Consultant (International Fisheries Data Collection / Information System Expert)

About WorldFish

WorldFish is an international research organization working to transform aquatic food systems to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. It collaborates with international, regional, and national partners to co-develop and deliver scientific innovations, evidence for policy and knowledge to enable equitable and inclusive impact for millions who depend on fish and other aquatic foods for their livelihoods and nutrition. Our work in countries advances progress on multiple 2030 Sustainable Development Goals through science and innovation, with a vision of healthy people, healthy planet and shared prosperity.

About the Project

The project, “Promoting sustainable fisheries management in the Red Sea Large Marine Ecosystem” (RedSeaFish) is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). WorldFish is executing three components of the project while the Regional Commission for Fisheries (RECOFI) is responsible for executing one component.

The project aims to strengthen regional cooperation and management for sustainable shared fisheries in the Red Sea through strengthening fisheries data and information systems, enhancing collaborative regional fisheries management in the Red Sea, improving national regulatory frameworks and institutional capacity to manage Red Sea fisheries, and improving knowledge and awareness to support sustainable fisheries management. The beneficiary countries include Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Jordan, Sudan and Yemen, while Saudi Arabia will partner and engage in project activities. The project management unit will be based in Cairo, Egypt.

Purpose & Objectives the Consultancy

The purpose of hiring the consultant is to provide technical leadership and specialized support for the design, assessment, harmonization, and operationalization of fisheries data systems at national and regional levels.

The consultant will work closely with the Project Management Unit (PMU), national fisheries agencies, regional partners (e.g., RECOFI), and technical stakeholders to ensure that fisheries data systems effectively support Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) and regional fisheries management processes.

Scope of Services & Key Activities

The International Fisheries Data Collection / Information System Expert Consultant will undertake the following tasks:

Review national systems

• Review national fisheries data collection systems and Fisheries Management Information Systems (FMIS), drawing on the country reviews prepared by the national consultants.
• Identify gaps, inconsistencies and priorities for harmonization across the region.

Standardize methodologies

• Develop harmonized protocols for biological, catch and effort, and socio-economic data, including gender-disaggregated data, aligned to EAF and FAO standards.
• Define the data standards and interoperability requirements that national systems and the regional platform must meet.

Specify system improvements

• Prepare technical specifications and system workflows for upgrading national FMIS.
• Prepare the functional design brief for the regional fisheries information system, for implementation by the International Database Consultant.

Build capacity

• Design and deliver training for national fisheries staff on data collection, FMIS use and analysis, using a training-of-trainers approach.

Assure quality and use

• Establish QA/QC procedures and reporting templates.
• Support the use of the resulting data in stock assessment and in fisheries management plans.

Coordinate

• Work in close coordination with the PMU, the International Database Consultant, and the national fisheries data collection / information system consultants in each country, together with national agencies and regional partners including RECOFI.
• Deliver technical reports, tools, and recommendations.

Key Milestones & Delivery Timeline:

• Inception Report outlining methodology, workplan, and timeline.
• Assessment Report of existing fisheries data collection systems and FMIS, including gaps and recommendations.
• Standardized Data Framework with harmonized protocols for fisheries data collection (biological, catch/effort, and socio-economic, including gender-disaggregated data).
• FMIS Strengthening Plan, including technical specifications, system architecture, and roadmap for upgrading national systems.
• Regional Fisheries Information System Design, including database structure, data-sharing protocols, and interoperability between national systems.
• Capacity Building Outputs, including training materials and delivery of training sessions on data collection, FMIS use, and data analysis.
• Data Quality and Analysis Tools, including QA/QC procedures and reporting/visualization templates.
• Final Technical Report consolidating outputs, recommendations, and guidance for implementation and sustainability.

Requirements

This consultancy might be for you if you have the following skills and qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Fisheries Science, Marine Science, Data/Information Systems, or related field
• Minimum 10 years of proven experience in Fisheries data systems and FMIS development
• Proven experience in fisheries statistics, stock assessment, or data analytics on regional level
• Familiarity with Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) and regional fisheries management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proven experience in capacity building and stakeholder engagement
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills (English)
• Commitment to inclusive and gender-responsive approaches
• Demonstrated experience with GEF and/or FAO MEL systems is a strong asset.

Consultancy Duration

The duration of the contract will initially be for a 12-months period with possibility of extension, depending on funding and performance.

Evaluation and Selection

Applications will be evaluated based on the qualifications and experience of the consultant, the quality and feasibility of the proposed approach and work plan, the relevance of previous work examples and the most competitive proposal. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or request additional information before final selection. This opportunity is open for all applicants.

How to Apply

Interested consultant are invited to submit the following materials for consideration no later than 23:59 (MYT) 20 September 2026:

• A brief cover letter outlining relevant experience related to this consultancy requirement.
• A CV highlighting similar past assignments.
• A financial proposal indicating the total cost for the task.

We will begin reviewing applications as soon as they are submitted and may make an offer before the submission deadline.

Our Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Over 40% of WorldFish staff is women with some 30 nationalities represented and contributing to its dynamic multicultural work environment. WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity and inclusion are valued and we seek to have gender balance in the organization. We aim to also seek balance across other diverse dimensions.

People in WorldFish are treated equally irrespective of gender, ethnicity/race, national or social origin, disability, religion, political affiliation, age, family size, marital status or any other form of personal identity.

We are an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourage qualified women and men from developing nations to apply.