GBIF seeks consultant for Data4Nature initiative (closed)

The GBIF Secretariat seeks applications from consultants to define the framework of the Data4Nature initiative on leveraging publication of open biodiversity data through development finance. The contractor will work for the GBIF Secretariat and work directly with development banks and agencies, GBIF nodes and other relevant stakeholders including environmental consultancy companies and agency clients to produce an implementation plan for the initiative that would include:

• Analysis of stakeholder landscape and how the Data4Nature initiative intersects with their work and contacts within those organizations
• Proposed governance and funding model
• Programme short term and mid-term priorities
• Analysis of capacity needs
• Communication and engagement strategy
• Piloting of processes/demonstration activities
• Presentation at relevant meetings including the CBD COP-16

Background

Data4Nature is an initiative to encourage the sharing of biodiversity data generated by development projects, via GBIF. The initiative has been co-developed by GBIF and the Agence Française du Développement (AFD) and is referenced in Decision 15/16 on Knowledge Management, adopted at the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Conference of Parties (COP) 15 in December 2022 in Montreal.

The initiative aims to work closely with development agencies and their clients to ensure the successful adoption of biodiversity data sharing to GBIF from projects funded or financed by these agencies. The initiative aims to increase buy-in across a diverse range of development actors as well as supporting those collecting the data through leveraging the capacity within GBIF´s community.

GBIF aims for an official launch of the initiative ahead of the CBD COP-16 meeting in Colombia in October 2024, and requires a blueprint for the initiative that will cover the governance, funding model, capacity needs and engagement opportunities in the two years following the launch.

The ideal contractor would have:

• Experience of the environmental impact assessment process, biodiversity data sharing by business, or working with development agencies on biodiversity-related projects
• Understanding of the role and mission of GBIF
• Proactive approach to interested parties in the development of the initiative
• Experience with writing and publishing reports

Deadline for proposal submission: 5 February 2024 09:00 CET (UTC+1)
Expected start of contract: 1 March 2024
Duration of the contract: 8 months
Delivery of first draft of report: 3 June 2024
Delivery of final draft: 30 September 2024

Location

It is expected that the work is carried out at the home base of the selected candidate working directly with the GBIF Secretariat, development banks and agencies, GBIF nodes and other relevant stakeholders including environmental consultancy companies and agency clients.

Fee

The contract is paid by a fee of €35,000 from the GBIF Secretariat in three installments.

Application procedure

Applications should be in English and include:

1. A full CV or similar
2. An outline of the approach that you will take
3. Examples and other means of demonstration of your fit to the task where you led or actively participated in the past five years that are relevant to this proposal.

Submit your proposal to info@gbif.org by 5 February 2024 09:00 CET (UTC+1).

Questions concerning the contract can be addressed to Andrew Rodrigues, Data Partnerships Officer.