Fisheries Senior Officer

Description

• The South West Indian Ocean (SWIO) region is one of the most biologically productive marine ecosystems in the world, supporting the food security and livelihoods of over 35 million people. This region is home to diverse marine species and critical ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. However, the sustainability of these fisheries and habitats is increasingly threatened by overexploitation, habitat degradation, climate change impacts, and widespread Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. Weak governance, limited enforcement capacity, and fragmented monitoring systems across countries in the region further exacerbate these challenges. (IUU) fishing remains a significant issue resulting in an economic loss globally of approximately US$10-23.5 billion per year. In the SWIO region the loss is estimated at approximately US$ 400 million/year, robbing these coastal states of an important source of food and livelihood. It is estimated that over 30% of the total catch in the SWIO region is illegally caught, posing one of the biggest threats to fisheries resources today. To address this, WWF and partners have supported the establishment and operationalization of the SADC Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre (MCSCC) in Maputo, Mozambique. This Centre has a mandate of coordinating measures to improve fisheries MCS and thus has the potential to be a game-changer in combating IUUF and related crimes in the SADC region
• An essential parallel component to deter, prevent and eliminate IUU fishing is the complementary need for countries to sign, ratify, and implement four crucial international agreements: the Port State Measures Agreement – the first binding international agreement to specifically target IUUF; the Cape Town Agreement – focused on safe, legal and sustainable shipping, of which fishing is a major component; the International Labour Organization’s Work in Fishing Convention (ILO 188) – where the focus on improving labor conditions can slowly push out the IUUF operations so often associated with a poor working environment; and the World Trade Organization’s Fisheries Subsidies Agreement – which among other things aims to curb the subsidies that lead to IUUF
• In addition, the expanding exploitation of tuna fisheries in the SWIO region presents significant ecological and governance concerns. The presence of Distant Water Fishing Nations (DWFNs), operating industrial purse seine and longline fleets, has led to disproportionate access and extraction of tuna resources. Compliance and enforcement mechanisms remain under-resourced, and regional instruments such as the Minimum Terms and Conditions (MTCs) for access to tuna fisheries, while developed, have seen poor uptake and implementation. These gaps in oversight, combined with fragmented spatial planning, inadequate institutional capacity often associated with budgetary and technical know-how limitations and weak integration between national and regional government frameworks, risk undermining both ecosystem health and the long-term sustainability of fisheries in the region
• Small-scale fisheries in the region, many of which are associated with coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves, provide critical nutrition, income generation and employment to millions of coastal people. However, this fisheries sector remains under-recognized and under-supported, lacking adequate management, enforcement, and data, making it difficult to take management decisions and effectively measure the contribution of coastal fisheries to livelihoods and food security. Without data, fisheries cannot be effectively managed, which will lead to continued marginalization of fisheries in policy, decision-making, and resource allocation
• In response to this situation, WWF Mozambique Country Office (MCO) is implementing the second phase of the SWIO Fisheries – Improving Governance, Livelihoods and Ecosystems project (2025–2029). Building on the achievements and lessons of the first phase, the project seeks to improve fisheries governance in the SWIO region by operationalizing and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the South African Development Community (SADC) Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre (MCSCC); supporting the ratification and implementation of key international treaties to combat IUU fishing; enhancing regional coordination and information-sharing among fisheries institutions; and promoting inclusive and sustainable livelihoods in coastal communities. WWF Mozambique (MCO) is hosting the regional component of this multi-country programme, in close collaboration with WWF Madagascar and the WWF SWIO Regional Programme. WWF MCO provides strategic and technical leadership on regional fisheries governance and policy across SWIO countries, including Mozambique, Madagascar, South Africa, Tanzania, and Kenya
• At the regional level, the position supports the implementation of the WWF SWIO Strategy 2026–2030, which focuses on three overarching goals: (1) sustainable fisheries and marine spatial planning for nature and people; (2) climate-resilient seascapes and coastal communities; and (3) inclusive governance and transboundary cooperation in the SWIO seascape. In particular, the position contributes to enhancing regional cooperation to reduce IUU fishing, strengthening governance and enforcement mechanisms, supporting MCSCC operationalization, and aligning national fisheries efforts with regional frameworks. This work also contributes to the WWF Mozambique Operational Strategic Plan (OSP) 2026–2030, by delivering cross-cutting outcomes on marine conservation, improved governance, and regional policy influence. Furthermore, the role advances WWF’s global Roadmap 2030 by helping to secure a nature-positive future through improved ocean governance, protection of key ecosystems, and inclusive benefit-sharing for coastal communities. The position is pivotal in ensuring that national and regional fisheries governance systems are integrated, climate-resilient, and responsive to both ecological needs and community well-being
• In addition, the programme contributes to the implementation of WWF’s Roadmap 2030, the global framework guiding the WWF Network’s collective efforts to halt biodiversity loss and secure a nature-positive future. Specifically, the project advances Roadmap 2030 priorities related to safeguarding marine ecosystems, improving food systems through sustainable fisheries, strengthening environmental governance, and promoting equitable benefits for communities that depend directly on natural resources
• Against this backdrop, WWF Mozambique seeks to recruit an experienced and dynamic Fisheries Senior Office to lead the implementation of the regional component of the SWIO Fisheries 2 project. The position will also support alignment with other national and regional fisheries initiatives and contribute to WWF’s broader ocean governance and marine conservation strategy across the SWIO region
• The Fisheries Senior Officer will be responsible for the strategic coordination, implementation and quality assurance of the regional component of the SWIO Fisheries Programme. This includes ensuring effective operationalization and sustainability of the SADC MCSCC, advancing the implementation of international legal frameworks to combat IUU fishing, promoting regional dialogue and learning, and contributing to fisheries-related policy processes
• The role also involves technical leadership, partnership engagement, resource mobilization, and close coordination with key regional actors, including national fisheries administrations, SADC Secretariat, the South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC), the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), the Indian Ocean Commission (IOM), Stop Illegal Fishing (SIF), and WWF offices across the region

