# Application for Mediterranean consultancy ([Oceana](https://oceana.org)) PROPOSAL TO OCEANA Consultancy on conserving Mediterranean ecosystems 4 September 2026 glen.w.wright@gmail.com www.glenwright.earth [REDACTED PHONE] UK/French citizen Currently based in Italy until November · available to travel in Europe English native speaker, French fluent, Spanish B2 This proposal sets out how I would support Oceana’s Campaign Director for Marine Protection and partner organisations to strengthen General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) protection for deep-sea ecosystems, with the immediate objective of extending the regional bottom-trawl ban to at least 800 m. I have worked on regional ocean governance, fisheries management and deep-sea protection for more than a decade, combining policy analysis with advocacy, coordination and high-level events. I would bring that experience directly to the campaign. 1. Understanding of the assignment The scientific case is well developed. GFCM pilot studies indicate that extending the ban would protect additional habitat with limited or no socio-economic cost. The main challenge is now political. Four considerations shape the assignment: • The immediate decision point is the 49th session of the GFCM, 26–30 October 2026 in Rome. The limited socio- economic impact has been acknowledged but there is not yet a clear recommendation for an extension. • The campaign must operate regionally and nationally at the same time. Some Members have moved toward an 800 m limit, while progress has slowed or reversed in others. European Union leadership matters inside the GFCM, but so does targeted engagement in Mediterranean capitals. • If October does not produce a recommendation, the intersessional cycle offers the route to a 2027 decision: national work, the Working Group on Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems and Essential Fish Habitats (WGVME-EFH), and the next Scientific Advisory Committee on Fisheries (SAC). • The 800 m objective must remain consistent with Oceana’s wider deep-sea campaign, including Cabliers Bank, Fisheries Restricted Areas, the GFCM 2030 Strategy and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 30x30 target. I therefore see this as embedded campaign support rather than a separate research exercise: advocacy, concise policy products, decision-maker engagement, events, partner coordination, communications input and the administration required to keep a multi-country effort moving. 2. Approach and methodology 2.1 Working arrangement I would work in close coordination with Oceana staff and partner organisations, leveraging my wide network and availability to get things moving quickly. I would aim to understand and fit into existing systems as far as possible. • Week 1: a concise inception note setting out the political landscape, decision points, responsibilities, calendar and immediate GFCM 49 plan. • A living tracker of GFCM documents, country positions, agreed asks, outreach and follow-up, with Oceana’s databases and contact lists updated where relevant. Glen Wright · Proposal to Oceana · September 2026 • Decision-oriented drafting: one-page front, clear ask, likely objection and response. Longer analysis only where it moves a specific meeting or decision. • Routine coordination owned and completed: schedules, agendas, notes, action points, document circulation and timely progress updates. Glen Wright · Proposal to Oceana · September 2026 2.2 Advocacy GFCM 49: October 2026. The consultancy begins in the same month as the Commission session, so the first weeks would be front-loaded. • Review relevant GFCM recommendations and decisions; 2024–2026 SAC and WGVME-EFH papers; the Marche Polytechnic / Oceana–MedReAct 2026 report; national 800 m measures; and the Cabliers roadmap. • Map Contracting Party and European Union positions: champions, persuadable delegations and likely blockers; the influence that matters; and the ecological, fisheries, economic or climate argument most useful with each audience. Spain’s withdrawal of its national measure warrants particular attention. • Prepare an annotated agenda, concise briefing, talking points, draft 800 m language and Q&A for Oceana staff and partners by 24 October. • Support outreach before and during 26–30 October. I can attend in Rome from the 27th and contribute to outreach to the European Commission and Member States beforehand. • Provide concise daily notes during the session and a post-meeting debrief recording the outcome, country positions, commitments, follow-up and implications for 2027. National and partner work: November 2026 – April 2027. • Agree a short list of target countries with Oceana and partners. Prepare country workplans with an objective, lead, ministries and experts, decision windows, core message and next action. • Coordinate consistent national messages and at least one joint advocacy action, while adapting arguments to national political and fisheries contexts. • Monitor GFCM, EU and relevant Barcelona Convention developments; provide monthly notes and immediate alerts when an issue requires action. • If October does not deliver, produce a 2027 decision-cycle strategy linking national engagement, the WGVME-EFH evidence route, SAC advice and the next Commission session. High-level event. Unless Oceana already has an opportunity around GFCM 49, I would favour a focused event in Q1 2027 in Brussels or a Mediterranean capital, shaped around the October outcome and the next decision point. I would agree the purpose, audience and format with Oceana and partners, then manage the invitation strategy, programme, briefing, delivery and follow-up. 2.3 Communications I would support, not duplicate, Oceana’s communications team, providing policy and technical input timed to campaign moments: • A concise factsheet explaining the 800 m case: ecological benefits, limited socio-economic impact, approximately 100,000 km² of additional protection, and alignment with GFCM 2030 and CBD 30x30. • Policy input to press releases, social media, blogs, an op-ed or bylined comment, and rapid-response lines when a government, the European Commission or GFCM introduces a proposal or position. • English and French media support. I have written for Nature and given interviews to BBC World News and Radio France. Spanish-language outputs would be reviewed with partners. 