Mission and objectives

Coral reefs are some of the most biodiverse, ecologically complex, and valuable ecosystems on the planet. Supporting a quarter of marine species globally, reefs provide vital ecosystem services valued at $2.7 trillion annually including food security, coastal protection, and livelihoods for more than one billion people globally. Despite their immense value, coral reefs are Earth’s most endangered ecosystems. Without urgent action and scaled resources, coral reefs could face extinction by 2050 as a result of climate change and local drivers of degradation. The Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) is a blended finance mechanism designed to address the SDG14 funding gap and support implementation of the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework. Taking a science-based approach, this United Nations multi-partner initiative focuses on reducing local drivers of degradation in reef ecosystems that exhibit resilience to climate change (i.e., climate refugia). To facilitate blue economic transition the GFCR, with the support of the Green Climate Fund, incubates and scales investable pipelines that accelerate climate resilience for both marine ecosystems and coastal communities. Investable solutions supported by the Fund include sustainable revenue streams for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), sustainable ocean production (i.e., fisheries and aquaculture), plastic recycling, waste and sewage management, blue carbon credits, as well as sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism. By scaling sustainable revenue streams to save reefs from the brink of extinction, the GFCR supports long-term ocean conservation aims, tackles food insecurity, and mobilises capital for climate adaptation and mitigation.

Context

Recognizing the ocean’s paramount importance to Earth’s ecological balance and humanity’s survival, UNCDF, UNDP and UNEP are jointly developing – through the Global Fund for Coral Reefs – ocean finance mechanisms that seeks to bridge the gap between the current state of ocean stewardship and the urgent need for comprehensive, impactful action.

Task Description

We are looking for 1 Online Volunteers who will support us with the identification and reporting of legal information on ocean finance related subjects.In close collaboration with our the Strategic Engagement Specialist, the Online Volunteer is asked to: – Discuss and define parameters for the identification of the current state of Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) of Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs) under international law and emerging agreements, including within the BBNJ (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) framework; – Determine methodology for analysis of how the proposed access and benefit-sharing framework of MGRs and intellectual property law (IP law) intersect, particularly in the context of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and other industries that rely on genetic resources for commercial applications; – Conduct screening as defined – Report information accordingly This assignment allows the Online Volunteer to connect with UNCDF Nature Asset Team and provides an opportunity to develop and hone their skills and to combat misinformation, contributing to the integrity of online discourse, and promoting accuracy and trustworthiness in information dissemination.

Competencies and values

Living conditions and remarks

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements