About

• REMOTE, application closes at 11:59pm GMT February 19

• About the Company

• Global Fishing Watch is an international, non-profit organization committed to advancing ocean governance through increased transparency. We create and publicly share knowledge about human activity at sea to enable fair and sustainable use of our ocean. Founded in 2015 through a collaboration between Oceana, SkyTruth, and Google, GFW became an independent non-profit organization in June 2017. Using cutting-edge technology, we create and publicly share map visualizations, data, and analysis tools to enable scientific research and drive a transformation in how we manage our ocean. By 2030, we aim to monitor and visualize the impact of ocean-going vessels, both industrial and small-scale, that are responsible for the vast majority of the global seafood catch. We believe human activity at sea should be common knowledge in order to safeguard the global ocean commons for the common good of all.
• Global Fishing Watch is working to enhance fisheries management by promoting transparency, building analytical capacity, and fostering regional collaboration. Through open data, satellite technology, and partnerships with governments and stakeholders, we aim to equip decision makers with the tools needed to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, support small-scale fishers, and improve marine conservation. Our program focuses on sharing insights, capacity development and the integration of advanced monitoring and evaluation techniques to drive evidence based policy and sustainable ocean governance.
• To support its strategic ambition and organizational learning, GFW is in the process of institutionalizing an organization-wide Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) system. A key component of this effort is building a shared understanding of MEL concepts, language, and practical application across all departments and regions.
• Given GFW’s globally distributed workforce and diverse functional roles, there is a need for a high-quality, accessible, and engaging asynchronous e-learning module that introduces MEL fundamentals and demonstrates how MEL supports evidence-based decision-making, accountability, and learning in pursuit of GFW’s mission.

Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of this consultancy is to design and develop an introductory MEL e-learning module that

• Builds a common understanding of MEL concepts, purpose, and value across GFW.
• Enables staff to relate MEL principles to their specific roles and decision-making responsibilities.
• Supports the institutionalization of GFW’s MEL Framework and Theory of Change.
• Provides a sustainable, accessible digital learning resource that can be used for onboarding, refresher training, and continuous professional development.

Specific objectives are to

• Develop an engaging, inclusive, and self-paced e-learning module aligned with adult learning principles.
• Translate existing MEL training materials into interactive digital learning experiences.
• Ensure technical compatibility with mainstream Learning Management Systems (LMS).
• Ensure compliance with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards.
• Establish mechanisms for tracking participation and completion.

Scope of Work

The consultant will deliver the assignment through four integrated workstreams

• 1. Instructional Design
• Conduct a rapid learning needs and learner profile analysis.
• Define learning outcomes and competency levels aligned with GFW’s MEL Framework and Theory of Change.
• Develop a curriculum map and learning pathway for the MEL Foundations module.
• Design pedagogical approaches using adult learning, scenario-based learning, and micro-learning principles.
• Produce detailed storyboards and instructional design documentation, including learning flow, assessments, and interactivity.
• 2. Content Development

Adapt existing GFW MEL training materials into modular digital content covering

• Purpose and principles of MEL
• Theory of Change and Results Chains
• Results measurement and indicators
• Learning, adaptation, and accountability
• Practical application of MEL across technical, programmatic, policy, and operations roles
• Develop scripts, multimedia assets, quizzes, simulations, and case-based exercises.
• Ensure content is role-relevant, gender- and inclusion-sensitive, and ready for future translation.
• 3. Platform & Technical Architecture
• Advise on and support selection or configuration of a sustainable LMS or hosting platform.
• Ensure delivery in interoperable formats (e.g. SCORM, xAPI, LTI).
• Enable tracking of course access and completion (certification), without the need for graded assessment.
• Develop technical documentation for hosting, maintenance, and future updates.
• Advise on scalability and integration with existing HR and knowledge management systems.
• 4. Accessibility & Quality Assurance

Ensure compliance with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and WCAG 2.1 AA standards, including

