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 Repor