closely with the Fundraising and Finance Business teams to contribute to funding proposals, donor engagement and stewardship, support strong grant delivery, and maintain effective budget oversight. An experienced leader, they will have a strong track record of delivering impactful programs, building and developing high-performing teams, and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, inclusion, and continuous learning. 

Given the internationally dispersed nature of our staff, partners and priority geographies, this position requires frequent international travel and a flexible approach to working hours to effectively manage and collaborate across global time zones.

Primary responsibilities

Strategy Design & Impact Delivery

• Lead the strategic and financial development and oversight of GFW’s regional and thematic delivery programs that align with the organizational strategy.
• Identify and pilot repeatable implementation models, harnessing our open data and technology, to allow for strategic fundraising and scaling sustainably across new geographic sites, as appropriate.
• Collaborate with the CIO and global program senior management team to inform the development and delivery of GFW's long-term strategy, and engage with and develop briefings and materials for the Senior Executive Group as needed. 
• Identify and react to established or changing ocean governance and fisheries management issues to promote GFW's programmatic goals.

Program Leadership & Team Management

• Line manage and support regional / thematic leadership and teams to translate strategic priorities into actionable, funded delivery plans.
• Guide and support the development of multi-year strategies and associated budgets.
• Establish Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), as directed, manage performance, and foster a collaborative, safe, and inclusive remote work environment.
• Identify capacity gaps, review and reassign resources as needed, and coach/mentor staff to ensure the team is equipped to accomplish their responsibilities.

Grants, Financial Management & Fundraising

• Contribute to the development of concept notes and proposals to advance funding opportunities.
• In collaboration with the fundraising team, manage relevant partner relationships and sub-grant review processes, negotiations, and performance monitoring.
• Govern delegated departmental budgets, working with Finance to monitor expenditures, prepare forecasts, and ensure compliance with donor rules and regulations.
• Ensure value for money can be effectively demonstrated to donors through accurate and timely financial and narrative reporting and activity selection and implementation, as needed.

External Representation & Partnerships

• When required, represent GFW at relevant international conferences, roundtables, and senior bilateral meetings.
• Develop and implement partner engagement strategies that advance program priorities and initiatives while ensuring accountability and shared learning.
• Support the development of public-facing communications materials and serve as a media spokesperson.
  
  

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

• Help develop, track and report on program metrics and learning objectives in coordination with the MEL team.
• Promote continuous improvement by integrating monitoring data and feedback into adaptive management practices.

Profile

Experience

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in fisheries management, ocean governance and policy, marine conservation, marine spatial planning, or a closely related field. 
• The postholder requires a proven track record in high-level, multilateral diplomacy, state-level negotiations, and direct governance experience within Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO) contexts and international treaty bodies.
• A track record of designing and managing complex projects across multiple geographies or institutional contexts. 
• Familiarity with all relevant international and regional fisheries and marine governance frameworks, such as the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Agreement, with the ability to navigate high-level government and international fora. 
• Familiarity with maritime domain awareness tools and vessel tracking technologies (such as AIS and VMS).
• Strong track record managing multi-million-dollar grant-funded programs.
• Substantive senior-level management experience, successfully leading diverse, dispersed, multi-cultural teams.
• Experience developing and leveraging partnerships across nonprofit, academic, government and private sector institutions.

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences.
• Strong, demonstrable, financial management skills, particularly in budgeting and financial reporting. 
• Demonstrated ability to maintain and contribute to project management systems, track deliverables, and ensure accountability across multiple projects, teams and partners.
• Excellent planning, coordination, and reporting skills, with the ability to organize a substantial workload consisting of complex, diverse tasks and responsibilities.

Qualifications 

Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, public policy, science, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

• Native or highly proficient in the English language.
• Fluency in French or Spanish is highly preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally on a frequent basis.

To apply for the post 

To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV/resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you fulfil the requirements set out in the job announcement by clicking here. Please ensure you send your CV and Cover letter in the following format: full_name_CV_org_name_role and full_name_role_CL.

Please note: to ensure the security of your application and to ensure that your data complies with GDPR regulations, applications via email will not be accepted.

Global Fishing Watch has engaged Upsall International to support this hiring process. All applications should be sent to Upsall international through the link above - applications sent through our website will not be considered.

∙ The deadline for applications is Monday November 2nd, 9:00 am CET ∙

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

Reporting to: Chief Impact Officer

Manages: Yes

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

Candidates must be authorized to work for GFW without visa sponsorship for at least two years after their start date, or for the entire duration of their contract if on a fixed-term agreement.

Individuals on student visas must be eligible for full-time employment on their visa and have valid work authorization (such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) or equivalent) that remains valid for at least two years or the duration of their contract. Candidates relying on a spouse’s visa for work authorization are not eligible, as they must independently qualify for employment.

Location: This is a remote role, but candidates must be legally authorized and based in the following countries to be considered: USA, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, UK, Spain, France, Italy, Ireland, Senegal

Permanent/Fixed Term/Contractor: Permanent

Full Time hours: Yes 

Compensation: A compensation range for this position is US$ 160K-180K per year for US-based employees -  £95K-£120K GBP for UK employees - €100K-€120K EUR for EU/Spain 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, an employee of our Employer of Record Partner, or a contractor 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.

Accessibility and Accommodations: We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you are selected for an interview and need accommodations or adjustments at any stage, please let the Talent Acquisition Manager know during your initial call. We’ll do our best to support your needs. Any information you share will be kept confidential and used only to ensure you have a positive experience.