2.4 Coordination, administration and reporting • Regular coordination meetings with Oceana and partners, with agendas, notes, actions and document sharing. • Liaison with other Oceana consultants so that scientific, economic, communications and advocacy work is consistent. • Monthly progress notes covering activities, outputs, political developments, risks and next-month priorities; a final handover report in April 2027. Glen Wright · Proposal to Oceana · September 2026 3. Deliverables and timeline The sequence is deliberately front-loaded around GFCM 49. Dates for the 2027 GFCM subsidiary bodies would be confirmed at inception. # Deliverable Scope Due Campaign baseline; positions, stakeholders, decision points, D1 Inception note and political map 16 Oct 2026 responsibilities and calendar. Briefing, talking points, draft 800 m language, annotated D2 GFCM 49 meeting pack 22 Oct 2026 agenda and Q&A. In-person support in Rome from the 27th if requested; daily D3 GFCM 49 support and debrief 1 Nov 2026 notes; debrief and actions. Distribution-ready briefing: ecological and fisheries benefits, D4 800 m policy briefing socio-economic evidence, 100,000 km², GFCM 2030 and CBD Dec 2026 30x30. Coordinated positions and at least one joint advocacy action D5 Country plans and joint advocacy Jan 2027 targeting agreed Mediterranean countries. GFCM/EU/competent-authority developments; country D6 Monitoring and campaign tracker Monthly positions, contacts and actions logged in Oceana systems. Factsheet plus policy input to an op-ed/bylined comment D7 Communications materials Q1 2027 and rapid-response materials. One targeted event (in person or online): concept, speakers, D8 High-level event Q1 2027 briefings, delivery and readout. Political strategy for securing the 800 m recommendation D9 2027 GFCM strategy Mar 2027 through the 2027 decision cycle if required. Outputs, political outcomes, open actions, contact/position D10 Final report and handover Apr 2027 tracker and recommendations. Activities, outputs, political developments, risks and next- D11 Progress notes Monthly month priorities. 4. Relevant experience ### Regional fisheries management and deep-sea protection At IDDRI (Senior Researcher, 2014–2023), I worked on ocean biodiversity, regional bodies and destructive fishing. With IUCN and other partners, I analysed how Regional Fisheries Management Organisations use bottom-fisheries closures to protect Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (Marine Policy, 2015), and contributed to scientific-committee work that informed closure recommendations. Other relevant work addressed gaps in RFMO protection of high-seas fish biodiversity (Nature Ecology & Evolution, 2019) and monitoring, control and surveillance (Marine Policy, 2020), including expert workshops with FAO, NGOs and industry, a regional workshop I delivered in Spanish, and a UN side event with Global Fishing Watch. ### Regional cooperation and high-level events Through STRONG High Seas, I coordinated research, workshops, partners and budgets supporting regional organisations in international processes. I organised Inter-regional Dialogues with more than 70 government, RFMO, UN and NGO representatives. I also helped conceive and deliver the Marine Regions Forum, a three-day invite-only conference of 200 ocean-governance leaders. I developed its structure, themes, outreach and sessions; the first edition led to a second event and a continuing initiative. Glen Wright · Proposal to Oceana · September 2026 Policy products, advocacy and communication At IDDRI I contributed to more than 30 papers and policy reports, represented the institute at UN, EU and regional meetings, briefed officials and diplomats, developed negotiating messages and coordinated partners. The Long and Winding Road (IDDRI, 2018) became a widely used guide to the BBNJ negotiations. I planned the research, review and dissemination, including forewords by the Chair of the negotiations and France’s Special Ambassador for Climate Change. I also consulted for UNESCO’s Marine World Heritage programme and have taught Ocean Governance and Marine Policy at Sciences Po since 2019. Languages, mobility and delivery I am a dual British/French citizen, currently mobile in Europe, fluent in French and conversational in Spanish. I have delivered a technical workshop in Spanish and would use partner review for political drafting. My previous role at REN21 involved international coordination, workplan management and publication delivery. I am comfortable working part-time within a wider team and concentrating effort around political deadlines. 5. Budget estimate and payment schedule The RFP estimates an average of 20 hours per week from October 2026 to April 2027. I propose 65 working days over the contract (an average of 2.5 days per week), concentrated around GFCM 49, national advocacy and the high-level event. The daily rate is €450 for an eight-hour day, exclusive of VAT. Workstream Days Fee (€) A. Advocacy — GFCM 49, national/partner 43 19,350 work, briefings, monitoring, event B. Communications — policy input to 9 4,050 materials, op-ed, rapid response C. Coordination and administration 13 5,850 Total 65 29,250 Line item Basis Maximum (€) Day rate 65 days × €450 29,250 Travel: Rome, GFCM 49 Flights and approximately three nights 1,200 Travel: Brussels Flights and one to two nights 900 Travel: one Mediterranean capital Flights and one night 900 Venue/AV or webinar platform and Event support 800 materials Communications design Factsheet design/production 1,000 Contingency Only with prior written approval 1,700 Total 35,750 Maximum contract value: €35,750 exclusive of VAT. Glen Wright · Proposal to Oceana · September 2026 Proposed fee payment schedule: Payment Trigger Fee Target D1–D3: inception, meeting 30% pack, GFCM 49 support and €8,775 Nov 2026 debrief D4–D5: policy briefing, country 30% €8,775 Jan 2027 plans and joint advocacy D7–D9: communications, event 30% €8,775 Mar 2027 and 2027 strategy 10% D10: final report and handover €2,925 Apr 2027 D6 and D11 are ongoing obligations throughout the contract and would be reported with the corresponding milestone. Reimbursable costs would be invoiced separately as incurred. 