Job Opportunities

Terms of Reference for
Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund)

Assistant for the MAR Fund Small Grants Program

Background:
The Cayman Trench, also known as the Cayman Trough, is a deep-sea trench in the Caribbean Sea. It plays a crucial role in marine biodiversity due to its:

• Unique geological features: It is the deepest part of the Caribbean Sea, with depths reaching over 7,500 meters. This extreme depth creates a range of habitats from shallow coral reefs to deep-sea ecosystems. The trench is home to hydrothermal vent systems, particularly at the Mid-Cayman Rise. These vents release mineral-rich water that supports unique biological communities adapted to extreme conditions.
• Diverse marine habitats: The shallower regions of the Cayman Trench support extensive coral reefs, which are home to a wide variety of fish, invertebrates, and other marine life. The trench’s depth and varying conditions foster diverse deep-sea habitats, including abyssal plains and seamounts, which are often less explored and understood but vital for global biodiversity.
• Species richness: The unique environmental conditions of the Cayman Trench support species that are not found anywhere else. Hydrothermal vents, for instance, host endemic species of bacteria, tube worms, and other organisms that rely on chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis.
• Migratory species: The trench and surrounding waters serve as important migratory routes for large marine species such as whales, sharks, and sea turtles.
• Ecological functions: The trench plays a role in global nutrient cycling. Hydrothermal vents contribute to the distribution of minerals and chemicals in the ocean, which can influence marine productivity. Deep-sea environments like the Cayman Trench are important for carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change by storing carbon in the deep ocean.
• Scientific research and discovery: The unique ecosystems of the Cayman Trench provide opportunities for scientific research, particularly in understanding life under extreme conditions and the adaptations of deep-sea organisms. Organisms found in the trench, especially those around hydrothermal vents, are of interest for biotechnological applications, such as enzymes that can function under high temperatures and pressures.
• Conservation importance: The unique and often fragile ecosystems of the Cayman Trench are vulnerable to human activities such as deep-sea mining, overfishing, and climate change. Conservation efforts are essential to protect these habitats and their biodiversity. The trench’s biodiversity significance encourages international collaboration for conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, contributing to global efforts in marine conservation.

Protecting this area is crucial for maintaining marine biodiversity and the health of the global ocean ecosystem. Understanding and mapping current and past conservation initiatives in this region is essential for coordinating efforts, identifying gaps, and enhancing the effectiveness of conservation strategies.

Objective
The primary objective of this consultancy is to map and analyze past and on-going conservation initiatives around the Cayman Trench. The consultant will identify research carried out in the region, key stakeholders, ongoing projects, funding sources, and conservation outcomes, as well as identified research and conservation gaps. This will provide a comprehensive overview of conservation efforts in the region and support the development of coordinated and strategic conservation planning.

Scope of work
The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Conduct a comprehensive literature review of past and ongoing conservation initiatives, research, and reports related to the Cayman Trench.
2. Identify main threats and root causes to the Cayman Trench’s ecosystems and species.
3. Identify and map key stakeholders involved in conservation efforts, including governmental organizations, UN, Cartagena Convention Secretariat, and/or regional collaboration bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic institutions, and community groups.
4. Identify diplomatic limitations/opportunities derived from the multinational character of the possible intervention of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) and the Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund) in the Cayman Trench. (e.g. Countries involved, Belize-Guatemala pending marine border definition, Cayman Islands as a self-governing British Overseas Territory, US-Cuba investment limitations, regional treaties, etc.)
5. Develop a database of ongoing conservation projects, detailing their objectives, funding sources, political supporters, geographic scope, timelines, and outcomes.
6. Analyze the effectiveness and impact of past and existing conservation initiatives, identifying best practices and areas for improvement.
7. Identify gaps in research needs and current conservation efforts and recommend strategies to address these gaps.
8. Develop detailed maps and visualizations of conservation initiatives around the Cayman Trench.
9. Prepare a comprehensive report summarizing findings, including recommendations for future research, opportunities for conservation efforts and potential niches for MAR Fund and CBF collaboration in the region.

Deliverables
The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

• An inception report outlining the methodology, work plan, and timeline for the consultancy.
• A database of existing conservation initiatives and stakeholders.
• Detailed maps and visualizations of conservation initiatives around the Cayman Trench.
• A comprehensive final report summarizing findings, including analysis, recommendations, and potential areas for collaboration and by which partners.
• A Power Point presentation of the final report.