• Captioned and transcribed videos
• Screen-reader compatibility
• Keyboard navigation
• Low-bandwidth and offline-friendly design options (if possible).
• Conduct usability and pilot testing with a sample of staff.
• Integrate feedback and perform quality assurance on instructional coherence, accessibility, and technical performance.
• Deliverables

Key deliverables will include

• Instructional Design Package
• Learning outcomes, curriculum map, and storyboards.
• Developed E-Learning Module
• Interactive SCORM/xAPI package ready for LMS deployment.
• Assessment and Certification Tools
• Knowledge checks and automated certificate of completion.
• Technical Documentation
• Hosting, administration, and maintenance guides.
• Pilot Test Report
• User feedback and recommended revisions.
• Final Deployment Package
• Fully accessible, quality-assured course and administrator guide.
• All intellectual property and source files will remain the property of Global Fishing Watch.
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Consultant
• Lead instructional design, content development, and technical production.
• Ensure accessibility compliance and quality assurance.
• Coordinate with the MEL team and selected subject-matter experts.
• Deliver all outputs within agreed timelines and standards.
• The consultant will adhere to GFW’s ethical standards and data protection policies and ensure confidentiality of all internal materials and staff information.
• Global Fishing Watch
• Provide existing MEL materials and subject-matter expertise.
• Facilitate access to staff for consultations and pilot testing.
• Review and approve deliverables.
• Provide voiceover or video contributions as required.
• Ensure timely payment and contract management.
• Timeline and Level of Effort
• Duration: Approximately 3 months
• Level of Effort: 20–30 working days (to be finalized with the selected consultant)

Phases

• Design and Storyboarding
• Development and Production
• Pilot, Revision, and Final Deployment

Illustrative milestones include

• Phase 1: Module Outline/Curriculum Map

Design document/storyboard: Blueprints for each section of the module, often including

• Instructional Strategy: Description of the chosen teaching methods (e.g., scenarios, quizzes, videos).
• Content Text: The actual script or text that will appear on screen or be narrated (Global Fishing Watch will provide support in the development of such content).
• Visual Descriptions: Notations for graphics, animations, or video required.
• Interactivity Specifications: Details on how the user will interact with the content (e.g., drag-and-drop, click-to-reveal).
• Phase 2: Development and Production
• Alpha/Beta/Final Prototypes: Iterative working versions of the e-learning module for review and testing.

Course Assets: Individual media files created during production, such as

• Developed E-learning Module File: The final, functional course file, often in a standard format like SCORM or xAPI, ready to be uploaded to a Learning Management System (LMS).
• Technical Documentation: Documentation detailing technical specifications, required software/plugins, and instructions for publishing and troubleshooting the module.
• Phase 3: Module Rollout and Delivery
• Pilot Test Report: Documentation of feedback gathered during the pilot run of the module with a small group of users, along with proposed revisions.
• Deployment/Implementation: Advice for rolling out the final module to the entire target audience.
• Facilitator/Administrator Guide: Supporting materials for Global Fishing Watch staff on how to manage, deliver, and support the course.
• Required Qualifications
• Degree in education, instructional design, learning technologies, or related fields.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience developing digital learning for global or international organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise in instructional design models and adult learning theory.
• Proficiency with e-learning authoring tools and LMS environments.
• Experience designing accessible, inclusive digital learning.
• Strong communication and cross-cultural collaboration skills.
• Fluency in English.

• Submission requirements

Interested individuals should submit a proposal including a detailed plan and budget. The proposal should consist of

• CV (max 1 page)
• A technical proposal including methodology, timeline, and accessibility approach
• A descriptive budget in an Excel file
• Portfolio or samples of previous e-learning products
• Selection will be based on a weighted technical (70%) and financial (30%) evaluation, with specific scoring for instructional design quality, accessibility, technical sustainability, and relevant experience.
• Submission deadline
• Proposals should be submitted by 11:59pm GMT February 19

• 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.