Duties

Project Coordination and Oversight (40%)

• Lead the strategic coordination and day-to-day management of the regional component of the SWIO Fisheries 2 Project
• Serve as WWF’s focal point to the SADC MCSCC. This will include supporting implementation of MCSCC’s priority services by, effectively engaging with key groups, such as the board engagement, and operational sustainability
• Ensure strong alignment between the regional component and the broader SWIO Fisheries programme, including Inhambane (Mozambique) and Ambaro Bay (Madagascar)
• Oversee consultants, work plans, budgets, donor compliance, and monitoring frameworks related to the regional component
• Contribute to annual planning, budget forecasting, and adaptive management in coordination with WWF MCO Inhambane Seascape team, WWF Madagascar and WWF Germany
• Prepare semi-annual and annual reports as well as oversee and ensure the data collection and update of the project M&E Plan

Technical Leadership and Policy Engagement (40%)

• Lead the design and delivery of technical inputs of the SWIO Fisheries 2 Project related to MCS systems, fisheries legal frameworks, IUU fishing, SSF fisheries data collection, and regional fisheries governance
• Support SADC Member States in ratifying and implementing international treaties (Port State Measures Agreement, Cape Town Agreement, ILO C188 - Work in Fishing Convention, World Trade Organization Fisheries Subsidies Agreement) and the FiTI Standard
• Lead the development of regional policy briefs, strategic position papers, and advocacy materials in close collaboration with WWF’s Ocean Practice and external partners
• Represent WWF in relevant regional platforms and intergovernmental fora, when designated
• Work with regional staff, WWF partners and key stakeholders to deepen understanding of the regional context and provide unified, consistent, and coordinated WWF engagement relating to government and industries on MCS and IUU policies
• Provide technical input on MCS and SSF data technology pilots and their uptake by national governments
• Facilitate internal alignment and coordination within the WWF Network, including ensuring effective exchange and collaboration with WWF’s SWIO regional team. This includes: (i) enabling participation in regional planning, policy, and technical meetings.; (ii) promoting information-sharing to maintain consistent messaging and strategic alignment across national and regional components; (iii) Supporting joint positioning and external communication to ensure WWF speaks with one voice when engaging with regional institutions, platforms, or partners

Fundraising and Partnerships (5%)

• Support the Seascape Coordinator, Conservation Manager and SWIO Programme Lead in identifying and developing new funding opportunities to expand WWF’s regional fisheries work
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with key donors, multilateral organisations, research institutions, and policy influencers
• Contribute to concept notes and project proposals related to fisheries governance, MCS systems, and sustainable blue economy in the SWIO

Requisites

• Advanced university degree (at least Master’s or equivalent) in fisheries management, marine policy, natural resource governance, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in fisheries, ocean governance, or marine conservation, with at least 2 years in a regional coordination or leadership role
• Proven experience working with SADC, SWIOFC, IOTC, IOC or other regional fisheries management bodies
• Experience working with regional and international platforms to fight IUU fishing (SIF, Trygg Matt Tracking (TMT), FAO Global Record, INTERPOL, International Monitoring Control and Surveillance (IMCS) Network, would be a strong advantage
• In-depth understanding of IUU fishing challenges, MCS systems, fisheries data requirements, fisheries management and related international legal frameworks
• Required Skills and Competencies:
• Demonstrated leadership and project management skills in complex, multi-country environments
• Excellent diplomatic, negotiation, and partnership-building skills
• Technical expertise in sustainable fisheries, regional policy processes, and coastal community engagement
• Strong communication, writing, and presentation skills in English and Portuguese is a an advantage
• Experience in working with donor-funded programmes, and familiarity with BMZ (Germany Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development) or GIZ (Germany Corporation for International Development) or NORAD is desirable
• Commitment to WWF values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• Internal: Reports to the Seascape Coordinator (WWF MCO); technically supported by the SWIO Regional Programme Lead (WWF Madagascar); works closely with the Marine Programme team – in particular the Inhambane Seascape team, as well as, the Policy & Advocacy, MEL, ESSF, Risk Management, Finance, and Communications teams at WWF MCO; liaises with WWF Germany and WWF International, as necessary
• External: Includes but not limited to, regular engagement with SADC MCSCC, Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), ADNAP, SWIOFC, Stop Illegal Fishing (SIF, national fisheries departments, civil society organizations, donors, consultants, and academic institutions
• We encourage women to apply