CONSULTANCY: Global Ecosystems Atlas Phase 2 Project Design Lead (SSA-2026-GEO 4)

Background

The Global Ecosystems Atlas is a collaborative initiative to develop a comprehensive and standardised resource on the global distribution, condition and change of ecosystems. Convened by GEO with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Atlas supports national reporting, corporate disclosure, private investment, conservation planning and local action, while complementing existing initiatives.

Following completion of the global ecosystem extent layer (Phase 1), the initiative is preparing Phase 2: the blueprint and implementation architecture for measuring ecosystem condition and change at scale. This work will be developed through a series of 3–5 co-design workshops during 2026, supported by expert consultations and intersessional working groups. The objective is to produce a comprehensive, donor-ready implementation Blueprint by the end of 2026 or early 2027.

Duties and Responsibilities

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

1. Blueprint Architecture Design

Develop and refine the overall Phase 2 programme structure, including definition of modular workstreams such as change detection, condition modelling, ecosystem differentiation, data integration, governance and piloting. Identify interdependencies, sequencing and implementation pathways. Ensure alignment with the IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology (Levels 4–6), SEEA Ecosystem Accounting, Global Biodiversity Framework implementation needs and relevant standards or emerging market frameworks.

2. Workshop Integration & Synthesis

Participate in the Phase 2 co-design workshops (3–5 in-person sessions) and capture, structure and integrate outcomes into the evolving programme architecture. Identify gaps, inconsistencies and key assumptions, and conduct targeted expert consultations to refine technical components and validate feasibility, scalability and resource assumptions.

3. Technical & Programmatic Elaboration

Develop detailed descriptions of methodological domains, data and modelling architecture, institutional collaboration structures, governance arrangements, piloting strategies and risk mitigation approaches. Elaborate the programme’s theory of change and implementation logic, including options for phased roll-out.

4. Financial & Operational Structuring

Develop work packages, budget architecture, staffing assumptions, resource mobilisation logic and an overall timeline and milestone structure. Ensure the Blueprint clearly articulates value, measurable outcomes and implementation pathways for donor engagement.

5. Drafting & Delivery

Prepare iterative drafts of the Phase 2 Blueprint, integrating feedback from partners and workshop participants. Deliver a final comprehensive Blueprint including executive summary, technical architecture, governance framework, implementation roadmap, budget framework, partnership model, risk analysis and monitoring and evaluation framework.

DELIVERABLES

1. Programme Architecture Framework: Initial modular structure of the Phase 2 Blueprint defining workstreams, sequencing and interdependencies (after Workshop 1, 2026).

2. Workshop Synthesis Reports (3–5): Structured summaries of each co-design workshop integrating expert inputs into the evolving programme architecture (after each Workshop in 2026).

3. Technical & Methodological Elaboration: Detailed description of methodological domains, data architecture, governance arrangements, piloting strategies and risk mitigation approaches (mid-2026).

4. Financial & Operational Framework: Work packages, budget architecture, staffing assumptions, resource mobilisation logic and milestone structure (Q3 2026).

5. Final Phase 2 Blueprint: Comprehensive donor-ready Blueprint including executive summary, technical architecture, governance framework, implementation roadmap, budget framework, partnership model, risk analysis and monitoring and evaluation framework (end 2026/early 2027).

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD preferred) in environmental science, ecology, geography, earth systems science, economics, public policy, sustainability, data science, or a closely related field; or

A combination of formal education and equivalent senior professional experience in programme design, data infrastructure, or large-scale environmental initiatives.

Experience:

Demonstrated experience designing large-scale environmental or data infrastructure programmes;

Strong understanding of ecological monitoring, nature and carbon metrics, earth observation, or environmental accounting;

Proven ability to develop donor-ready programme documents at multi-million USD scale;

Capacity to synthesise across scientific, technical, policy, and financial domains;

Fluency in engaging senior experts across science, government, multilateral institutions, and business;

Familiarity with relevant frameworks including IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology, SEEA, GBF, and emerging market standards.

Other Requirements:

Strong analytical and synthesis skills, with the ability to integrate inputs across scientific, technical, and institutional domains;

Excellent written communication skills, with experience producing complex programme documents for diverse audiences;

Ability to operate effectively in conditions of ambiguity and to structure work in evolving initiatives;

Ability to work independently while coordinating across distributed, multi-institutional teams;

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, commencement of duty to be determined

Level of pay band: C

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

WMO is committed to achieving diversity and a balanced workforce. Applications are welcome from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. Pursuant to WMO Standing Instructions, consultancies are only applicable to Individuals. Corporate contracts are governed by a separate UN system arrangement and broader procurement modalities.

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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