Organization Mission

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

This assignment is situated within the UN Global Team of the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR), a global partnership led by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to mobilize finance for the protection and sustainable management of coral reef ecosystems.

The volunteer will support GFCR’s strategic resource mobilisation priorities by conducting targeted research (10-12 page document segment) that informs the development and execution of the GFCR Resource Mobilisation Strategy. The research will strengthen evidence-based donor engagement, partnership development, and strategic positioning by identifying emerging funding opportunities, analysing donor priorities and financing trends, and supporting the preparation of high-quality engagement materials.

The volunteer’s work will directly contribute to the implementation of GFCR’s Resource Mobilisation Strategy by providing the research, analysis, and strategic intelligence needed to support donor engagement, partnership development, and long-term capitalization of the Fund.

Key Responsibilities

We are looking for 5 of Online Volunteers who have experience in research with excellent writing skills. The task will include the following responsibilities:
– Discuss and determine parameters for the research
– Identify and gather sources
– Conduct research
– Develop a short report on the findings

The average estimated workload is expected to include roughly reviewing 8 documents (these can include articles, studies, etc.) throughout the assignment duration.

The Online Volunteer/s will have the opportunity to build connections with the GFCR Secretariat and learn about how research on innovative environmental finance can support resource mobilisation and knowledge building.

Required Skills and Experience

Candidates should demonstrate:

Strong research, analytical, and writing skills;
Experience conducting policy, finance, environmental, development, or academic research;
Background knowledge or experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: sustainable finance, blended finance, environmental finance, biodiversity conservation, ocean or marine policy, climate finance, international development, resource mobilization, strategic partnerships, or multilateral institutions;
Excellent written English and the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise products for professional audiences;
A university degree in environmental studies, economics, finance, international relations, public policy, sustainable development, marine science, or another relevant discipline is considered an asset.