Duration

• The consultancy is expected to be completed within three months from the start date.

Reporting
The consultancy will be implemented as desk-based work. Regular progress updates will be provided monthly. Follow up will be provided by CBF and MAR Fund, who will approve deliverables.

Confidentiality and copyright

Confidentiality
The consultant commits to carrying out the assigned tasks with the highest standards and ethical considerations. The contractor(s) reserve the right to instruct the consultant on the information that must be treated with confidentiality.

Copyright
The contractor(s) hold the copyright to the products generated through this consultancy.

Payments
Payments will be made upon approval of the following milestones:

• 30% after signature of agreement and presentation of work calendar.
• 40% on the completion of the mapping.
• 30% on the completion the final report.

Qualifications
The required qualifications for this service include:

1. Advanced degree in environmental science, marine biology, geography, or a related field.
2. Knowledge of and experience in the Caribbean and the Cayman Trench are desirable assets.
3. Proven experience in mapping and analyzing conservation initiatives, particularly in marine environments.
4. Strong research and analytical skills.
5. Proficiency in geographic information systems (GIS) and other mapping tools.
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
7. Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.

Application process
Interested consultants are invited to submit the following:

1. A detailed proposal outlining their approach to the consultancy, including methodology, work plan, and timeline.
2. A financial proposal including the consultant’s fee and any other anticipated expenses.
3. Curriculum vitae of the consultant and any team members, highlighting relevant experience.
4. Examples of previous work related to mapping and conservation initiatives.

Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Understanding of the assignment and proposed methodology.
2. Relevant experience and qualifications.
3. Feasibility of the work plan and timeline.
4. Cost-effectiveness of the financial proposal.

Deadline
All applications must be submitted by April 18th, 2026, to lsoto@marfund.org and procurement@caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org. For any inquiries or further information, please contact: lsoto@marfund.org

Terms of Reference for
Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund)

Assistant for the MAR Fund Small Grants Program

1. Introduction
The Mesoamerican Reef Fund Inc. (MAR Fund) is a regional environmental fund whose main objective is to protect the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) ecoregion shared by Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Its mission is to seek, secure and facilitate regional funding, foster partnerships and drive capacity building for the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of marine and coastal ecosystems in the MAR region.

MAR Fund was established by four pre-existing environmental funds, one in each country of the region: Fondo Mexicano para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (México), Protected Areas Conservation Trust (Belice), Fundación para la Conservación de los Recursos Naturales y Ambiente (Guatemala), and Fundación Biosfera (Honduras).

MAR Fund is incorporated in the United States as a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Although it is legally registered outside the region, its purpose is to finance conservation and sustainable development actions in the four countries sharing the MAR ecoregion: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Since 2015, it has maintained a branch office established in Guatemala, where the coordinating office is located.

MAR Fund carries out its activities through six programs: 1) Saving Our Protected Areas, 2) Fishing for the Future, 3) Climate Change, 4) Belize Marine Fund, 5) Clean Water for the Reef, y 6) Blue and Regenerative Economy. Additionally, it supports and coordinates regional networks such as the Connectivity Network, the Reef Restoration Network, and the Fish Spawning Aggregation Sites Network.

The MAR Fund Small Grants Program (SGP) is one of its longest-standing and most flexible funding mechanisms. Thanks to its adaptability to regional challenges and threats, the SGP has supported strategic projects linked to all of the organization’s programs. The SGP is currently financed through endowment fund returns provided by German Cooperation through KfW and the French Global Environment Facility (FFEM), as well as programmatic funds from the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation. These resources have made it possible to promote local initiatives that, among other things, contribute to the protection of priority marine and coastal areas and the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources.

The SGP has two financial windows: 1) The Traditional window, which focuses on contributing to the conservation of MAR ecosystem functions and resilience; and 2) The Reef Rescue Initiative (RRI) window, which aims to support the restoration, repopulation, and rehabilitation of coral reefs in the MAR. Once a year, governmental and non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and organized community groups from the four countries of the MAR region have the opportunity to submit proposals addressing one or more of the specific objectives established in each request for proposals (RfP).

