Ghost Gear Project Manager

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority. The Ecosystems Division supports international and national partners in environmental policy implementation and capacity development. This role is within the Secretariat of the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) in Bangkok, Thailand, a regional intergovernmental mechanism focused on marine and coastal environment protection.

Job Purpose

This consultancy provides day-to-day technical and operational direction for the project “Advancing Sustainable Management and Recycling of Abandoned, Lost or Otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear” in Indonesia and Viet Nam. The project aims to reduce marine plastic pollution by strengthening fishing gear management systems and promoting recycling. The role contributes to enhancing fisheries productivity and supporting sustainable coastal livelihoods through policy strengthening, infrastructure development, and viable supply-chain models. The consultant will lead the Project Management Team, overseeing technical, operational, partnership, monitoring, and reporting aspects of this time-bound project, under the supervision of the COBSEA Coordinator.

Responsibilities

Lead the Project Management Team, providing technical and operational direction for project delivery. Oversee the technical, operational, partnership, monitoring, and reporting components of the project. Manage partnerships and coordinate with the donor, Korean technical partners, participating governments, and other stakeholders. Monitor project progress, budget, results, risks, and ensure compliance with the project document and workplan. Prepare technical, financial, and donor reports, including required documentation in Korean. Facilitate knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and regional learning exchanges. Strengthen policy and institutional frameworks, and establish infrastructure for the collection, storage, pre-treatment, and recycling of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear.

Work Experience

At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in marine and coastal environmental issues, including project coordination or management. Experience managing donor-funded projects, including work planning, budgeting, monitoring, reporting, and compliance, is required. Experience in marine litter and plastic pollution, including pollution from sea-based sources, is required.

Skills

Project management, technical and operational direction, partnership management, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and reporting, financial management, knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, marine litter and plastic pollution expertise, understanding of relevant policies and institutional processes, knowledge of sustainable fishing gear management and circular economy approaches, excellent drafting skills in English and Korean.

Explore related opportunities