Micronesia Challenge 2020

In 2006, the leaders of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands committed to effectively conserve at least 30% of the near-shore marine resources and 20% of the terrestrial resources across Micronesia by 2020. We now see many of these types of commitments globally but at the time it was made it was, and still is, globally significant as it was a high-level political commitment made by heads of government, and directly addressed the perceived lack of engagement from political leaders in conservation-related efforts across the region.

Micronesia Challenge 2030

During the 24th Micronesia Island Forum in 2019, the Leaders recognized the success in the first 15 years of the Micronesia Challenge and endorsed the new Micronesia Challenge 2030 goals to effectively manage 50% of marine resources, including the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and 30% of terrestrial resources by 2030. The goal now also includes a larger voice for fisheries management, reducing invasive species, restoring habitats, increasing livelihood opportunities and reducing risks to communities from climate impact in Micronesia (See full MC 2030 target language in Appendix A).

About this project

The Global Environment Facility International Waters project titled “Strengthening and Enabling the Micronesia Challenge 2030” builds on the Micronesia Challenge 2030 (MC 2030) conservation, community benefit, and process targets, recognized by MC 2030 partner jurisdictions including the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), Republic of Palau, the U.S. Territory of Guam and the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The project aims to enhance national and regional marine resource management towards the Micronesia Challenge 2030 targets through three Components. The first component focuses on supporting FSM, RMI and Palau as they develop national policies, plans and tools to support national integrated management of marine resources under Micronesia Challenge 2030 targets. The second project component— implemented through the Micronesia Conservation Trust and the Micronesia Challenge Regional Office—aims to strengthen the capacities, communication, and planning to ensure regional coordination of the MC 2030. The third project component focuses on monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management and communication of knowledge products generated through the project, including through IW:LEARN.

Within the scope of Component 2, the second outcome (Outcome 2.2) focuses on confirming public Government commitment for MC 2030 goals. To achieve this outcome, Output 2.2.1 is a MC 2030 Visioning Document endorsed by—at a minimum—the three partner nations. The first step in achieving this output is through Activity 2.2.1.1: “Consultant(s) recruited, stakeholder consultation/validation, and drafting of MC 2030 high-quality visioning publication(s).” The visioning publications—or fundraising resources—are intended to be image-rich, showcasing the rich natural resources of Micronesia along with the people that benefit from them, and aimed to invoke empathy and a call to action for financially supporting the Micronesia Challenge. Development of the fundraising resources will be inspired by engagement with MC jurisdictional leaders. Examples include (but are not limited to) communications briefs, presentation slide decks, and/or video elements. The Strategic Fundraising Consultant will collaborate with an existing Communications Specialist to engage with jurisdictional leads for the MC and produce high- quality fundraising resources for use during and after a significant global convening such as the Convention on Biological Diversity 16th Conference of Parties (CBD COP 16) hosted in Cali, Colombia October 21 – November 1, 2024 (Activity 2.2.1.3).

The Strategic Fundraising Consultant will be responsible for engaging with relevant jurisdictional contacts in an inclusive manner—prioritizing stakeholder consultation and validation—and collaborating with a Communications Specialist to produce fundraising resources that can aid high-level discussions regarding investment in the MC. The fundraising resources will be directly coordinated with updated documents including the MC Sustainable Finance Plan, the MCRO Strategic Action Plan (Activity 2.1.1.3), and the updated MC Communication Plan and products (Activity 2.1.2.2). Additionally an online version of the resources will be made freely available on the MC website, the IW:LEARN website, and other project partner websites.

Scope of Work

This project seeks a Strategic Fundraising Consultant to lead the compilation and production of high-quality fundraising resources that will be utilized by leaders and representatives from the jurisdictions of the Micronesia Challenge at major national, regional, and global events to amplify the profile of the MC and aid in potential fundraising efforts.

The consultant is expected to achieve the following objectives:

1. Develop a detailed work plan specifying the tasks and milestones necessary to achieve the objective(s) of the consultancy within the relevant deadlines.

2. Review all documents pertaining to the MC 2020 (e.g., MC 2020 commitment declaration (Appendix A), MC Sustainable Finance Plan, MC 2020 Evaluation report, national policies for MC 2020, MCRO Strategic Action Plan, MC Communications Plan, and other GEF and non-GEF project evaluations) to develop an understanding of the MC initiative, progress made thus far, and the specific roles of the different stakeholders involved.

