Project Design Consultant - Global Ecosystems Atlas Phase 2

The Project Design Consultant will support the Global Ecosystems Atlas initiative by developing a comprehensive, donor-ready implementation blueprint for Phase 2. The role involves synthesizing scientific, technical, institutional, and financial inputs to produce a technically robust and fundable program design document.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine the overall Phase 2 programme structure.
• Define modular workstreams such as change detection, condition modelling, ecosystem-type differentiation, data integration, governance, and piloting.
• Identify interdependencies, sequencing, and implementation pathways.
• Ensure alignment with IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology (Levels 4–6), SEEA Ecosystem Accounting, GBF implementation needs, and relevant private sector standards and market frameworks.
• Participate in workshops (1-2 in-person sessions) to capture, structure, and integrate outcomes into the evolving programme architecture.
• Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and unresolved assumptions.
• Conduct expert elicitation to refine technical components and validate feasibility, scalability, and resource assumptions.
• Develop detailed descriptions of methodological domains, data and modelling architecture, institutional collaboration structures, governance arrangements, piloting strategies, and risk mitigation approaches.
• Elaborate theory of change and implementation logic.
• Define phased roll-out options (geographic, ecosystem-based, or hybrid).
• Develop work packages, budget architecture, staffing assumptions, resource mobilisation logic, and timeline and milestone structure.
• Ensure the Blueprint is donor-ready, including a clear value proposition, framework budget and measurable outcomes.
• Produce iterative drafts of the Blueprint document and integrate feedback from partners and workshop participants.
• Deliver the final comprehensive Phase 2 Blueprint including executive summary, technical architecture, governance framework, implementation roadmap, budget framework, partnership model, risk analysis, and monitoring & evaluation framework.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Native or excellent command of English (written and spoken).

Skills

• Programme Design
• Data Infrastructure
• Environmental Sciences
• Ecological Monitoring
• Nature and Carbon Metrics
• Earth Observation
• Environmental Accounting
• Donor-ready Programme Documents
• Scientific Synthesis
• Technical Synthesis
• Policy Synthesis
• Financial Synthesis
• Stakeholder Engagement
• IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology
• SEEA Framework
• GBF Framework
• Analytical Skills
• Written Communication
• Independent Work
• Multi-institutional Coordination

Languages

English