Development of Project Design to Address ALDFG in the Arafura and Timor Seas (Consultant)

General Information

• Reference: VA-2026-08.
• Title: Development of Project Design to address Abandoned, Lost, or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear in the Arafura and Timor Seas.
• Category: Senior Specialist.
• Reports to: ATSEA Interim Executive Director.
• Duty Station: Home-based.
• Expected Places of Travel: N/A.
• Duration of Assignment: 20 working days between August and October 2026.

Background

The Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action (ATSEA) program is designed to enhance regional collaboration and coordination in the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) – shared by Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste. The program is guided by the Strategic Action Programme for the Arafura and Timor Seas Region (SAP) 2024 – 2033, which identifies Abandoned, Lost and otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) as a priority issue.

In the ATS region, ALDFG poses a threat to threatened and protected species, including sea turtles and marine mammals. Another major concern is the toxic effects of plastics. Furthermore, the sight of ALDFG spoils the natural beauty of marine areas, which could negatively affect recreational activities and tourism. Beyond these environmental and aesthetic issues, ALDFG also affects traditional and cultural values associated with the sea, potentially interfering with customary practices and local cultural heritage linked to marine resources.

Previous studies and workshops conducted in 2024 and 2025 highlighted the complexity and variability of the issue across the region, shaped by factors such as national policy frameworks, fishing gear types, fisheries management practices, existing interventions, and the diversity of local stakeholders.

In December 2025, the Australian Government announced $4.5 million AUD to support regional collaboration on ALDFG through ATSEA (2026-2029). A consultant is now being sought to develop a comprehensive project design, including a clear theory of change and measurable outcomes, ensuring alignment with regional priorities and the specific contexts of participating countries.

Scope of Work, Duties and Responsibilities, and Deliverables

Objective: Develop a project design for a $4.5M investment to reduce the incidence of ALDFG in the shared Arafura and Timor Seas that translates the existing understanding of ALDFG issues into a clear, prioritised and implementable program of work, supported by appropriate governance, monitoring, evaluation, learning and adaptive management arrangements.

The ATSEA Interim Regional Secretariat (IRS) is seeking a senior consultant to develop a project design for investment to support regional action on ALDFG in the ATS. Expected components of the project design include: (1) problem framing & change ambition; (2) Theory of Change; (3) prioritisation and investment decision framework; (4) objectives and impact measures; (5) counterfactual and attribution; (6) Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Learning (MERL) Framework; (7) data and knowledge management; and (8) governance and accountability.

The consultant is expected to take a highly iterative approach to project design development by engaging regularly with ATSEA and the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

Duties and Responsibilities

• Be familiar with relevant literature, including the ATS SAP 2024–2033, the Situation Analysis for ALDFG in the ATS region, ATSEA reports on field assessments of ALDFG in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, ATSEA's report on Theories of Change for addressing ALDFG issues, and other relevant literature.
• Facilitate a consultative process engaging the ATSEA IRS, DCCEEW and relevant regional partners as needed.
• Lead the development of a Project Design Document for this investment into ATSEA's ALDFG program, broadly consistent with the SAP and informed by inputs from ATSEA IRS and DCCEEW and evidence-based analysis.

Key Activities and Outputs

• Inception and work planning: introduction of the consultant to DCCEEW and the ATSEA IRS, presentation of workplan at an inception meeting, and preparation of a brief inception report (workplan, methodology, stakeholder engagement approach).
• Preparation of the ALDFG Project Design Document (PDD): the project design should be as simple and flexible as practicable, while meeting operational needs.
• Stakeholder consultation and engagement: facilitate at least one online project planning discussion with ATSEA IRS and DCCEEW staff, and incorporate feedback into the project design document.
• Final draft presentation: presentation of the final Australian Government Project Design document to the ATSEA IRS and DCCEEW.

Expected Approach and Ethical Guidelines

The Consultant will observe PEMSEA's Rules of Governance and approach throughout the process, including: awareness of conflicts and gender sensitivities and adoption of participatory dialogue principles; respect for local cultures and values; ensuring adequate safety for those conducting and attending consultations; ensuring objectivity and independence; working with relevant government to identify participants; and paying attention to vulnerable groups.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

• 1st Payment (60%) upon submission and approval of: facilitation of the online project planning discussion; at least 2 rounds of review on draft project design document content; and the first complete draft of the project design document. Estimated: 17 working days, completion deadline September 2026.
• 2nd Payment (40%) upon submission and approval of: final presentation to ATSEA IRS and DCCEEW; and the final draft of the Project Design document. Estimated: 3 working days, completion deadline October 2026.

Working Arrangements

The consultant will work in close coordination with the ATSEA Program Specialist and report to the ATSEA Interim Executive Director in seeking approval and acceptance of the outputs, consulting DCCEEW as technical reviewer/support. Expected duration of work is 20 days from August to October 2026. The Consultant will be home-based with regular coordination with DCCEEW and ATSEA IRS, and will not need to travel to complete this assignment.

All documents must be developed in English and submitted as an editable file, along with all presentations and photos.

Requirements for Experience and Qualifications

The successful consultant must possess strong analytical, writing, facilitation, and communication skills, be adept at working in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment, and be capable of receiving and integrating feedback from clients in government and intergovernmental organisations. They should be accustomed to working to tight deadlines and delivering high quality products.

Academic Qualifications

Advanced university degree (at least a master's degree) in marine science, fisheries, marine and coastal management, environmental management, marine debris, public policy, international development, or a related field.

Minimum Experience Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in developing strategic, project design and implementation, or planning documents at regional and/or national levels, such as regional action plans, management plans, theories of change, roadmaps, strategies, or frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience in environmental project design, implementation and administration, including project monitoring, reporting and evaluation.
• Experience in fisheries, marine and coastal management, marine debris and/or ALDFG will be favourable.
• Good understanding of the ATS regional context, including country dynamics, governance arrangements, institutional capacities, and regional cooperation mechanisms among Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste.

Language Requirements

Fluency in English with excellent written communication skills, and strong experience writing reports is required.

Evaluation Method and Criteria

Cumulative analysis will be used, awarding the contract to the individual consultant whose offer is responsive/compliant/acceptable and has received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical (70%) and financial (30%) criteria. Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70 points on the Technical Criteria would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Submission of Tender

Applicants are requested to submit:

1. Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability.
2. Detailed Curriculum Vitae, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as contact details (email and telephone number).
3. Brief description (max 300 words) of why the individual considers themselves the most suitable for the assignment.
4. A description of the methodology, on how they will approach and complete the assignment.
5. Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs.

Applicants are requested to submit the tender and requirements via email to recruitment@pemsea.org with copy to infoatsea@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 (10 August 2026) will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Applicants from the ATS region are highly preferred.

For more information on ATSEA, please visit https://atsea-program.com/ and www.pemsea.org