Oceana Request for Proposal: Consultancy on conserving Mediterranean ecosystems
Closing date 8th August 2025
About Oceana
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organisation dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 300 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more. For more information about Oceana in Europe visit www.europe.oceana.org
Background and context
The Mediterranean Sea hosts unique and highly vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems, including cold-water corals, seamounts, submarine canyons, and hydrothermal vents. These ecosystems are threatened by destructive fishing practices, particularly bottom fishing. Building on progress made within the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) and other EU policies, Oceana in Europe is campaigning to protect Mediterranean deep-sea ecosystems and particularly to strengthen the bottom trawl depth limit in place in the Mediterranean Sea.
The project aims at leveraging technical expertise, regional collaboration, with combined advocacy and communications efforts to achieve greater protection for the deep-sea in the Mediterranean.
Scope of work
The consultant will work in close collaboration with Oceana’s Campaign Director for Marine Protection and team, supporting activities (please refer to “Deliverables” section below) to achieve the extension of the GFCM deep-sea bottom-contacting fishing ban in the Mediterranean Sea to a shallower depth limit. This will include developing and implementing joint advocacy activities targeting Mediterranean countries; preparing and reviewing policy material for use and distribution according to campaign need (e.g. briefings, reports); engaging with policy makers; monitoring legislative developments; and supporting the planning of events. The consultant will also coordinate with partner(s) to maximize policy impact, assist in the development of communication materials, and provide support to the overall management of the project.
Consultancy duration
September 2025 – April 2026 Oceana is seeking a consultant to work partially on this project. Based on the activities and the deliverables outlined in the description, the company estimates an average commitment of 25 hours per week.
Deliverables
- Advocacy:
· Implement an advocacy strategy to support the extension of the GFCM deep-sea bottom trawling limit in the Mediterranean, outreach to relevant decision-makers, technical experts, and national delegations.
· Set up and conduct meetings, attend conferences, consultation processes and workshops as needed; and coordinate contributions with partner(s).
· Together with project partner(s), oversee and coordinate national work in 1-3 Mediterranean countries to ensure alignment with the overall strategy, timely delivery of outputs, and engagement with national stakeholders.
· Prepare briefing materials, position papers, and talking points including for Oceana staff, partner(s) and national experts.
· Review relevant GFCM meeting documents (e.g., scientific reports, recommendations, past decisions) and summarize key findings and implications for advocacy strategy, as needed.
· Review and provide feedback on partner-led reports and communications materials that will feature Oceana’s branding, ensuring consistency with Oceana’s standards, messaging, and advocacy objectives.
· Organise and participate in events and in partner’s coordination meetings (online or in-person) as needed for the project.
· Report periodically about implementation of the advocacy strategy.
2. Communications:
· Provide inputs for the production of communication materials for use and distribution online and to media, with technical and policy contributions (e.g. social media content, press releases, op-eds, blogs, videos)
3. Coordination and administration:
· Manage project activities in coordination with the team and partner(s) (scheduling, preparing agendas, meeting notes).
· Organise information sharing between Oceana and its partner(s), including timely updates, document dissemination, and inputs on joint policy efforts.
· Manage advocacy information and documentation sharing with the project partner(s).
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS
Interested applicants should submit by email their proposal to Helena Álvarez, Senior Marine Scientist, halvarez@oceana.org no later than close of business on the 8th August. Oceana can be contacted for any required guidance to prepare the proposal. The proposal should include at least:
− Applicants contact data (name, address, e-mail, telephone number).
− Outline of the work to be conducted, including among other info the proposed methodology, approach to deliver the product, and a timeline of content delivery;
− The curriculum vitae of the staff involved in delivering, including relevant past work or experience related to the proposed deliverables.
− A detailed budget estimate and payment schedule. Submitted proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a deadline of 8th August. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
DATA PROTECTION
The proposer is hereby informed that any personal data provided as part of this ‘Request for Proposals’ process will be managed by Fundación Oceana (G83982470), located at C/ Gran Vía 62, 7º Izq., 28013 Madrid, email: edata@oceana.org, in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.
