Application Guide

How to Apply for Capacity Development Officer (Latin America)

at Global Fishing Watch

🏢 About Global Fishing Watch

Global Fishing Watch is unique as a non-profit organization that uses cutting-edge technology and satellite data to create transparency in global fishing activities, directly combating illegal fishing and promoting ocean sustainability. Working here means contributing to real-time solutions for marine conservation through data-driven approaches that have global impact.

About This Role

This role involves designing standardized training materials and directly training Latin American government officials on using GFW's technological tools to combat IUU fishing. It's impactful because you'll be building capacity across fisheries, environmental, and security agencies in the region, directly strengthening marine management through technology adoption and interagency collaboration.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve revising Spanish-language training modules based on feedback from regional partners, preparing for an upcoming workshop with Brazilian fisheries officials, and coordinating with GFW's data team to ensure training materials reflect the latest platform updates. You could spend afternoons facilitating virtual peer exchanges between environmental and enforcement agencies across different Latin American countries.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Global Fishing Watch Is Looking For

  • A native Spanish speaker with professional training/facilitation experience in fisheries or marine conservation contexts, preferably with government or NGO background
  • Someone with educational background in marine sciences, fisheries science, or education who can translate technical data tools into accessible training materials
  • A communicator who excels at both writing standardized training packages and delivering interactive sessions to diverse agency officials
  • A facilitator who can build bridges between enforcement, fisheries, and environmental agencies through capacity development and peer exchanges

📝 Tips for Applying to Global Fishing Watch

1

Highlight specific experience training government officials or agencies in Latin America on technical tools or data systems

2

Demonstrate how you've adapted educational content for regional implementation while maintaining standardization

3

Include examples of facilitating interagency collaboration or peer exchanges in conservation or fisheries contexts

4

Show Spanish-language proficiency through your application materials, and mention any Portuguese knowledge given the Brazil location

5

Reference GFW's specific tools or data platforms in your application to show you've researched their technology

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience designing and delivering training specifically for fisheries or marine management contexts in Latin America', "Examples of how you've facilitated collaboration between different government agencies (enforcement, environmental, fisheries)", 'Your approach to making technical data tools accessible to non-technical government officials', "Why GFW's data-driven approach to ocean transparency specifically appeals to you"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → GFW's specific technology tools and data platforms (like their mapping platform and vessel tracking data)
  • → Their recent projects or partnerships in Latin America, particularly Brazil and Spanish-speaking countries
  • → IUU fishing challenges specific to Latin American waters and current regional conservation efforts
  • → GFW's organizational structure and how their capacity development work integrates with their data/tech teams

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your process for developing training materials that balance global standardization with regional adaptation needs
2 How would you approach training officials who may be resistant to new technology or data systems?
3 Share an example of facilitating successful interagency collaboration in a conservation or fisheries context
4 What experience do you have with IUU fishing issues in Latin America and how technology can address them?
5 How would you measure the effectiveness of capacity development programs for government agencies?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic training experience without specific examples in fisheries, marine conservation, or government contexts
  • Failing to demonstrate Spanish language proficiency or Latin American regional knowledge
  • Overemphasizing technical data skills without showing ability to translate them for non-technical audiences

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Global Fishing Watch!

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