About Global Fishing Watch
Global Fishing Watch (GFW) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing ocean governance through transparency and technology. Founded in 2015 through a collaboration between Oceana, SkyTruth, and Google, Global Fishing Watch became an independent nonprofit organization in 2017.
The organization works to improve ocean governance by using data, technology, science, and partnerships to address some of the world’s most pressing marine conservation challenges.
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About the Chief Impact Officer Role
Global Fishing Watch (GFW) is seeking an exceptional and collaborative Chief Impact Officer to join its leadership team and report directly to the CEO.
Job Title: Chief Impact Officer (CIO)
Organization: Global Fishing Watch (GFW)
Job Location: Remote — United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Costa Rica, or Panama
Salary: US$230,000–US$250,000 per year (U.S.); £150,000–£170,000 per year (U.K.); €130,000–€160,000 per year (Spain/EU). Compensation is adjusted for other eligible countries.
Application Deadline: Monday, 31 August 2026, 9:00 AM CEST
Application Process: Rolling; applications are reviewed as they are received
The CIO will lead the organization’s global program, overseeing strategy, delivery, monitoring, evaluation, and learning to ensure GFW’s work translates into measurable impact.
The role combines strategic leadership, international marine conservation, government engagement, fundraising, partnerships, financial management, and program delivery.
The successful candidate will lead a talented, fully remote team distributed across the globe and work across regional delivery, analysis and capacity development, international policy, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Team Management
You will:
- Collaborate with the leadership team to develop and deliver Global Fishing Watch’s organizational strategy.
- Contribute to strategic planning, performance reviews, and impact reporting.
- Drive program innovation and ensure GFW remains responsive to global trends.
- Expand the organization’s reach and impact internationally.
- Partner with department heads on planning and priority-setting.
- Break down organizational silos and strengthen collaboration across programs, technology, science and innovation, communications, and operations.
- Provide the CEO and Board of Directors with insights into programmatic impact, risks, and successes.
- Establish and oversee program Objectives and Key Results (OKRs).
- Manage team performance and foster a collaborative, safe, and inclusive remote working environment.
- Identify capacity gaps and coach and mentor staff.
- Ensure the program team has the capabilities required to deliver its objectives.
Strategy Design and Impact Delivery
The CIO will:
- Lead strategic and financial oversight of GFW’s global program.
- Design and execute large-scale, multi-year strategies and associated budgets.
- Drive measurable impact in partnership with teams across the organization.
- Act as a key thought partner to technology and science and innovation teams.
- Help shape continuous improvements to GFW’s technology platform to accelerate and scale impact.
- Monitor evolving ocean governance trends and identify opportunities to advance programmatic goals.
- Ensure robust frameworks are in place to evaluate program effectiveness.
- Strengthen continuous learning and track outcomes.
- Report impact to donors and other key stakeholders.
- Identify programmatic needs, risks, and bottlenecks.
- Develop practical solutions to address emerging challenges.
Financial Management and Fundraising
You will:
- Contribute to compelling grant proposals and new funding opportunities.
- Manage the program department budget.
- Work closely with Finance to monitor expenditures and prepare forecasts.
- Ensure compliance with donor requirements and regulations.
- Lead effective planning, budgeting, and financial management with the program leadership team.
- Ensure financial decisions align with organizational priorities and policies.
- Demonstrate value for money through accurate and timely financial and narrative reporting.
External Representation and Partnerships
As a senior representative of Global Fishing Watch, you will:
- Represent the organization at international conferences, roundtables, workshops, and senior bilateral meetings.
- Serve as a key organizational spokesperson, including in media engagements.
- Communicate how GFW’s data, technology, and programs work together to advance ocean governance.
- Develop and implement partner engagement strategies.
- Build relationships that advance program priorities and initiatives.
- Promote mutual accountability and shared learning among partners.
- Engage policymakers, governments, NGOs, scientific organizations, and major donors.
Experience and Skills
Senior Program Leadership
Candidates should have:
- Demonstrated senior-level experience designing, leading, and managing large-scale programs focused on governance reform, particularly in international ocean conservation.
- Proven experience translating long-term strategies into measurable outcomes.
