Qualifications/special skills

• An advanced university degree in environmental sciences or a related discipline is required.
  
• A first-level degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
  
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in organizational development, institutional governance, or strategy consulting is required.
  
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate stakeholder consultations and synthesize diverse viewpoints is required.
  
• Understanding of UN systems, environmental governance, or biodiversity-related frameworks is required.
  
• Proven track record in designing governance frameworks and business models for complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives is required.
  

• Defining institutional hosting arrangements and partnership roles Based on the preferred institutional model identified in Phase I, the consultant will support the detailed design of the institutional hosting and partnership arrangements.
  
• This will include clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the host institution, contributing partners, and coordination mechanisms across the Accelerator. The consultant will help develop supporting documentation such as institutional role descriptions, partnership contribution frameworks and draft Terms of Reference for the host institution and key partnership functions.
  
• Development of structured question frameworks and briefing materials to guide initial discussions with potential host institutions.
  
• Preparation of summary documentation of outcomes from exploratory discussions with potential hosts.
  
• Development of detailed question sets and analytical frameworks to guide in-depth consultations with shortlisted hosting institutions.
  
• Review of relevant institutional documentation and preparation of analytical notes and recommendations related to possible hosting transitions.
  
• Facilitation of consultations and workshops with partners to discuss hosting arrangements and collaboration modalities.
  
• Development of draft collaboration frameworks and cooperation agreements between the host institution and contributing partners.
  
• Participation in relevant meetings and provision of ongoing advisory support to the co-chairs and GCU team.
  
• Developing operational structures and Terms of Reference The consultant will support the preparation of detailed operational documentation required to implement the institutional model.
  
• This includes developing Terms of Reference for key structures and functions (e.g., the Global Coordination Unit, facilitator mechanisms, and other operational components), as well as outlining operational action plans.
  
• The work will also include the preparation of organizational charts, role and responsibility matrices, and supporting guidance to clarify accountability, reporting lines, and coordination processes across the Accelerator.
  
• Prepare a transition plan for the GCU to the new hosts
  
• Development of Terms of Reference for leadership and key secretariat positions,
  
• Support to recruitment-related processes, including the preparation of shortlists of potential candidates.
  
• Preparation of an action plan outlining next steps for leadership transition within the secretariat.
  
• Development of an action plan for potential consolidation or transition to a single physical office, where applicable.
  
• Advisory support for the restructuring of the Global Coordination Unit, in line with the agreed institutional model
  
• Development of updated organizational charts and role matrices clarifying responsibilities, reporting lines, and coordination functions.
  
• Participation in meetings and provision of ongoing advisory support to the co-chairs and GCU team.
  
• Designing and formalizing governance structures Building on the governance analysis conducted in the previous phase, the consultant will support the design and formalization of a simplified and effective governance architecture.
  
• This will include defining the structure, mandates, and membership of governance bodies, clarifying decision-making processes and oversight functions, and developing Terms of Reference for the relevant governance bodies.
  
• The work will aim to ensure that the governance model remains inclusive while improving efficiency, transparency, and strategic direction for the Accelerator.
  
• Preparation of facilitation plans and agendas for Steering Committee meetings and other governance-related meetings, including potential sub-committees.
  
• Development of a Terms of Reference for the Co-Chair role, reflecting lessons learned and evolving governance needs.
  
• Review and adaptation of the Terms of Reference for the Steering Committee to align with the updated governance framework.
  
• Development of Terms of Reference and guidance documents for potential sub-committees or advisory groups where relevant.
  
• Participation in governance meetings and provision of ongoing advisory support to the co-chairs and GCU team.
  
• Each output must be developed through extensive consultation with the GCU, co-chairs, facilitators, host entities and members of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership and aligned with ongoing work on resource mobilization to ensure integration and complementarity.