Since 2006, MAR Fund has launched 18 RfP, through which 159 projects have been supported and implemented by more than 40 civil society organizations, academic institutions, and government sector entities across the four countries of the region. Additional information about this program is available at: https://marfund.org/

2. General Objective
To strengthen and comprehensively support the Small Grants Program (SGP) team, ensuring efficient operations and effective technical, administrative, and compliance management that guarantee the proper implementation, monitoring, and reporting of funded activities and projects (Traditional and RA windows), in accordance with MAR Fund standards and guidelines.

3. Contract Responsibilities

• Support the preparation of the draft Terms of Reference for the annual RfP -to be approved by the Board of Directors- and its launch.
• Support the receipt and review process of proposals submitted during the annual RfP.
• Apply MAR Fund’s Project Cycle and Due Diligence Guide during the proposal review process and throughout project follow-up and monitoring.
• Apply MAR Fund’s Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) and collaborate with the ESMS technical assistant to ensure that projects funded through the SGP windows comply with established environmental and social commitments.
• Support the preparation of Environmental and Social Action Plans (ESAPs) and grant agreements (GA) for approved proposals.
• Closely follow up on ESAP implementation for approved projects, including sending reminders regarding complaint and incident reports and reviewing deliverables during activity implementation.

You can find the full list of responsibilities for this position in the complete Terms of Reference. – Click here

4. Supervision
The Small Grants Program Assistant will report directly to the Small Grants Program Officer.

5. Contract Duration
Full-time position. The contract will have a duration of 12 months, subject to renewal based on evaluation, with a three-month probation period.

6. Payments
Fees will be determined according to the consultant’s experience. Payment, including applicable taxes, will be made monthly upon invoice. Travel expenses for activities related to MAR Fund will be covered. The contract will include health and life insurance during its term.

7. Work Location
The consultant will work remotely and must reside in one of the main cities of Quintana Roo, Mexico.

8. Qualifications and Attributes

• Proven experience in the design, evaluation, and management of environmental and conservation projects.
• Experience in reviewing financial and technical reports.
• Academic background or experience in conservation or environmental sciences; knowledge of
• coastal and marine resource management and protected areas is desirable.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to meet established deadlines.
• Experience in communication and collaborative work skills.
• Experience working in the MAR region is desirable.
• Experience in environmental and social safeguards is desirable.
• Experience in different types of fundraising (philanthropic, commercial, among others) is desirable.
• Ability to represent MAR Fund with professionalism, discretion, and diplomacy, and to speak credibly and authoritatively about the SGP and MAR Fund.
• Action-oriented; ability to act and respond as necessary, even with limited information.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve internal and external challenges, propose solutions, and identify and leverage opportunities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish, with the ability to produce high-quality technical documents in both languages.
• Ability to work as part of a team, with excellent interpersonal skills, good sense of humor, self- awareness, openness to feedback, and a spirit of service.
• Availability to travel within the MAR region.

9. Required Documentation

• Curriculum Vitae (full version in English and Spanish), including a recent photograph.
• Three professional references (name, organization, and email address).
• Letter indicating why you are the best candidate for the position (in English and Spanish).

10. Deadline and Contact
The deadline to receive the required information in Word or PDF format is April 7, 2026.

Please send it to the MAR Fund Small Grants Program Officer, Elisa Blanda, at eblanda@marfund.org.

11. Considerations

• MAR Fund is an organization committed to equity and diversity in the workplace. Our employment policy ensures that all decisions—from recruitment to professional development—are based on merit and individual qualifications. We have a zero-tolerance policy on any form of discrimination or harassment. As an organization working toward the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of marine and coastal ecosystems in the Mesoamerican Reef, we seek to integrate diverse perspectives and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and sectors to strengthen our mission.
• Applicants must assume all costs associated with the preparation and submission of proposals to MAR Fund under this call. They acknowledge that MAR Fund has no obligation to cover such costs —whether in whole or in part— nor to provide any advance or compensation if their proposal(s) are not selected.
• Applicants acknowledge and accept that the preparation of proposal(s) does not constitute a financial obligation on the part of MAR Fund; therefore, the economic and financial responsibility for preparing the proposal(s) rests exclusively with the applicant(s), regardless of the outcome of the selection process.
• The selection process will be conducted in accordance with MAR Fund’s internal evaluation guidelines, and the outcome will be final and non-appealable.
• Only applicants advancing to the next stage of the selection process will be contacted, and due to the number of applications, MAR Fund will not provide feedback to applicants.