GEO BON is soliciting offers to host the GEO BON Secretariat
The Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) is a global network that connects biodiversity observation initiatives, organizations, and scientists to support coordinated biodiversity monitoring and reporting worldwide. It supports the monitoring of biodiversity change through the coordination and collaboration among biodiversity observation networks, the generation of Essential Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service Variables, and the development of indicators, scenarios and various information services, making them readily available to all users. GEO BON provides the framework, tools, and partnerships needed to advance biodiversity monitoring science and deliver policy-relevant biodiversity information to global processes such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
The GEO BON Secretariat plays a central role in coordinating and supporting a network of >4,000 members across 161 countries, facilitating communications among members, managing operations, and ensuring alignment with GEO priorities, global frameworks, and regional, national, and sub-national biodiversity monitoring initiatives.
The current Secretariat’s hosting term at McGill University, Montreal, Canada, is approaching completion. GEO BON is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from institutions interested in hosting the GEO BON Secretariat for its next phase (expected to start 2026-2027; ratify after 3 years; duration of two renewed 3-year terms, or up to 6 years total).
GEO BON encourages EOIs that promote long-term stability, inclusivity and global reach. Proposals may include permanent or long-term Secretariat arrangements, distributed or multi-node models, joint institutional hosting, and innovative approaches that strengthen GEO BON’s science-policy impact and engagement across regions.
Host institutions are expected to support one GEO BON co-chair for a minimum of one term (3 years). However, alternative hosting arrangements and co-chair rotations may be considered where appropriate.
The role of the GEO BON Secretariat is to provide the core organizational structure for GEO BON to carry out its activities, including but not limited to:
- Management of day-to-day GEO BON activities
- Host one GEO BON co-chair and secretariat staff (Executive Secretary, Science Officer, Communication Officer etc.)
- Support, connect and expand the GEO BON network, its BONs, working groups, and task forces, including coordinating, updating and implementing its Strategic Plan
- Connect GEO BON members with diverse partners, including governments, institutions, researchers and practitioners under a coherent system, including towards a Global Biodiversity Observing System (GBiOS)
- Plan and schedule meetings, workshops and webinars
- Maintain the GEO BON website
- Manage communications and outreach
Purpose of the call
This call seeks to identify institutions capable of providing strategic, logistical, and operational support to GEO BON’s mission. The selected host(s) will provide a permanent host, or stable institutional home for the Secretariat for up to six years.
Scope of hosting
The host is expected to:
- Provide administrative, financial and logistical support for Secretariat operations, including access to office space, IT infrastructure and licenses, and related institutional services (e.g., human resources, administrative and financial services)
- Host one GEO BON co-chair and Secretariat staff members, including an Executive Secretary, Science Officer, Information Technology Specialist, Communications Officer, and Administrative Support
- Enable collaboration with national, regional, and thematic biodiversity observation networks (BONs), working groups and task forces
- Support GEO BON’s participation in international meetings and conferences, including but not limited to engagement with GEO and international partner organizations and institutions (e.g., UN CBD meetings)
- Contribute in-kind or financial support to Secretariat operations, where feasible
Eligibility
Institution types eligible to apply should include:
- All not-for-profit research organizations, universities, and/or other government institutions and organizations active in biodiversity and environmental science
- Demonstrated capacity in international project management, partnership facilitation, and network coordination, and able to provide long-term institutional stability conducive to fostering global scientific collaboration
- Scientifically and technically qualified to support global, regional, national, and sub-national monitoring activities and observation networks for biodiversity and ecosystem services aligned with the GEO BON mission and vision
- Demonstrated experience in leading relevant science-policy processes
- Financial capacity to sustain the GEO BON Secretariat for a term of six years, and promote the activities of GEO BON
Application format
Applicants are required to complete the Expression of Interest form below.
To apply, please submit your application by 9 March 2026 (11:59 p.m. EDT) through the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/KG7MK8GYy4
Questions regarding this Expression of Interest or the selection process should be directed by email to the GEO BON Executive Secretary, Katie Millette (katie.millette@mcgill.ca), with the subject “GEO BON Secretariat 2026 enquiry”.
A. Institutional information
Name of Lead Institution:
Address:
Primary Contact Person:
Position/Title:
Email:
Website:
Name of co-institutions (if applicable)
Address:
Contact Person:
Position/Title:
Email:
Website:
B. Motivation and suitability
i) Why is the institution, or group of institutions, interested in hosting the GEO BON Secretariat?
Explain your alignment with GEO BON’s mission and goals (maximum 3000 characters).
ii) Describe the institution(s) experience and strengths in biodiversity monitoring, Earth observation, and global environmental coordination (maximum 4000 characters).
C. Proposed hosting arrangements
i) Secretariat model:
Describe the Secretariat model being proposed (e.g., single institution host, permanent or term-based host, multi-node or distributed model) including the functions of each node, coordination and decision-making structures, and anticipated benefits, where relevant (maximum 4000 characters).
ii) Institutional commitment:
Describe what the institution(s) will provide (e.g., staff positions, office space, administrative support, financial or in-kind contributions) (maximum 4000 characters).
iii) Duration and conditions:
Describe the proposed hosting term and any institutional conditions or requirements (maximum 3000 characters).
iv) Integration with GEO BON activities:
Describe how the Secretariat will fit within the institution’s existing structures and initiatives (maximum 3500 characters).
