Job Announcement

National/Regional Expert Consultant Development of a Regional Guideline for Enforceable Management and Conservation of Mekong Fisheries Biodiversity

with General Directorate of Fisheries

BTDC-ID: 39720
Closing Date:

Announcement Positions

Announcement Description

The Mekong River basin is one of the most productive inland fisheries ecosystems in the world, providing critical sources of nutrition, livelihoods, and economic value for millions of people across the region. However, fisheries biodiversity is increasingly under threat due to unsustainable practices, weak enforcement, habitat degradation, and inconsistent regulatory frameworks among Mekong countries.

Although each country has established its own fisheries laws and regulations, the lack of a harmonized regional framework limits effective coordination and enforcement. There is a growing need for a regional guideline that supports countries in aligning their efforts, strengthening law enforcement, and improving monitoring systems while respecting national legal frameworks.

Such a guideline will serve as a key tool to guide regional cooperation, enhance biodiversity conservation, and ensure the long-term sustainability of aquatic resources in the Mekong region.

Announcement Positions

National/Regional Expert Consultant Development of a Regional Guideline for Enforceable Management and Conservation of Mekong Fisheries Biodiversity

Position Circumstances
  • Career Category: Advisor / Individual Consultant
  • Schedule:Short-term
  • Salary: N/A
Position Summary

Objective of the Assignment

The objective of this consultancy is to develop a practical and enforceable regional guideline to strengthen the management and conservation of Mekong fisheries biodiversity.

The guideline will:

  1. Support alignment with existing national fisheries laws and regulations
  2. Promote standardized law enforcement practices
  3. Integrate the SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) for effective monitoring and reporting
  4. Establish a standardized compliance research framework for fisheries biodiversity
  5. Enhance sustainable fisheries management for food security and economic growth
  6. Create a regional platform for regular dialogue, knowledge sharing, and joint problem-solving among Mekong countries

Expected Outputs

  1. Inception report with detailed methodology and timeline
  2. Draft regional guideline
  3. Stakeholder consultation report
  4. Final regional guideline document
  5. Recommendations for implementation and enforcement

Duration and Timeline

  • Assignment Duration: 60 working days
  • Start Date: Mid-July 2026

Reporting and Deliverables

The consultant will report to the project management team and submit:

  • Draft inception report within 30 days of contract signing
  • Final report within 60 days

All deliverables must be high-quality, evidence-based, and suitable for regional adoption.

Duties & Responsibilities:
  • The National/Regional Expert Consultant will be responsible for:
  • Reviewing existing fisheries laws, policies, and enforcement mechanisms across Mekong countries
  • Identifying key challenges, threats, and gaps in fisheries biodiversity management
  • Assessing current monitoring and reporting systems, including the use of SMART and related tools
  • Developing a regional guideline framework that:
  • Aligns with national legal systems
  • Incorporates standardized enforcement practices
  • Establishes harmonized monitoring and reporting mechanisms
  • Introduces a standardized research and data collection on fisheries compliance approach
  • Proposing mechanisms to strengthen regional cooperation, including:
  • Regular coordination meetings
  • Progress reporting platforms
  • Knowledge-sharing systems
  • Coordinating stakeholder consultations with relevant government agencies, regional organizations, and partners
  • Finalizing the guideline based on feedback and validation
Expected Profile of Candidates
Languages:
  • English - Fluent
Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree in or higher in fisheries management, environmental science, natural resource management, development studies, or related fields
Work History:
  • At least of professional experience in fisheries, biodiversity conservation, or environmental policy for 10 years
Skills & Knowledge:
General & Technical Skills
  • Experience in compliance research or policy development using MCS tools
  • Strong understanding of Mekong fisheries systems and regional challenges
  • Familiarity with monitoring tools such as SMART is an advantage
  • Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and facilitation
  • Excellent analytical and report-writing skills in English
 

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a cover letter to the email, or submit the original documents in person to the address provided in the contact details.

Additional Information

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

This consultancy plays a critical role in strengthening regional cooperation and ensuring the sustainability of fisheries biodiversity across the Mekong region.

Attachment:
  • Announcement_national_regional expert
 

Contact Details

Office Address
  • #186 Preah Norodom Blvd., Sangkat Tonle Basak, Khan Chamkar Mon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
 
Contact Name
  • General Directorate of Fisheries
 
Email