Application Guide
How to Apply for Head of Africa Region
at Global Fishing Watch
🏢 About Global Fishing Watch
Global Fishing Watch (GFW) is a pioneering international nonprofit that uses satellite technology and open data to make human activity at sea visible, measurable, and accountable. Founded by Oceana, SkyTruth, and Google, GFW operates at the intersection of technology, policy, and ocean science, offering a unique opportunity to drive transparency and sustainability in global fisheries. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven, innovative team that empowers governments and civil society to combat illegal fishing and protect marine ecosystems.
About This Role
As Head of Africa Region, you will lead GFW's strategy and operations across the continent, ensuring that our tools and data are effectively used to improve ocean governance. You will manage partnerships with governments, regional bodies, and NGOs, and advocate for policy changes that enhance transparency in fishing activities. This role is pivotal in scaling GFW's impact in a region with significant challenges and opportunities in marine conservation.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve a morning call with GFW's global team to align on strategy, followed by a meeting with a West African government official to discuss adopting GFW's data for monitoring, and an afternoon reviewing a draft policy brief on IUU fishing. You might also spend time mentoring your regional team, preparing for a donor presentation, or coordinating with partners on a joint advocacy campaign.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Global Fishing Watch Is Looking For
- Extensive experience (10+ years) in ocean policy, fisheries management, or marine conservation, with a strong focus on Africa and its regional governance structures (e.g., AU, ECOWAS, RFMOs).
- Proven track record in strategic leadership, including managing teams, budgets, and multi-stakeholder partnerships across diverse African contexts.
- Deep understanding of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing issues and the role of transparency and technology in combating them.
- Excellent communication and advocacy skills, with the ability to engage high-level government officials, donors, and media, and fluency in English (French or Portuguese is a plus).
📝 Tips for Applying to Global Fishing Watch
Demonstrate your knowledge of GFW's tools (e.g., Global Fishing Watch map, carrier vessel portal) and how they can be applied to specific African fisheries challenges in your cover letter.
Highlight your experience working with African regional bodies (e.g., African Union, Regional Fisheries Management Organizations) and how you have influenced policy or practice.
Showcase your ability to lead remotely and across cultures, as this role is remote and involves coordinating with teams and partners across multiple time zones.
Quantify your achievements in previous roles, such as the number of countries you've worked with, policy changes you've contributed to, or partnerships you've built.
Address the closing date (November 2, 2026) and submit your application early to avoid technical issues, as GFW may review applications on a rolling basis.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your vision for how GFW can expand its impact in Africa, including specific strategies for engaging governments and regional institutions.', 'Concrete examples of how you have used data and technology to drive policy change or improve fisheries management in Africa.', "Your experience in building and leading diverse teams, and how you would manage GFW's Africa team and partnerships remotely.", "Your understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in African ocean governance, and how you would navigate them to advance GFW's mission."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore GFW's website, especially their Africa-focused projects, reports, and partnerships, to understand their current footprint and strategy.
- → Familiarize yourself with key African fisheries governance frameworks, such as the African Union's Agenda 2063, the ECOWAS fisheries policy, and relevant RFMOs like ICCAT and IOTC.
- → Read GFW's annual reports and impact stories to grasp their organizational culture, values, and the specific ways they measure success.
- → Investigate the latest developments in IUU fishing in Africa, including recent cases, policy shifts, and the role of technology in monitoring.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid generic statements about passion for ocean conservation without linking them to specific African contexts and GFW's unique approach.
- Do not overlook the technical aspects of GFW's work; failing to mention or understand their data tools and platforms can signal a lack of preparation.
- Avoid showing a lack of cultural sensitivity or awareness of the diverse political landscapes in Africa, as this role requires nuanced engagement with multiple stakeholders.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Global Fishing Watch!