6. Availability and terms • Available 1 October 2026 – 30 April 2027 for 65 days in total, averaging 2.5 days per week, with flexibility around GFCM 49 and the high-level event. • Available to attend GFCM 49 in Rome, from 27th. • Work delivered personally; no subcontracting. • No current paid relationship with a GFCM Contracting Party, fishing-industry body or another NGO campaigning on this issue. Teaching at Sciences Po is compatible with the consultancy. • Open to adapting priorities, deliverables and payment arrangements with Oceana at inception. I would be delighted to help Oceana and its partners turn a strong scientific case into stronger GFCM protection for Mediterranean deep-sea ecosystems. Warm regards, Glen Wright · Proposal to Oceana · September 2026 # Oceana Request for Proposal: Consultancy on conserving Mediterranean ecosystems **Source:** [europe.oceana.org](https://europe.oceana.org/employment/oceana-request-for-proposal-consultancy-on-conserving-mediterranean-ecosystems/) **Closing date:** 4 September 2026 (close of business) **██████████████ ### About Oceana Oceana is the largest international advocacy organisation dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 300 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more. For more information about Oceana in Europe visit Oceana.org. ### Background and context The Mediterranean Sea hosts unique and highly vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems, including cold-water corals, seamounts, submarine canyons, and hydrothermal vents. These ecosystems are threatened by destructive fishing practices, particularly bottom fishing. Building on the work of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) and other EU policies, Oceana in Europe is campaigning to enhance the protection of Mediterranean deep-sea ecosystems. The project aims at leveraging political support, enhancing regional collaboration, with combined advocacy and communications efforts to achieve greater protection for the deep-sea in the Mediterranean. ### Scope of work The consultant will work in close collaboration with Oceana’s Campaign Director for Marine Protection and team, supporting activities (please refer to “Deliverables” section below) to achieve Oceana’s campaign objectives through its advocacy in the GFCM. This will include developing and implementing joint advocacy activities targeting Mediterranean countries; preparing and reviewing policy materials for use and distribution according to campaign needs (e.g. briefings, reports); engaging with policy makers; monitoring legislative developments; and supporting the organization of events. The consultant will also coordinate with partner(s) to maximize policy impact, assist in the development of communication materials, and provide overall coordination and administrative support to the project. Consultancy duration October 2026 – April 2027 Oceana is seeking a consultant to work part-time on this project. Based on the activities and the deliverables outlined in the description, we estimate an average commitment of 20 working hours per week. Deliverables 1. Advocacy - Support the project advocacy strategy, via outreach to relevant decision-makers, technical experts, and stakeholders; - Prepare briefing materials and talking points including for Oceana staff and partner(s), and review relevant GFCM meeting documents and summarize key findings and implications for advocacy strategy, as needed. (e.g. scientific reports, recommendations, past decisions); - Organise a high-level event to strengthen political momentum, and promote the project objectives to targeted policy makers; - Together with project partner(s), review and coordinate national work in targeted Mediterranean countries to ensure alignment with the overall strategy, timely delivery of outputs, and engagement with national stakeholders; - Report periodically about implementation of the advocacy strategy 2. Communications - Provide input to the production of communication materials for use and distribution online, to media and at events, with the help of technical and policy contributions (e.g. social media content, liaise with influencers, press releases, op-eds, blogs, videos). 3. Coordination and administration - Manage project activities in coordination with the team and partner(s) (scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, taking meeting notes); - Participate in project coordination meetings, as needed for the project, and facilitate the exchange of information between Oceana and its partner(s), including providing timely updates, document dissemination, and input to joint policy efforts; - Liaise with other projects consultants, where necessary - Update Oceana’s databases Instructions for applicants ██████████████ no later than close of business on 4th September. Oceana can be contacted for any required guidance to prepare the proposal. The proposal should include at least: - Applicant’s contact data (name, address, e-mail, telephone number). - Outline of the work to be conducted, including among other info the proposed methodology, approach to deliver the product, and a timeline of content delivery; - The curriculum vitae of the staff involved in delivering the project, including relevant past work or experience related to the proposed deliverables. - A detailed budget estimate and payment schedule. Submitted proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a deadline of 4th September. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. ### Data protection The proposer is hereby informed that any personal data provided as part of this ‘Request for Proposals’ process will be managed by Fundación Oceana (G[REDACTED PHONE]), located at C/ Gran Vía 62, 7º Izq., 28013 Madrid, email: <[REDACTED EMAIL]>, in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.