Development of Strategic and Governance Materials (Online)

Details

Mission and objectives

Coral reefs are some of the most biodiverse, ecologically complex, and valuable ecosystems on the planet. Supporting a quarter of marine species globally, reefs provide vital ecosystem services valued at $2.7 trillion annually including food security, coastal protection, and livelihoods for more than one billion people globally. Despite their immense value, coral reefs are Earth’s most endangered ecosystems. Without urgent action and scaled resources, coral reefs could face extinction by 2050 as a result of climate change and local drivers of degradation. The Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) is a blended finance mechanism designed to address the SDG14 funding gap and support implementation of the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework. Taking a science-based approach, this United Nations multi-partner initiative focuses on reducing local drivers of degradation in reef ecosystems that exhibit resilience to climate change (i.e., climate refugia). To facilitate blue economic transition the GFCR, with the support of the Green Climate Fund, incubates and scales investable pipelines that accelerate climate resilience for both marine ecosystems and coastal communities. Investable solutions supported by the Fund include sustainable revenue streams for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), sustainable ocean production (i.e., fisheries and aquaculture), plastic recycling, waste and sewage management, blue carbon credits, as well as sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism. By scaling sustainable revenue streams to save reefs from the brink of extinction, the GFCR supports long-term ocean conservation aims, tackles food insecurity, and mobilises capital for climate adaptation and mitigation.

Context

The road maps are set by the Global Biodiversity Framework and Coral Reef Breakthrough, the financial vehicles are in place, now we need the will of public and private leaders to fund implementation at scale. 2024 marks a critical year for collective action and mobilization of resources. To support this initiative, GFCR fund documents, programme documents and fund background documents will support consolidation and drafting. Drafting of relevant documents will also take place based on the inputs and guidance of leading GFCR experts. The selected Online UNV will be contributing to GFCR organizational goals, including transparency, operational objectives, programmatic and strategic engagement priorities. Work will be under the GFCR Deputy Director and in coordination with the GFCR Strategic Engagement Lead.

Task description

Delivery of Governance Board preparation overview material, this seeks - drafting of board meeting agendas and correspondence based on conversations and inputs of leading GFCR experts, related to upcoming board decisions and input needed from board members. The objective of the document and correspondence is to clearly and concisely set expectations for Board meeting sessions. This will support GFCR's strategic engagement, and operational and programmatic objectives. Contents include logistical information, listing of content and relevant links for board review, and key agenda points. Estimated number of pages 5 (compiled based on consultations and key documents). Delivery of Strategic Plan segment Draft, this seeks - drafting of strategic plan text based on conversations and inputs of leading GFCR experts, related to blended finance and nature-positive finance. The objective of this document is to clearly and concisely set a vision for GFCR's financial approach moving forward within operational modalities. Contents include types of partnerships and financial modalities, as well as capacity needs, prioritized in the coming years. This will support GFCR's strategic engagement, and operational and programmatic objectives. Estimated number of pages 5 (compiled based on consultations and key documents). Delivery of programme overview document, this seeks: - 1-2 page overviews of each GFCR Programme, and involves compiling of information from the GFCR reports and programme database. Contents include programme description, target sites, key activities, partners and financial information, as well as relevant pictures. The objective of this document is to provide GFCR partners and potential partners an overview of programmatic activities and needs. Estimated number of pages 20 (compiled based on existing information and documents).