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 relat