The legal counsel at the Forum Fisheries Agency, Manu Tupou-Roosen, is tipped to become the regional body's first female director general.
Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades
The Tongan national is one of four candidates shortlisted for the position which will be decided at the FFA's Ministers Meeting in the Cook Islands this week.
The Cook Islands News reports the three-day meeting will farewell current director general, James Movick, who will conclude his six-year term at the end of the year.
Apart from the appointment, the annual meeting, which is attended by the 17 member countries, including 12 government ministers, is discussing issues for enhanced regional cooperation in offshore fisheries, focussing on the sustainable management of the tuna sector.