Global Fishing Watch – Senior Director of Global Programs

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Senior Director of Global Programs

Organizational Overview
Global Fishing Watch (GFW) 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,
international nonprofit 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 to safeguard the global ocean commons for the common good
of all.

The Position
The Senior Director of Global Programs sets and implements our programmatic strategy to
achieve GFW’s mission to advance ocean governance through transparency. Reporting to the
CEO, the senior director is a member of the senior executive group, manages a growing team of
fifteen (5-7 direct reports), and works closely with other members of the leadership team.
GFW is looking for a dynamic and visionary leader who can not only lead a team to successfully
deliver international and regional program wins, but also chart a strategic course for GFW as it
continues to grow. The Senior Director will bring solid experience and expertise in program
management, a strategic mindset, a ‘can-do’ attitude, and a demonstrated passion for ocean
sustainability. The ideal candidate will be well versed in international ocean and fisheries policy
and governance mechanisms, and adept at working with high-level government representatives,
in country and regionally. A strong communicator, the senior director is an effective team player
and a leader who supports and encourages team members to grow and succeed.

Responsibilities

Strategy Development
● Lead and facilitate the development, execution, and integration of strategies to advance
GFW’s transparency vision and global program
● Work closely with the senior executive group and consult with the larger executive team,
regional teams, and subject matter experts to develop our long-term and short-term
strategic initiatives
● Advise on adaptive management strategies and capacity building needs to ensure
success of the program and guide future program development

Program Delivery
● Lead planning and priority-setting to ensure coherent cross-discipline collaboration
across GFW departments (transparency, data and analysis, research and innovation,
engineering and product, communications, and international affairs)
● Identify and react to established or changing governance and management issues that
can be utilized to promote and achieve GFW’s program goals.
● Design and implement effective program impact assessment and reporting to support
continuous improvement and accountability
● Lead or support the development of GFW international policies and positions in
coordination with GFW’s international affairs function and the executive team
● Represent the organization in advocating our mission with a variety of audiences,
including high-level strategic partners and policymakers, media, funders and at GFW
training and outreach events

Fundraising and Partnerships
● In coordination with regional managers, identify and convene key stakeholders to build
and nurture transformative strategic partnerships in support of GFW’s transparency
vision and program
● Work with the CEO and the development director to identify and develop grant
opportunities
● Ensure the timely completion and reporting of relevant deliverables (i.e., grants, MOUs,
etc.)

Leadership and Management
● Supervise regional transparency program staff, providing leadership, guidance and
feedback and supporting teams to resolve complex problems
● Establish strategic goals and objectives and key results (OKRs) with team members,
manage performance and track delivery
● Maintain the department’s budget
● Develop, coordinate, and enforce systems, policies, and procedures
● Ensure a safe, secure, welcoming, and legal work environment

Qualifications
● A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, ideally policy, public affairs,
or political work – preferably in a multi-cultural/ multi-country environment
● Proven experience in people management (5+ years)
● Experience in international program design and management, including monitoring and
evaluation
● Experience evaluating and negotiating complex, high profile or sensitive agreements
● Demonstrated fundraising success
● Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree in a relevant area or equivalent experience preferred
Candidate Profile
● Highly strategic and creative systems-thinker with the ability to analyze context and
trends affecting ocean governance
● Supportive and inspiring staff manager
● Compelling and diplomatic communicator (written and verbal)

● Excellent organizational skills
● Collaborative team player
● Politically savvy and well-connected
● Passionate about ocean conservation
● Able to work effectively in a globally distributed, all-remote working organization
Desired
● Fluency in languages other than English
● Basic technical ability, and familiarity with Slack, Google Suite, Google hangouts and
other tools for remote work

● Knowledge and experience of the not-for-profit sector, preferably of environmental non-
government organizations

● Experience managing a culturally diverse team located across different time zones
Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer
Manages: 2 Directors and a team of 4 program leads

Location: Remote working

Salary: Commensurate with experience. GFW offers pension/retirement, health, and other
benefits commensurate with similar level GFW employees in the country of employment.

Working Hours: Global Fishing Watch (GFW) supports flexible working, so the pattern of hours
may vary according to operational and personal needs. GFW works across different time zones
and weekend work may be required on occasion. The position will oversee a 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 with UK and Central American time zones.
Periodic domestic and international travel is required. No overtime is payable.

Holiday: Paid holiday/vacation commensurate with other, similar-level Global Fishing Watch
employees in the country of employment.

Equal opportunities: Global Fishing Watch is an equal opportunities employer. We hire and
promote qualified professionals without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex,
sexual orientation, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected
by applicable law. We believe that our mission is best advanced when welcoming the
contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. We are committed to
providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees of Global Fishing Watch
and our partners, vendors, suppliers, and contractors.

To Apply
CEA Recruiting is assisting GFW with this search. Interested candidates should visit this link to
submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements.
Please direct all inquiries to Tamara Evans, Senior Search Lead at tamara@ceaconsulting.com.
Cover letters may be addressed to Tony Long, CEO.