Application Guide

How to Apply for Director Program Impact

at Global Fishing Watch

🏢 About Global Fishing Watch

Global Fishing Watch is a unique nonprofit that combines satellite technology, machine learning, and open data to expose illegal fishing and promote ocean transparency. Founded by Oceana, SkyTruth, and Google, it offers a rare chance to work at the intersection of tech, policy, and environmental impact. Employees are driven by the mission to make human activity at sea visible and accountable, directly contributing to healthier oceans.

About This Role

As Director of Program Impact, you will lead the design, monitoring, and evaluation of GFW's programs to ensure they effectively counter IUU fishing, strengthen marine protection, and share actionable data. You'll be instrumental in measuring and communicating the real-world impact of GFW's work, helping to shape strategy and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders. This role is pivotal in translating data-driven insights into tangible ocean governance outcomes.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing impact data from GFW's platforms, collaborating with program teams to refine metrics, and preparing reports for donors or partners. You could also be leading a workshop to develop a theory of change or meeting with external evaluators to ensure rigorous assessment. Expect to balance strategic thinking with hands-on data analysis and stakeholder engagement.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Global Fishing Watch Is Looking For

  • Extensive experience in program impact evaluation, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), or impact assessment, preferably in environmental or marine conservation contexts.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to design and implement impact frameworks, theories of change, and performance metrics.
  • Familiarity with ocean governance issues, including IUU fishing, marine protected areas, and transparency initiatives.
  • Proven leadership in managing cross-functional teams and working with diverse stakeholders (governments, NGOs, technologists).
  • Excellent communication skills to convey complex impact data to varied audiences and drive organizational learning.

📝 Tips for Applying to Global Fishing Watch

1

Highlight any experience you have with impact evaluation in fisheries or marine conservation, specifically referencing IUU fishing or MPA effectiveness.

2

Demonstrate familiarity with GFW's tools and data platforms (e.g., Global Fishing Watch map) and how they can be used for impact measurement.

3

Emphasize your ability to work remotely and collaborate across time zones, as GFW is a distributed organization.

4

Showcase any experience in developing theories of change or impact frameworks for environmental programs.

5

Mention your alignment with GFW's core principles of transparency and open data, and provide examples of how you've applied these in past roles.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience in measuring the impact of programs aimed at reducing illegal fishing or improving marine protection.', 'How you have used data and technology to drive policy change or behavioral shifts in ocean management.', 'Your approach to collaborative impact assessment with partners and stakeholders, ensuring credible and actionable results.', "Your passion for GFW's mission and a clear understanding of how the Director Program Impact role contributes to it."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore GFW's website, particularly their impact reports, annual reviews, and the Global Fishing Watch map to understand their work.
  • → Read about key international frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and how GFW contributes to them.
  • → Familiarize yourself with major issues in IUU fishing and marine protected area management, including recent policy developments.
  • → Research GFW's partners and funders to understand the collaborative ecosystem they operate in.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design an impact evaluation framework for GFW's initiative to counter IUU fishing?
2 Describe a time you measured the effectiveness of a marine conservation program and how you communicated results to stakeholders.
3 What metrics would you prioritize to assess the success of GFW's efforts in strengthening marine protected areas?
4 How do you ensure that impact data is credible and actionable for governments and civil society?
5 Can you discuss your experience with theories of change and how you've applied them in environmental programs?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't address the specific challenges of measuring impact in ocean governance.
  • Failing to demonstrate familiarity with GFW's unique data-driven approach and open-source tools.
  • Neglecting to highlight experience in remote work and cross-cultural collaboration, as GFW operates globally.

📅 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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