Consultant (Policy Advisor)

Purpose and Objectives

WorldFish Bangladesh is implementing the GIZ-funded “Strengthening Inclusive Marine Protected Area Management and Community-Based Blue-Economy Livelihoods in Coastal Bangladesh” project across the Nijhum Dwip, St. Martin’s, and Naf MPAs. The project contributes to the broader objectives of the CONNECT (Better Protection of Mangroves, Swamp Forests and Marine Areas) project in Bangladesh by strengthening evidence-based MPA management, inclusive governance, community participation, and sustainable blue-economy livelihoods. The CONNECT project is commissioned and financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

The consultancy of Policy advisor will provide specialized policy and institutional expertise to strengthen effective and inclusive MPA governance and management within the Bangladesh marine fisheries context. The Advisor will help connect national policies and institutional mandates with field-level MPA management, strengthen coordination among relevant government agencies and stakeholders, and support improved governance and implementation arrangements.

The objectives are to:

• Review relevant Bangladesh marine fisheries, MPA, conservation, and blue-economy policies and institutional arrangements, identifying key gaps, overlaps, and practical entry points in relation to MPA management.
• Strengthen coordination among relevant government agencies, local government, and other relevant stakeholders involved in MPA management.
• Provide policy and institutional guidance on MPA governance, zonation, fisheries management, institutional roles, coordination mechanisms, and implementation arrangements.
• Translate local field evidence, stakeholder knowledge, and project learning into practical recommendations for MPA governance, co-management, and sustainable marine fisheries management.

Scope of Work

• Review relevant Bangladesh policies, laws, regulations, strategies, and institutional frameworks related to marine fisheries, MPAs, co-management, MSP, and the blue economy, and identify key gaps and opportunities.
• Provide technical and policy advice on MPA governance, ecosystem-based fisheries management, inclusive participation, and alignment with national priorities.
• Support evidence-based recommendations for MPA co-management, sustainable fisheries governance, and community-based conservation.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations with government agencies, local government, communities, and other relevant actors to strengthen coordination, governance, zonation, and institutional arrangements for effective MPA management.
• Advise on fish landing-centre-based co-management, nested governance, and community support to government-led MCS.
• Review and provide policy and institutional inputs to relevant guidelines, policy briefs, technical documents, and other key project outputs.
• Support targeted training, orientation, and knowledge-sharing activities for government officials, project staff, and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in fisheries, marine science, natural resource management, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in marine fisheries policy, MPA governance, fisheries management, or related areas in Bangladesh.
• In-depth knowledge of Bangladesh’s marine fisheries policies, legal frameworks, institutional mandates, and governance systems.
• Demonstrated experience in MPA management planning, co-management, ecosystem-based fisheries management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong experience working with government institutions, local authorities, fishing communities, and development partners in Bangladesh.
• Preferably experience working across government and international organizations, with an understanding of different institutional and policy processes.
• Strong facilitation, communication, report-writing, and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Good understanding of marine conservation, blue economy, MSP, and relevant national, regional, and international commitments.

Eligibility, Location and Duration

Interviews are expected to be held in November 2026 and only shortlisted candidates will be notified and expected to attend the interview. The successful candidate should be available to commence in December 2026.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit the following information online latest by 10 November 2026:

• A brief cover letter outlining relevant experience related to this consultancy requirement.
• A CV highlighting similar past assignments.
• A financial proposal indicating the total cost for the task.

The screening will start immediately, and will continue until the position is filled. Due to the high volume of applicants for WorldFish positions, we appreciate all interest, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Our Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Over 40% of WorldFish staff is women with some 30 nationalities represented and contributing to its dynamic multicultural work environment. WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity and inclusion are valued and we seek to have gender balance in the organization. We aim to also seek balance across other diversity dimensions.

People in WorldFish are treated equally irrespective of gender, ethnicity/race, national or social origin, disability, religion, political affiliation, age, family size, marital status or any other form of personal identity.

We are an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourage qualified women and men from developing nations to apply.