Deadline: 22-May-2026
The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) is seeking local experts and organisations in the Republic of the Marshall Islands to develop the Country Programme Strategy for its Eighth Operational Phase. The assignment focuses on designing a three-year roadmap for community-led environmental action, conservation, and resilience-building aligned with national and global environmental priorities.
GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) Strategy Development Overview
The GEF Small Grants Programme supports grassroots environmental and sustainable development initiatives worldwide. In the Marshall Islands, it is now commissioning a Country Programme Strategy to guide future grantmaking and community-led environmental work over a three-year period.
The strategy will define priority areas for funding and strengthen the role of civil society and local communities in environmental sustainability and resilience.
Purpose of the Country Programme Strategy
The Country Programme Strategy will serve as a foundational planning document that:
- Guides GEF SGP implementation in the Marshall Islands for three years
- Identifies national environmental and community priorities
- Strengthens pathways for civil society participation in environmental action
- Supports community-driven conservation and resilience initiatives
- Aligns with Global Environment Facility (GEF) and FAO priorities
- Improves coordination of grantmaking and environmental programming
It will be developed through inclusive and participatory consultations.
Key Focus Areas
The strategy development process will address:
- Community-led conservation and environmental protection
- Nature-based solutions for sustainability
- Protection of key landscapes and seascapes
- Climate resilience and adaptation strategies
- Socio-ecological challenges in island communities
- Civil society empowerment and participation
- Multi-stakeholder consultation and engagement
- Participatory development planning
- Alignment with national environmental priorities
- Strengthening local grantmaking systems
Role of the Selected Organisation
The selected organisation or expert team will be responsible for:
- Conducting national and subnational stakeholder consultations
- Identifying priority environmental and community needs
- Analysing existing environmental and socio-ecological data
- Synthesising findings from reports, consultations, and desk reviews
- Developing a structured Country Programme Strategy document
- Supporting participatory and inclusive decision-making processes
- Ensuring alignment with GEF SGP and FAO frameworks
- Facilitating coordination among civil society and community groups
The output will directly shape future environmental funding priorities.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include:
- National non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- Subnational NGOs operating in the Marshall Islands
- Academic institutions
- Research organisations
Applicants must demonstrate strong technical and organisational capacity to deliver complex participatory planning processes.
Required Skills and Expertise
Applicants are expected to demonstrate:
Technical Expertise
- Experience in community-based environmental conservation
- Knowledge of national development and environmental priorities
- Familiarity with GEF-related themes and frameworks
- Experience using landscape and seascape approaches
Analytical Skills
- Ability to conduct desk reviews and policy analysis
- Capacity to synthesise data from consultations and reports
- Strong understanding of socio-ecological systems
Stakeholder Engagement Skills
- Experience managing participatory consultations
- Ability to engage civil society and community-based organisations
- Strong facilitation and coordination skills
- Experience working with international donors such as GEF and FAO
Communication Requirements
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to communicate effectively in Marshallese (highly valued)
- Capacity to present complex findings clearly and accessibly
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Proven experience in community-led development processes
- Understanding of environmental challenges in the Marshall Islands
- Track record in participatory planning and consultation
- Technical expertise in environmental or socio-ecological fields
- Ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder engagement
- Prior experience with international development partners
- Communication and facilitation capabilities
Why This Opportunity Matters
This initiative is important because it:
- Shapes future environmental funding priorities in the Marshall Islands
- Strengthens community participation in environmental governance
- Supports climate resilience in vulnerable island ecosystems
- Promotes sustainable management of land and marine resources
- Enhances local capacity for conservation planning
- Aligns local action with global environmental frameworks
- Builds long-term systems for community-led development
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applications may be weak if they:
- Lack experience in community-based environmental work
- Do not demonstrate understanding of GEF or FAO frameworks
- Fail to show participatory consultation experience
- Ignore socio-ecological challenges specific to island contexts
- Lack evidence of analytical or strategy development skills
- Do not include communication capacity in local language (Marshallese)
- Rely on generic environmental expertise without local relevance
Tips for a Strong Application
- Highlight direct experience in community-led conservation projects
- Demonstrate familiarity with Marshall Islands environmental issues
- Provide examples of participatory planning or consultation work
- Show strong analytical and synthesis capabilities
- Emphasise experience working with international donors
- Include evidence of stakeholder coordination success
- Demonstrate ability to integrate scientific and community knowledge
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this opportunity?
To develop a three-year Country Programme Strategy for GEF Small Grants Programme implementation in the Marshall Islands.
Who can apply?
Local NGOs, subnational organisations, academic institutions, and research bodies in the Marshall Islands.
What is the main focus of the strategy?
Community-led conservation, resilience, and environmental sustainability.
What skills are required?
Stakeholder engagement, environmental analysis, participatory planning, and strong communication skills.
Is experience with international organisations required?
Not mandatory, but experience with GEF or FAO is an advantage.
Is local language ability important?
Yes, communication in Marshallese is highly valued.
What will the selected organisation produce?
A structured Country Programme Strategy guiding environmental grantmaking and community action.
Conclusion
The GEF Small Grants Programme Country Programme Strategy assignment in the Marshall Islands is a key opportunity to shape national environmental priorities through community-led planning. By combining participatory consultation, technical analysis, and local expertise, the initiative aims to strengthen resilience, conservation, and sustainable development across island communities.
For more information, visit FAO Pacific.