This document serves to provide an overview of the underlying project relevant to the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR), context on Goals of the mandate, as well as an estimated scope of work requested from the consultant. Final details of the mandate should be covered by the subsequent proposal submitted by the consultant.

Global Fund for Coral Reef

Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) is a global blended finance partnership designed to mobilize public, philanthropic, and private capital at scale for the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of coral reef ecosystems. Operating across 22 coral developing nations—with a strong focus on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs)—GFCR blends grants, concessional capital, debt, and equity to drive systemic change through an integrated protect-transform-restore-recover approach.

Building on its operational track record and growing investment pipeline, 2026 marks a strategic moment for GFCR to deepen engagement with governments, financial institutions, reef-dependent industries, and conservation partners through a series of Global Coral Reef convenings aligned with major international ocean and climate forums. These convenings will serve as platforms to (i) showcase investable, reef-positive business models emerging from GFCR support; (ii) advance dialogue on policy, risk-sharing, and blended finance structures for coral reef economies; and (iii) catalyze additional capital commitments toward scalable solutions in sustainable fisheries, tourism, waste and wastewater management, and nature-based coastal protection.

Through its presence at these global moments in 2026, GFCR aims to reinforce its role as a bridge between conservation priorities and investment logic—demonstrating how structured technical assistance, concessional capital, and private investment can be integrated to deliver measurable ecological outcomes alongside durable economic returns, and to position coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure within the broader sustainable ocean economy.

Scope of Work

The Consultant will support in advancing the design of coral finance pathways with a focus on shaping options for a coherent, credible, and scalable global coral finance architecture. The work will be analytical, design-oriented, and consultative, translating complexity into concise, decision-ready outputs suitable for senior leadership, partners, and political processes.

Competencies and Qualifications

The consultant shall have the following competencies and qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, development studies, political science, economics, environmental studies, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the fields above may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree, provided it is combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience.
• At least ten (10) years of senior-level professional experience in development finance, climate or nature finance, blended finance, or related areas, with exposure to global or regional initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience designing, structuring, or advising on global or regional financial instruments, platforms, or financing architectures.
• Strong familiarity with development finance institutions (DFIs), climate funds (including the Green Climate Fund), and multi-stakeholder finance partnerships involving public, philanthropic, and private capital.
• Proven ability to translate complex financial, institutional, and governance considerations into clear, strategic, and decision-ready propositions for senior leadership and political or intergovernmental processes.
• Excellent analytical, drafting, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the capacity to lead consultations, synthesize diverse inputs, and operate effectively with senior-level counterparts in international settings.

How to Apply

To apply for this opportunity, please complete the application form available at the link below and submit the required documents no later than 18th of January 2026 COB. Applications should be sent by email to oneocean@catalyticfinance.org.

Application form – Access the Application Form

Required documents: Curriculum Vitae & Motivation Letter

Please note that interviews are expected to take place between 20th and 22th of January 2026. Only complete applications received by the deadline will be considered.