About the Climate Finance Capacity Support Programme
DT Global delivers the Capacity Support Programme for MFAT. The scope of this programme is quite broad as it aims to be responsive to the needs of Pacific Island countries. It includes providing personnel or training to assist with:
Delivering and reporting on the flexible finance provided by MFAT;
Developing/updating national climate change plans and reporting frameworks;
Developing an investment-ready pipeline of projects;
Delivering climate change priorities;
Improving climate finance reporting; and
Accessing a broader range of climate funding.
For more information, please see www.cfcsp.org.nz
About the Role
The objective of this assignment is to provide rapid, decision‑ready assessments of priority terrestrial (forests, wetlands, mangroves) and marine ecosystems (field validation focused on coral reefs, but desktop assessment including wider marine ecosystems such as seagrass and lagoon habitats) in the Cook Islands, and to identify feasible, near‑term Nature‑Based Solutions (NbS) and restoration interventions that CCCI can progress within the next 12–24 months.
The assignment will provide high‑level, indicative insights into carbon‑related ecosystem functions e.g., relative carbon storage potential, sequestration relevance, or qualitative ranking of sites using existing national/regional datasets, proxy indicators, and published literature supplemented with targeted field validation at priority sites agreed with CCCI. No new quantitative carbon stock or sequestration measurements are required.
Detailed quantification of carbon stocks and sequestration rates (e.g., biomass inventory, soil carbon sampling, reef carbonate production measurements) may be undertaken in subsequent design phases of priority NbS interventions.
The consultancy team, comprising a Terrestrial Ecology and NbS Specialist and a Marine Ecosystem and Restoration Specialist, will deliver rapid ecosystem diagnostics, high‑level carbon potential scoping, and an options paper presenting practical, costed, and context‑appropriate NbS pathways for the Cook Islands.
Selection Criteria
Consultant Qualifications and team composition
The successful firm (single entity or consortium) will demonstrate:
Experience conducting rapid terrestrial and/or marine ecosystem assessments in Pacific Island Countries.
Proven ability to design and evaluate Nature‑based Solutions (NbS) for climate mitigation/adaptation.
Strong stakeholder engagement capability, including work with traditional leaders, landowners, and community groups.
Experience working with national/regional spatial datasets and environmental information systems.
Ability to integrate climate resilience, cultural considerations, and social inclusion into technical analyses.
Key Personnel
The firm may propose additional support team members as required (e.g., GIS analysts, junior ecologists, technical writers). However, most of the analytical and field work is expected to be delivered by two senior specialists:
Terrestrial Ecology and NbS Specialist
Advanced degree in forestry, ecology, environmental science, or related field.
7+ years’ experience in terrestrial ecosystem assessment (forests, wetlands, mangroves).
Ability to interpret existing carbon‑related ecosystem data (no new carbon measurements required).
Demonstrated experience assessing feasibility of terrestrial NbS.
Experience in Pacific/SIDS contexts
Marine Ecosystem and Restoration Specialist
Advanced degree in marine ecology, marine biology, coastal management, or related field.
~7+ years’ experience in coral reef assessment and rapid reef diagnostics.
Ability to interpret high‑level ecosystem service insights (resilience, coastal protection).
Experience assessing feasibility of reef‑based NbS or restoration options.
Experience in Pacific/SIDS contexts
Shared Competencies
Strong analytical and technical writing skills.
Experience engaging with communities and government stakeholders.
Ability to conduct rapid field observations and work with existing datasets.
Ability to work collaboratively under tight timelines.
Additional optional/part‑time roles (as needed):
GIS & Spatial Data Specialist (national or international)
Community Engagement / Local Liaison Coordinator (national)
Please refer to this link to access the Full Terms of Reference: https://tinyurl.com/3sb5sswn
How to Apply
Interested consulting firms are invited to submit a full proposal that includes the following components:
1. Technical Proposal
A clear description of the proposed approach and methodology, demonstrating understanding of the assignment and its context.
A detailed work plan and timeline, aligned to the deliverables and mobilisation period.
A breakdown of the proposed team, detailing roles, relevant experience, and expected number of days for each team member.
Travel day limits are specified for planning. Bidders must propose total input days by role (home‑based + field), with justification linked to the workplan and deliverables
2. Financial Proposal
Daily rates for all personnel, consistent with the proposed team structure.
A milestone‑based payment schedule, aligned to the deliverables outlined in the TOR.
Estimated travel costs, including the expected travel to Aitutaki and Rarotonga (please note all flights are economy)
3. Organisational Qualifications
A brief profile of the consulting firm (or consortium), outlining relevant experience in rapid ecosystem assessment, carbon storage, and potential, NbS design, and climate resilience.
Examples of similar assignments completed in comparable contexts.
Submission
Proposals should be submitted electronically in PDF format. Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for clarification or invited to participate in further discussions.
Please submit your details via the “APPLY” button.
Applications close on Monday,13 April 2026, 11:59 pm (Fiji Time).
We embrace and support applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities and we welcome applications from Kiribati nationals or individuals with the right to work in Kiribati.
Should this role be of interest, we encourage to you to send your submission as soon as possible. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
About DT Global Asia Pacific
At DT Global Asia Pacific, we aim to positively impact people’s lives through delivery excellence. As a leading implementing partner across Asia and the Pacific, we co-create locally led solutions in partnership with governments, communities, and stakeholders. We bring together talented teams and deep regional expertise to deliver initiatives that promote inclusive economic growth, essential services, and resilient, secure communities. With over 1,500 staff, experts in 22+ countries and more than 60 years of development experience, we tackle complex community, national and transnational challenges- from governance and justice systems to climate resilience, infrastructure and social equity- with innovative thinking and a commitment to long-term impact.
For more information, please see www.dt-global.com
DT Global is committed to child protection and safeguarding the welfare of children in the delivery of our international development programs. We are committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and bribery prevention. DT Global is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply. This program is funded by the New Zealand Government and Managed by DT Global.