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.