Mission and objectivesCoral 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 Earthโs 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.
ContextThe Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) is the first and only blended finance mechanism dedicated to the resilience of coral reef ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. Operating at the intersection of ocean conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development, GFCR brings together public, philanthropic, and private capital to drive systemic solutions in some of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world. As GFCR expands its partnerships and engagement across regions and sectors, strategic mapping and analysis of key stakeholders, initiatives, and opportunities has become essential. This assignment will support the GFCR Secretariat in strengthening its strategic engagement efforts by identifying, organizing, and analyzing relevant actorsโincluding governments, philanthropies, multilateral institutions, private sector entities, and technical partnersโthat align with the Fundโs mission and programming goals. The Online Volunteers will contribute to a broader effort to enhance coordination, identify opportunities for collaboration, and build a more comprehensive and targeted engagement strategy ahead of major global milestones.
Task DescriptionWe are looking for 2 Online Volunteers to support us with strategic engagement mapping and analysis. In close collaboration with our UN GFCR Global Team Strategic Engagement Lead, the Online Volunteers are asked to: Collaborate to define key parameters for identifying relevant stakeholders, platforms, and engagement opportunities Support the development of a methodology for stakeholder mapping, engagement tracking, and analysis Conduct desk research and review public sources to identify stakeholders, events, and initiatives aligned with our focus areas Populate and maintain a stakeholder engagement tracker, ensuring accuracy and relevance of entries This assignment allows Online Volunteers to work closely with the UN GFCR Global Team, helping to strengthen our strategic engagement efforts while gaining valuable experience in stakeholder mapping, multilateral coordination, and strategic communications.
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