D. Capacity to support a global network
i) Describe how the institution(s) can support GEO BON’s international and interdisciplinary network (e.g., engagement in global biodiversity frameworks, existing collaborations, experience in international convening) (maximum 3500 characters).
ii) Describe how the institution(s) ensure inclusivity and equitable participation from all regions and partners globally (maximum 3500 characters).
E. Additional Information
i) Describe relevant past or current initiatives supporting biodiversity observation or data sharing (maximum 4000 characters).
ii) Describe existing and/or potential synergies with GEO BON’s Biodiversity Observation Networks (BONs: China BON, Colombia BON, French BON, Japan BON, Arctic BON, Asia-Pacific BON, EuropaBON, Freshwater BON, Marine BON, Move BON, Omic BON, Soil BON), Working Groups (WGs: Community Composition, EcoCode, Ecosystem Function, Ecosystem Services, Ecosystem Structure, Genetic Composition, One Health, Species Populations, Species Traits), Task Forces (Policy, Data), platforms (EBV Data Portal, BON in a Box) or partners (e.g., United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS), Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOSS) (maximum 4000 characters).
iii) Describe any additional resources, synergies and added value the institution(s) can offer (maximum 3500 characters).
F. Declarations
I confirm my organization’s willingness to enter into a hosting agreement with GEO BON, if invited, and acknowledge that institutional support, such as a letter from a department head or authorized authority, will be required to support this Expression of Interest.
I acknowledge that GEO BON may request additional information or clarification in relation to this Expression of Interest.
I understand that by submitting this form, I may be invited to participate in a joint secretariat model.
Selection process
Expressions of Interest (EOI) will be reviewed and shortlisted by a GEO BON-appointed committee. The purpose of the EOI stage is to identify institutions with a strategic fit, institutional capacity and long-term commitments required to host the Secretariat.
Shortlisted EOI will be invited to submit a full proposal. Invitation for this phase is expected by 23 March 2026.
EOI will be assessed against the following criteria:
1. Alignment with GEO BON’s vision and mission: Applicants should demonstrate a clear understanding of GEO BON’s vision and mission and its role in coordinating global biodiversity observation, supporting Essential Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service Variables, and contributing to international science-policy processes. The motivation to host the Secretariat should reflect a strong strategic fit and long-term commitment. In other words, why the institution is a good match, not how it will operate.
2. Institutional capacity, stability and inclusivity: The assessment will consider the institution’s overall capacity to host a Secretariat, including institutional credibility, governance, maturity, long-term stability and global reach. History of, and relevant experience in international project management, inclusive partnership facilitation, network coordination, and science-policy engagement is essential.
3. Proposed hosting arrangements: EOIs will be evaluated on the clarity and feasibility of the proposed hosting model, including permanent, term-based, joint, or distributed Secretariat arrangements. Proposals should clearly describe how the Secretariat would be integrated within the host institution(s) and how coordination and decision-making would function.
4. Operational and logistical support: Applicants should demonstrate their ability to provide the day-to-day functioning, administrative, logistical, and operational support required for the Secretariat, including office space, IT infrastructure, institutional services, and the hosting of Secretariat staff and one GEO BON co-chair. The capacity to support meetings, communications, and day-to-day operations is essential.
5. Financial and in-kind support: The assessment will consider the institution’s financial capacity and commitment to sustain the Secretariat over the hosting period, including any financial or in-kind contributions to staff, infrastructure, operations, and participation in international meetings.
6. Experience supporting global and inclusive networks: EOIs will be assessed on the institution’s ability to convene and support GEO BON’s international and interdisciplinary network, including partners. Commitment to inclusivity and equitable participation across regions is essential.
7. Synergies and added value: The committee will consider existing or potential synergies with ongoing biodiversity observation initiatives, data platforms, GEO BON Working Groups, Task Forces and BONs, and international partners and complementary organizations. Additional resources, expertise, or innovative approaches that enhance GEO BON’s impact will be viewed positively.
8. Institutional commitment and readiness: EOIs should include formal institutional endorsement and confirmation of willingness to enter into a hosting agreement with GEO BON. Readiness to ensure a smooth transition from the current Secretariat is essential.
Timeline
- Call for Expressions of Interest: 19 Jan 2026
- EOI Submission deadline: 9 March 2026
- EOI Review & Shortlist: 23 March 2026
- Full Proposal Submission deadline for shortlisted proposals: 31 May 2026* (*Contact Secretariat with conditions requiring an extension)
- Evaluation of Proposals: June 2026
- Deliberation: May – Jun 2026
- Voting: June 2026
- Announcement: July 2026
- Transition to new Secretariat: January 2027
To apply, please submit your application by 9 March 2026 (11:59 p.m. EDT) through the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/KG7MK8GYy4
Questions regarding this Expression of Interest or the selection process should be directed by email to the GEO BON Executive Secretary, Katie Millette (katie.millette@mcgill.ca), with the subject “GEO BON Secretariat 2026 enquiry”.