Call for Experts: DRRS OECS / Grenada (Q1-Q2 2026)

Context
The Eastern Caribbean’s coastal zones are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and intensified storm surges, which threaten ecosystems, infrastructure, and livelihoods. In particular, hurricane intensity in the region has increased by over 10% in the past decade, with some shorelines experiencing coastal erosion rates of 1–2 meters per year.

To address these climate impacts, the Commission of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is seeking ways to enhance resilience, with a focus on adaptation strategies. A key barrier to effective decision-making has been the fragmentation of data systems and the uneven technical capacity across Member States. These challenges have impeded the ability to make timely, evidence-based decisions for Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM).

Aim of the intervention
To address these gaps, the OECS Commission has requested technical assistance to develop a functional prototype for a Digital Earth Caribbean (DEC) platform for Grenada. Based on the conducted desk study (attached), and in line with the priorities expressed by the OECS Commission and the Government of Grenada, this DRRS intervention will include the following key activities:

• The first step in the assignment will be a user requirement analysis, where a needs assessment will be conducted to define the specific disaster risk management (DRM) features. This will focus on at least one DRM feature, such as shoreline changes or flooding, with plans to expand to additional features in future phases. The analysis will emphasize the decision-making processes to demonstrate the value of the project to both the OECS and third-party stakeholders. To minimize reliance on commercial data, the analysis will target areas where existing data is available, and will also include a data gap analysis. Future expansion will be considered in areas where more data can be gathered or where additional features are needed.
• In parallel, an enabling environment assessment will be conducted, ensuring active commitment and support from members and users. A business case assessment will evaluate the potential for generating commercial revenue and will identify funding sources to support the scaling up and hosting of the DEC platform. This assessment will also include a review of the existing governance and institutional arrangements to ensure effective collaboration and coordination among the various stakeholders involved. Additionally, the available capacity, such as skills, resources, and infrastructure, will be evaluated to determine what is needed for the successful implementation of a DEC platform.
• Next, the proof-of-concept (PoC) development will focus on integrating available datasets such as satellite imagery, shoreline change records, and hazard maps into the DEC platform prototype. AI-driven analytics will be applied to generate insights for the selected DRM feature, such as coastal erosion or flooding, to create a functional prototype. This prototype will be designed to showcase the platform’s capabilities, and it will be made accessible to stakeholders for at least 18 months at no cost. Furthermore, the PoC will be developed in a way that allows it to be hosted and maintained locally by any qualified technical or IT consultant, with a preference for an open-source approach or at least as open-source as possible.
• Finally, a final report will be delivered that outlines the roadmap for scaling up the DEC prototype. The report will include strategic recommendations for governance, funding, and operational strategies, providing clear guidance for the next steps to ensure the platform’s growth, expansion, and long-term sustainability.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the context, please refer to the conducted DRRS desk study and the Terms of Reference below.

Required expertise
A preferred candidate for the team lead role has been identified and recruited during the scoping phase. An local liaison has also been appointed by the OECS Commission. To complete the DRRS team for OECS/Grenada, we are now seeking the following expertise:

• Institutional & Financial Expert – This expert will bring extensive experience in assessing institutional and governance structures, developing business cases, and identifying financial mechanisms and funding strategies for the implementation and scale up of a Digital Earth Caribbean (DEC) platform. They will focus on creating a solid foundation for the DEC’s long-term financial viability and ensure the platform’s integration into existing institutional frameworks.

• Data Science & GIS Expert – This expert will have a solid background in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data integration, and AI-driven analytics, with specialized expertise in geospatial data modeling and analysis. They will play a critical role in developing the Proof-of-Concept (PoC) for the DEC platform, using their technical skills to integrate complex datasets and build a functional prototype. Prior experience in building similar platforms, particularly those focused on disaster risk management and climate adaptation, is essential for this role.

  All experts should be: 

• Experienced in navigating complex governance systems and acting as a key focal point for the DRRS coordination team;
• Strong capacity to provide constructive feedback on local plans, offer alternatives, and present high-quality advice to officials;
• Excellent communication, presentation, and reporting skills in English, with a proven track record in coordinating reporting and ensuring effective delivery of recommendations;
• Familiar with working with International Financial Institutions (IFIs), a valuable asset for every role.

All experts should preferably have work experience in the Caribbean and a strong understanding of the SIDS context, particularly in terms of governance and institutional settings. 

Planning
This assignment is scheduled to be carried out in Q1 and Q2 of 2026. The maximum number of working days depends on the role for this assignment and ranges from approximately 15 to 40 working days. Please refer to the attached Terms of Reference for more information.

Interested?
Interested? Please send the following to drrs@rvo.nl by Monday, January 12, 2026 noon CEST at the latest:

1. an updated CV
2. a brief motivation letter
3. a 1-2 pager with a plan of approach incl. estimated timeframe

We strongly encourage a diverse set of candidates to apply, as we are committed to fostering gender diversity and inclusion in DRRS. Moreover, we stimulate national experts to become part of our database and to apply for vacancies. Please visit our website and become part of our network.

At RVO we are fully committed to creating a safe and respectful work environment. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment (PSEAH). All deployees/experts must adhere to the Code of Conduct, which outlines ethical standards and behaviors expected within our organization. Successful candidates will be required to uphold these principles and participate in mandatory PSEAH and CoC training as part of their onboarding process.