We are looking to work with an external consultant (or organisation/consultant team) from March 2026 to carry out a rapid review of our support for restoring habitats and species. This will inform our strategy for our Space for Nature priority.
We are looking for consultants with strong experience in evaluation and research, excellent facilitation and listening skills, the ability to analyse varied information sources and summarise findings clearly, and essential knowledge of the environment sector.
The work is expected to begin in March 2026, take approximately 35 days, and has a budget of around £28,000.
Background
This review will look back at our work and support in this area since the launch of our strategy in 2020, and help to shape our future work through to 2027. The focus will be on the first outcome under the Space for Nature priority: “Space for nature, and biodiversity, is restored at scale on land and at sea.”
Approximately 120 grants fall within scope (with a detailed review sample of around 30 grants), covering work such as policy advocacy, restoration programmes, data and evidence development, community engagement, and finance models for nature.
What the review will involve
The review will include desk research on the 2020-2026 context for habitats and species, thematic analysis across key areas (policy, restoration, evidence, finance, chemicals), facilitated online workshops with grantees and non-grantees, and a review of learning from a sample of Esmée grants.
A validation workshop will test emerging findings, followed by a written report.
Experience we’re looking for
- Relevant experience in evaluation and research
- Knowledge of the environment sector, including environmental policy or habitat restoration practice
- Strong communication, facilitation, and listening skills
- Ability to analyse diverse evidence sources and present findings clearly and simply
- Applications from organisations or consultant teams are preferred (pairs/groups welcome)
Read the full invitation to tender
Registering your interest
If you are available for this project from March to July 2026, please submit:
- A short proposal (max. two A4 pages) outlining relevant experience, approach, and budget breakdown (including day rates)
- CVs of the individuals undertaking the work
- Examples of relevant work and details of any conflicts of interest
Send applications to communications@esmeefairbairn.org.uk by 14:00, Monday 2 March 2026.