- Strong project management and strategic planning capabilities.
- A track record of delivering multiple major organizational priorities simultaneously.
Education
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.
- A Master’s degree is highly preferred.
Marine Conservation and Ocean Governance
The successful candidate should possess:
- Deep technical knowledge of global marine conservation issues.
- Strong understanding of international ocean policy.
- Knowledge of the political economy of marine governance.
- Understanding of geopolitical dynamics affecting international ocean governance.
Global Team Leadership
You should have:
- Substantial senior-level experience leading, mentoring, and scaling globally distributed teams.
- A proven record of recruiting and developing high-performing teams.
- Experience working with teams diverse in gender, nationality, and background.
- A collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
- The ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
- Strong talent management, delegation, feedback, and performance management skills.
Partnerships, Diplomacy and Advocacy
You should demonstrate:
- Exceptional diplomatic, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
- Experience developing and navigating complex multi-stakeholder partnerships.
- Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, and scientific organizations.
- The ability to influence decision-makers and operate effectively at senior levels.
Risk and Strategic Decision-Making
The successful candidate will have:
- Experience anticipating, assessing, and mitigating risks in complex environments.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills.
- The ability to analyze multifaceted issues and develop decisive recommendations.
- A results-oriented approach to strategy and execution.
Fundraising and Financial Management
Candidates should have:
- Demonstrated success in global fundraising.
- Experience cultivating relationships with public, private, and government donors.
- Strong hands-on budget management skills.
- The ability to align financial resources with program priorities.
- Experience contributing to donor proposals and reporting.
Communication
The CIO must be an exceptional communicator who can:
- Serve as a global spokesperson.
- Explain complex scientific and policy issues clearly.
- Communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
- Represent GFW across international conferences, media, government meetings, and other high-level forums.
- Articulate the organization’s mission, program vision, technology capabilities, and impact.
Language Requirements
- Native or highly proficient English is required.
- Fluency in Spanish and/or French is highly preferred.
Location and Remote Work
This is a fully remote role, but candidates must be legally authorized to work and based in one of the following countries:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Spain
- Costa Rica
- Panama
Because Global Fishing Watch has staff, partners, and priority geographies across the world, the position requires:
- Frequent international travel.
- Flexibility to work across multiple global time zones.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with internationally distributed teams and partners.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation depends on the successful candidate’s country of employment and local market conditions.
Current salary ranges include:
- United States: US$230,000–US$250,000 per year
- United Kingdom: £150,000–£170,000 per year
- Spain/EU: €130,000–€160,000 per year
For candidates based in Costa Rica or Panama, compensation will be adjusted according to the country of hire.
Global Fishing Watch (GFW) offers pension/retirement, health, and other benefits appropriate to employees at a comparable level in the relevant country.
Depending on the country of residence, the successful candidate may be employed directly by Global Fishing Watch (GFW), through an Employer of Record partner, or as a contractor.
Work Authorization and Visa Requirements
Global Fishing Watch (GFW) does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Candidates must independently have authorization to work for Global Fishing Watch (GFW) without visa sponsorship for at least two years after their start date, or for the full duration of their contract if the position is fixed-term.
Individuals on student visas must be eligible for full-time employment and have valid work authorization, such as OPT or an equivalent authorization, that remains valid for at least two years or the duration of the contract.
Candidates relying on a spouse’s visa for work authorization are not eligible because they must independently qualify for employment.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit:
- A current CV/resume.
- A cover letter explaining their interest in the Chief Impact Officer position and how they meet the requirements.
Applicants should use the following file naming format:
full_name_CV_org_name_role
and
full_name_role_CL
Applications sent by email will not be accepted.
The application deadline is:
Monday, 31 August 2026, at 9:00 AM CEST
This is a rolling recruitment process, and applications will be evaluated as they are received.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Global Fishing Watch (GFW) is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The organization recognizes that diverse backgrounds, skills, knowledge, and perspectives strengthen its work and contribute to improved ocean governance.
Global Fishing Watch (GFW) provides employment opportunities without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law and is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for employees, partners, vendors, suppliers, and contractors.
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