Request for Proposal

Location: Remote

Who we are

Global Fishing Watch is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing ocean governance through increased transparency of human activity at sea. By creating and publicly sharing map visualizations, data and analysis tools, we aim to enable scientific research and transform the way our ocean is managed. We believe human activity at sea should be public knowledge in order to safeguard the global ocean for the common good of all.

Context

Timely and up-to-date information sharing is critical for preventing, deterring, and eliminating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. However, key international and regional databases, such as the FAO Global Record of Vessels, regional fisheries bodies vessel databases, contain sparse and incomplete information. Global Fishing Watch is working with Brazil's authorities in developing interoperability solutions to automate the process of collection, management and sharing of vessel related data, including through the development of a vessel information sharing tool that will help reduce the time and effort required for data submissions to Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) and the FAO Global Record.

As part of the efforts to improve this situation and enhance ocean governance, fisheries management, and international cooperation, it is essential to understand the existing legal and regulatory frameworks governing vessel registry data, including obligations related to data collection, management, and sharing. Understanding the state, challenges, and opportunities around vessel data sharing policies, can enable national authorities to meet commitments to Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) , the FAO Global Record, and other regional and global organizations.

Objectives

The Policy review on Brazil's Vessel Data Reporting Obligations is meant to analyze the existing legal and regulatory frameworks governing vessel registry data in Brazil, including obligations at national level and commitments at regional and international level, as well as the institutional framework overseeing them.

The assignment will also help to identify obligations on collecting, managing, and sharing vessel data outlined in national legislation, identify existing challenges in the legal and policy framework, and provide recommendations based on the conducted research.

Scope and timeline

The consultant will be responsible for the following deliverables:

Legal and Regulatory Review:Compile and review relevant laws, regulations, decrees, and policies related to vessel registry, data collection, management, and sharing in Brazil.

• Identify specific obligations for government agencies, vessel owners, and other stakeholders.
• Analyze international commitments, treaties, and other regulations that influence domestic regulations.

Obligations Analysis:

• Document obligations on collecting, managing, and maintaining vessel data under national law.
• Review requirements and procedures for sharing vessel registry data with regional organizations, including RFMOs.
• Review commitments for sharing data with global organizations such as FAO and other relevant entities.

Stakeholder and Institutional Mapping:

• Map key institutions involved in vessel registration, management, and data sharing.
• Analyze governance structures, coordination mechanisms, and data stewardship roles.

Challenges and Opportunities Identification

• Identify legal, technical, or institutional challenges affecting data collection, management, and sharing.
• Highlight opportunities to improve transparency, compliance, and regional/global cooperation.
• Provide actionable recommendations to address identified challenges.

The consultant is expected to conduct desk research and liaise with relevant authorities to conduct a complete analysis, reporting directly to GFW. The contractor will produce an interim report on a date to be agreed with the GFW point of contact, and a final report subject to final approval by GFW. Reports will be presented both in English and Portuguese.

Vendor qualifications requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in maritime law or Law of the Sea, fisheries regulations, and regulatory analysis.
• Familiarity with Brazil's fisheries legal system and regional/ international organizations' frameworks.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize complex legal data and present it in a clear and concise manner.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in Portuguese and English.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders, including government officials and regulatory bodies.
• Knowledge of data sharing software is desirable.

Submission requirements

Interested parties should submit a proposal with a descriptive plan and budget as a Word or PDF attachment. The budget should be submitted in spreadsheet form. The work is expected to be completed within 6 to 8 weeks.

The proposal should consist of:

• A cover letter explaining the provider's interest and qualification for the consultancy including a description of previous experience with the types of work proposed in the RFP.
• A narrative proposal outlining how the provider intends to fulfil the responsibilities outlined in the previous section.
• A detailed, itemized budget outlining the total cost of fulfilling the RFP requirements. The budget should include a breakdown of key cost components such as labor, materials, technology, and any other relevant expenses. We are considering proposals between $8,000 - $10,000.
• Resume/CV.

Submission deadline

Proposals should be submitted by Friday Oct 10, 2025.

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.