Program Officer - Europe

Global Fishing Watch

Global Fishing Watch

Operations
Remote
Posted 6+ months ago

Job Description - Program Officer - Europe

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. 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.

Position Overview: We are seeking an accomplished oceans expert with expertise in fisheries policy, marine ecosystem-based management, and sustainability within the Mediterranean region. As the Program Officer reporting directly to the Program Manager, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing and ensuring the successful implementation of regional and country-specific work plans. Your primary responsibilities will involve advancing our organization's mission centered around transparency as a key governance principle. You will coordinate effectively and engage with key partners in priority countries, including governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and relevant regional/international bodies. You will collaborate extensively with cross-disciplinary teams to promote transparency and sustainability in Mediterranean fisheries.

Key Responsibilities and Duties: Working collaboratively with the Program Manager, the Fishery Analyst (Europe), and the wider Global Program and Communication team, the Program Officer will:

  1. Collaborate with the Program Manager to develop and implement strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and driving impactful outcomes, specifically focusing on securing government actions, transparency, and policy outcomes.

  2. Lead and oversee the successful execution of regional and country work plans, providing guidance and support to ensure objectives are met efficiently and effectively.

  3. Maintain comprehensive and accurate records of program activities, outcomes, and impact. This includes developing and updating program/project documentation, creating databases, and utilizing tracking systems to monitor progress.

  4. Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and relevant regional bodies, to further organizational goals and initiatives.

  5. Assist in the preparation of grant applications, proposals, and fundraising efforts by gathering essential data, providing analytical insights, and aiding in the application process.

  6. Monitor external policy developments relevant to the program, provide insightful analysis, and identify opportunities to align organizational initiatives with emerging policies.

  7. Coordinate and oversee the work of country officers as necessary.

  8. Perform any other tasks as directed.

Candidate Profile:

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Minimum seven years of experience in program management, with a proven ability to contribute effectively to strategic initiatives and collaborate within a team environment.
  • Proven ability to set objectives, evaluate team activities, and ensure successful execution of work plans.
  • Exceptional organizational skills with a keen eye for detail in maintaining program records and documentation.
  • Advanced written and oral communication skills in English.
  • Basic technical proficiency and familiarity with tools like Slack and Google Suite.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and readiness to embrace electronic tools for collaboration are required.
  • Experience working with governments in Mediterranean countries is preferred.

Preferred:

  • Master's degree in a relevant area or equivalent experience preferred.
  • A sound understanding of marine spatial planning, fisheries, and marine conservation is an asset.

Additional Information

Reporting to: Program Manager - Europe

Manages: N/A

Location: Remote working with preference time zone in Europe/North Africa

Recruiting process

A list of candidates will be invited to an interview with 2-3 team members. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an administrative call, when compensation information will be provided.

Successful candidates will have a final interview with a Director and additional members of the hiring team.

Apply by December 22, 2023

Working Hours: Global Fishing Watch supports flexible working, so the pattern of hours may vary according to operational and personal needs. The position will be part of a global team spanning many different time zones and so the candidate must be able to accommodate regular early/late meetings to be able to work effectively. Weekend work may be required on occasion. The post holder may be required to undertake regional and international travel. No overtime is payable.

Compensation: 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