FISH RIGHT PROGRAM
Terms of Reference
Position : Maritime Legal and Policy Adviser
Reporting to : Chief of Party, Fish Right Program
Station : Fish Right Program Office, Makati, Philippines
Level of Effort : 80%
Background:
The Fish Right Program is the flagship fisheries program of the United States Government in the Philippines, designed to promote sustainable fisheries management while promoting fisheries-based economic growth. The program supports national and local partners to improve governance, market systems, and private sector engagement across the country’s western exclusive economic zone
In 2026, the program is set to reach several significant milestones. A community-based IUU fishing reporting system will be established, and provincial fisherfolk networks will be mobilized to coordinate with government authorities in responding swiftly to illegal activities at sea. Marine scientific research will also be supported to bolster community reporting efforts with concrete, evidence-based findings on the economic toll of illegal fishing. The program will also pursue market and supply chain interventions that foster business partnerships, leverage emerging technologies, and attract new investment. To foster enhanced communication between government agencies and fishing communities, Fish Right will support policy forums, inter-agency planning sessions, and targeted awareness campaigns.
Scope of Work:
The Legal and Policy Adviser serves as the legal and regulatory anchor, primarily, of the program’s IUU fishing workstream and, secondarily, of initiatives in marine scientific research and market and supply chain interventions . Working across national and local levels, this Adviser ensures that policy reforms, legal frameworks, and awareness initiatives are grounded in evidence and aligned with the program’s governance and reporting objectives. This includes establishing policy frameworks or improving policy environment to connect communities with government authorities, enhance maritime domain awareness (MDA) mechanisms, set in place resilient seafood supply chain, and sustain program outcomes beyond the implementation period
Responsibilities:
Conduct a comprehensive review of existing national and local fisheries laws, regulations, and policies, identifying gaps, inconsistencies, and priority areas for reform that would strengthen the legal response to IUU fishing.
Lead and provide technical inputs to policy forums and inter-agency planning processes, advancing evidence-based recommendations for legal and regulatory improvements that support both government enforcement and community rights, as well as resilient seafood supply chain initiatives.
Support the development of targeted awareness campaigns and advocacy materials that inform fishing communities and government officials of their respective rights, responsibilities, and remedies under existing fisheries laws.
Co-design and facilitate the development of a National Marine Science Research Agenda in close cooperation with the Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns as well as the organization to be designated by the POMC to lead the development of the research agenda.
Collaborate closely with the Maritime Governance Adviser to ensure policy recommendations are institutionally viable and with the IUU Fishing Team Leader to ensure the reporting system operates within a sound and enabling legal framework.
Perform other tasks that the Chief of Party may assign, including but not limited to, attendance in project team meetings, thematic group meetings, participation in relevant conferences, workshops and other forums.
Deliverables:
Monthly progress reports with supporting documents to indicate progress in the technical assistance provided to the program in general and to the workstreams the advisor is supporting.
Report on a comprehensive review of existing national and local fisheries laws, regulations, and policies, identifying gaps, inconsistencies, and priority areas for reform that would strengthen the legal response to IUU fishing as well as support seafood market and supply chain interventions.
Reports on policy forums and inter-agency planning processes, advancing evidence-based recommendations for legal and regulatory improvements that support both government enforcement and community rights as well as resilient seafood supply chain initiatives.
Reports on targeted awareness campaigns and advocacy materials that inform fishing communities and government officials of their respective rights, responsibilities, and remedies under existing fisheries laws.
Activity Design for the development of a National Marine Science Research Agenda, and then the actual National Marine Science Research Agenda.
Report on recommendations to strengthen the long-term sustainability of policies and policy environments, ensuring these policies remain operational and effective beyond the program period.
Quarterly and annual report of activities and results accomplished by consultant including his/her collaboration with the IUU fishing Team Leader, Maritime Governance Adviser, Fisheries Investment and Market Incentive Team Leader, and Communication Development Team Leader.
Qualifications & Experience Required:
The Maritime Legal and Policy Adviser position requires the following qualifications:
- Exemplary professional experience in the field of maritime policy and international program implementation; experience in marine science, and marine science policy would be an advantage
- At least 5 years of relevant work experience;
- Experience working in projects focusing on the following areas is preferred: Philippine legal framework, fisheries and coastal resource management, IUUF, policy development, governance capacity building, and ocean policy;
- Minimum of a Master’s Degree in a relevant field, law degree preferred;
- Proficiency in English and Tagalog (both spoken and written); and
- Direct experience and knowledge of Philippine coastal, ocean and marine resource legal and policy issues preferred.
How to Apply:
To apply, please email all the following:
- Cover letter
- Resume or CV
- Three professional references with contact details
To the attention of:
Rheyzelene T. Guimbungan
Finance & Admin Manager
Fish Right Program
rguimbungan@fishright.crcuri.org