3. Ensure alignment with GEF 7 International Waters project implementation guidance. Consistent with the project’s Stakeholder Engagement Plan, facilitate an inclusive co- development process to ensure that the perspectives of all relevant stakeholders are captured and incorporated into the products.2 Consistent with the project’s Gender Action Plan, ensure that gender-sensitive approaches are followed during activities and in reporting on indicators.

4. Work with the relevant points of contact to gain insights for the final products. The points of contact include, for example: Leaders from each MC jurisdiction, Global Environment Facility Operational Focal Points from each national partner, Micronesia Challenge Steering Committee (MCSC), MC Regional Coordinator, GEF 7 IWP Project Manager, National Project Coordinators, as well as other relevant consultants within the scope of this project—specifically the Communications Specialist and the Event Coordinator consultant.

5. Prior to the global convening event (e.g., CBD COP 16), provide detailed recommendations to the MCSC on the production of the Strategic Fundraising Resources and process for compilation and delivery—based on the review and assessment above.

6. Liaise with the Communications Specialist and subcontractors as needed to develop draft products, including but not limited to: printers, editors, or graphic designers.

7. Develop and deliver Fundraising Resources based on the information gathered from the above work. The products must be available in time for planning purposes in advance of regional and global convenings (e.g., CBD COP 16).

8. Ensure support from jurisdictional leads in pursuing the visioning strategy for the MC, particularly through messaging included in the global convening resources (e.g., at CBD COP 16).

9. Attend regional and global convenings as a representative of the Micronesia Challenge 2030 and participate in planning of side events on behalf of the multi-jurisdictional collaboration.

10. Compile and deliver a final progress report to MCT staff, MCSC members, and the GEF 7 IWP Project Manager that details stakeholder engagement processes, feedback from external audiences, and recommendations for future fundraising efforts through a fundraising campaign strategy report (January 2025).

Minimum Qualifications:

•   Bachelor's Degree in natural resources management, environmental sciences, planning, social science or policy (with an emphasis on their application to natural resources), or other related discipline, and seven years’ experience leading programs, agencies, organizations or institutions related to these fields or any equivalent combination of education, experience and training which provides the minimum knowledge, abilities, and skills desired

•  Proven ability to lead a program including visioning, strategic planning, fundraising, office/staff management, budgeting and implementation

• Demonstrated knowledge of financial investment network(s) including philanthropy, global development banks, or public/private partnerships

• Strong written and oral communication skills, including experience and capacity to communicate effectively with Chief Executives/Principals, dignitaries and political officials at high level events

• Proven ability to work effectively with a wide range of people from diverse cultural backgrounds and positions (e.g. government agencies, non-governmental organizations and community groups) with sensitivity and appreciation for the diverse interests and values of others

• Understanding of and relevant experience in at least one of the cultures of the region

•  Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint or

  equivalents

• Willingness to travel frequently throughout Micronesia and potentially in the larger Pacific

  region and to global forums. Flexibility in working schedule, including willingness to work evenings and on weekends.

Coordination

The consultant(s) will work closely with MCT staff, the MC Regional Coordinator (when hired), the GEF IWP Project Manager, and points of contact from each jurisdiction including the National Project Coordinators from RMI, FSM, and Palau. The MCT point of contact and the MC Regional Coordinator—in collaboration with the Project Steering Committee Members and the Project

Manager—will supervise the consultant’s work, progress, and deliverables. The progress will be assessed regularly as agreed upon in the consultancy contract so that any required adaptation can be agreed upon in a timely manner. This assignment is expected to be carried out initially through virtual meetings; however, should the physical presence of the Strategic Fundraising Consultant be required, travel costs, where necessary, will be covered by the Micronesia Conservation Trust.

Projected Timeline and Budget:

• Six-month consultancy with a target duration of August 1st, 2024 — January 30th, 2024. Extension beyond the target close date will be dependent on project timeline and budget.

• The current project budget allows for a Strategic Fundraising Consultancy in the range of $45,000 - $50,000 total (not including travel expenses).

  Deadline and Submission of Proposals

  Interested applicants must submit their proposals to Shirley Ann Pelep (spelep@ourmicronesia.org) and Tamara Greenstone-Alefaio (tgalefaio@ourmicronesia.org) with the subject heading “MC Fundraising Visioning Consultancy.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting on July 15th but are due no later then August 1st, 2024.

  The proposal must include the following:

• A brief proposal outlining the activities, approach and schedule that would be necessary to undertake the consultancy.

•  A detailed budget for the consultancy.

• A detailed CV with information on the experience and competence of the person(s) who will undertake the assignment as well as evidence of working on similar projects.

• Contact details of two references/previous clients that can comment on the applicant’s ability to perform the work.

Please find all the details here: