Here is a consulting opportunity for you!
My friend Bubba, for whom I have a ton of respect, is involved with Sharks Pacific, a well-established NGO seeking to engage a qualified game theorist and research team to conduct a comprehensive analysis of decision-making dynamics within the WCPFC.
Image source: https://mpost.io/glossary/game-theory/
The main aim is to understand how the current institutional design, which prioritises consensus-based decision-making, influences strategic behaviour, coalition formation, and governance results.
The research will examine the implications of consensus versus voting mechanisms, especially in the context of Pacific Islands Countries and Territories (PICTs) and their sovereignty over valuable tuna resources.
The study will offer practical insights to guide PICT delegations on strategic issues, coalition-building, and potential institutional reforms to enhance decision-making efficiency, conservation results, and fair distribution.
The detailed request for proposals is here, but in summary, this is who you need to be and the team you should assemble. Of course, you can also have me support you in two roles to facilitate your work: an international relations/institutions expert with knowledge of RFMO governance and a Pacific Islands specialist with regional expertise and networks.
Technical Qualifications: The desired team should possess the following qualifications:
Lead Researcher/Team Lead Requirements:
Academic Credentials: A PhD in Economics, Political Science, Game Theory, or a closely related field with expertise in strategic interaction and institutional analysis, along with a minimum of 8 years of professional experience in game-theoretic analysis or institutional economics.
Relevant Expertise: Proven track record of published research applying game theory to international cooperation, environmental agreements, or natural resource management. Experience with coalition-formation models, voting-power analysis, and knowledge of fisheries economics or RFMO governance is highly desirable.
Technical Capabilities: Advanced proficiency in game-theoretic modelling, coalition game analysis, voting power indices, and mechanism design. Ability to develop and validate formal models and translate complex concepts into accessible insights for non-technical audiences.
Communication Skills: Demonstrated ability to explain technical concepts to policymakers and stakeholders, with a history of policy-relevant research and engagement with government officials, negotiators, or international organisation delegates.
Team Composition :
A lead game theorist with expertise in coalition games and voting analysis.
An international relations/institutions specialist with knowledge of RFMO governance. I can help in this role
A Pacific Islands specialist with regional knowledge and networks. And this one
A research associate for stakeholder engagement and interview analysis.
Institutional Requirements:
Affiliation with a recognised research organisation, university, or consulting firm.
Proof of liability insurance and capacity to manage the proposed budget and timeline.
Experience working with Pacific Island governments, FFA, or other regional organisations is highly desirable.
The team must demonstrate the ability to employ rigorous game-theoretic modelling, institutional analysis, and empirical methods while ensuring that the research findings are accessible and actionable for PICT delegations and other stakeholders.