CONSULTANCY: Global Ecosystems Atlas Implementation Lead (SSA-2026-GEO 5)

Background

The Global Ecosystems Atlas is a collaborative initiative to create a comprehensive and standardised resource on the global distribution, condition and change of ecosystems. Phase 1 (2025–2026) is producing a globally harmonised ecosystem synthesis map aligned with the IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology (GET), integrating national and regional ecosystem classifications.

As Phase 1 nears completion, a priority is transitioning the Atlas into a sustainable long-term operational phase, including maintaining technical integrity, expanding national data contributions, refining methodologies and establishing sustainable staffing and funding arrangements.

In parallel, the initiative is beginning co-design of Phase 2, which will focus on methodologies and implementation pathways for estimating ecosystem condition and change over time. Outcomes from expert workshops will inform a detailed project document to guide future investment and implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the GEO Secretariat Director, the Implementation Lead will undertake the following responsibilities.

1. Phase 1: Stewardship and Operational Sustainability

Lead development of the Phase 1 operating model for the Atlas synthesis map, including governance arrangements, workflows, update cycles and coordination with technical and country partners. Define staffing, resourcing and financial requirements for sustaining operations and support development of funding proposals.

Oversee coordination of the synthesis stream or establish appropriate contractual arrangements to ensure technical integrity and continuity. Lead engagement with governments and national institutions to support integration of national ecosystem maps into the Atlas through cross-referencing to the IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology.

Oversee validation of Atlas-generated maps with participating countries and ensure feedback informs iterative improvements. Provide strategic supervision to the Country Engagement Specialist.

2. Institutional and Scientific Partnerships

Lead engagement with key scientific and practitioner partners (e.g. IUCN, WCS, TNC, Kew) to ensure methodological alignment and coordinated implementation of the Atlas. Engage with Regional and Subregional Technical and Scientific Support Centres (TSSCs) under the Convention on Biological Diversity to strengthen capacity for cross-referencing national ecosystem maps to the IUCN typology. Where resources allow, lead Ecosystem Mapping Accelerators to support countries in strengthening ecosystem mapping capacity.

3. Phase 2 Programme Development

Guide development of scientific workstreams and approaches for estimating ecosystem condition and change through the Phase 2 expert workshop series. Ensure the Phase 2 design builds on lessons and partnerships from Phase 1 and oversee translation of workshop outcomes into an implementation-ready Phase 2 project document.

4. Strategic Representation and External Engagement

Represent the Global Ecosystems Atlas in scientific, policy and technical forums and serve as a spokesperson on programmatic and operational aspects of the initiative. Support donor and partner engagement by providing technical and implementation leadership.

DELIVERABLES

1. Sustainability framework for Phase 1, including an operating model for maintaining the synthesis map, defined staffing and resourcing requirements, estimated funding needs and an operational management plan.

2. Delivery of cross-referenced national ecosystem maps aligned to the IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology, including development of cross-referencing tables.

3. Contributions to country engagement processes validating Atlas-generated ecosystem maps.

4. Pilot collaboration with selected Regional and Subregional Technical and Scientific Support Centres (TSSCs) to support distributed cross-referencing of national ecosystem maps.

5. Contribute to framing materials and outputs for the Phase 2 expert workshop series.

6. Oversight of preparation of an implementation-ready Phase 2 project document suitable for donor submission.

7. Technical contributions to donor and partner engagement materials.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced degree in ecology, ecosystem science, environmental systems, geography, or a closely related field; or

A combination of formal education and equivalent senior professional experience in ecosystem mapping and environmental monitoring.

Experience:

A minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience in ecology or ecosystem science, national biodiversity assessment, ecosystem mapping and/or environmental monitoring;

Demonstrated leadership of complex, multi-stakeholder scientific or policy processes at national or international scale;

Demonstrated experience supporting countries in developing, aligning, or implementing national ecosystem maps;

Experience contributing to ecosystem condition and change assessment methodologies, Red List of Ecosystems processes, or related national-scale biodiversity assessments;

Experience contributing to development of strategic programme frameworks, implementation plans, or funding proposals; Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.

Other Requirements:

Strong expertise in ecology and ecosystem science, including understanding of ecosystem classification systems and familiarity with the IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology;

Demonstrated ability to bridge ecological and ecosystem science with national-scale biodiversity assessment, environmental planning and implementation realities;

Excellent written and verbal communication skills;

Ability to operate effectively in multi-institutional and evolving initiative contexts;

High standards of professional judgement, integrity, and discretion.

Languages:

Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Knowledge of other official languages of WMO would be an advantage.

(Note: The official languages of WMO are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.)

Additional Information:

The consultancy duration is 12 months, start to be determined

Level of pay band: D, Candidates are asked to include a financial proposal as part of their application.

Focal point email for additional information: jobs@geosec.org

Probation

Possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and pending satisfactory performance after an initial probationary period of one year which can be extended up to a maximum of two years.

Applications:

Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system.

Do not send your application via multiple routes. WMO no longer accepts applications via post or email. Only applicants for whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview.

Statements:

WMO is committed to achieving diversity and a balanced workforce. Applications are welcome from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. The statutory retirement age is 65. Pursuant to WMO Standing Instructions, the minimum age to be eligible for consideration for vacant positions is 18, and the maximum age must enable the candidate to serve for at least the term of the contract before reaching mandatory age of separation.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

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