Terms of Reference
Interim Regional Secretariat
Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action (ATSEA) Program
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
Reference: VA-2026-07
Title: Feasibility Study for Developing a Circular Economy Scheme for ALDFG / EOLFG Management in Merauke
Consultation type: National Service Company
Reports to: Interim Executive Director
Duty Station: Home-based
Expected Places of Travel: Travel to sites in Merauke, Indonesia
Duration of Assignment: 35 working days between August and October 2026
II. BACKGROUND
The Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action (ATSEA) Program is a regional initiative that supports collaboration among Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste in managing and protecting shared marine resources in the Arafura and Timor Seas region. One of the priority transboundary environmental issues addressed under the ATSEA Strategic Action Program is marine plastic pollution, including Abandoned, Lost or Otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG).
Since 2024, with support from the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), the ATSEA Program has been working to better understand and address ALDFG in the region. Previous activities have included a regional situation analysis, regional and national discussions, field assessments in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, and strategic planning activities with relevant government agencies, local stakeholders, and technical partners.
Merauke, South Papua Province, has been identified as one of the priority locations for on-the-ground ALDFG activities in Indonesia. The area is strategically important because of its location within Fisheries Management Area 718 and its close connection to fishing activities in the Arafura Sea.
III. SCOPE OF WORK, APPROACH AND ETHIC, AND DELIVERABLES
Objective:
The objective of this consultancy is to conduct a feasibility study on ALDFG/EOLFG management, unused fishing gear buy-back mechanisms, and circular economy options in Merauke, South Papua Province, Indonesia.
Key outputs:
The assignment is expected to produce the following key outputs:
1. An inception report, including the proposed methodology, workplan, stakeholder engagement approach, field schedule, sampling strategy, and data collection tools.
2. A field data collection/assessment report, including initial findings from site visits, stakeholder consultations, field observations, initial net inventory, preliminary collection point assessment, and preliminary value-chain analysis.
3. A final feasibility study report on the development of a circular economy scheme for ALDFG/EOLFG management in Merauke, including practical recommendations for future pilot implementation.
4. A final presentation summarizing key findings, feasibility assessment, proposed circular economy scheme options, and recommendations.
Duties and responsibilities
The Service Company shall be responsible for undertaking all activities necessary to prepare a feasibility study on the development of a circular economy scheme for ALDFG/EOLFG management in Merauke.
1. Inception and Study Preparation
The Service Company shall:
? Prepare an inception report, including the proposed study methodology, workplan, stakeholder engagement approach, field schedule, sampling strategy, and data collection tools.
? Conduct a desk review of relevant literature, policies, previous studies, ATSEA documents, and available local data.
? Coordinate with ATSEA IRS, the ATSEA ALDFG Site Mobiliser, MMAF/KKP, and relevant local institutions during the preparation phase.
? Identify priority information needs, field sites, respondent categories, and data collection requirements in consultation with ATSEA IRS.
For complete job description and to apply, visit:
https://atsea-program.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/VA-2026-07_Feasibility-Study-ALDFG-in-Merauke-1.pdf
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants are requested to submit:
1. Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability;
2. Profile of the institution/organization including experience with similar projects, and contact details (email and telephone number) of team leader;
3. Detailed Curriculum Vitae of key personnel, indicating relevant experience and contact details (email and telephone number);
4. Brief description (max 300 words) of why the institution/organization considers itself the most suitable for the assignment;
5. A description of the methodology, on how they will approach and complete the assignment; and
6. Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs, including for travelling to the ATS countries for field visits and regional workshops/meetings.
Applicants are requested to submit the tender and requirements via email to infoatsea@pemsea.org with copy to recruitment@pemsea.org. Kindly indicate the vacancy reference number and title of requirement when applying (in the subject line) by email
Bid applications received after the closing date (26 July 2026) will not be considered. Only those candidates that are shortlisted will be notified. Applicants from the ATS region are highly preferred.
For more information on ATSEA, please visit www.atsea-program.com (http://www.atsea-program.com/) and www.pemsea.org (http://www.pemsea.org/)