The solution was a connected operating model: common standards, staged delivery, shared governance, and an explicit willingness to learn.

WorkedDid not

Scaling intent

mainstreamed in design ¹

not initially explicit ¹

Technical anchor

funding linked to GBON ¹

finance detached from compliance ¹

Delivery sequence

three linked phases ¹

single-stage intervention ¹

Learning loop

monitoring guides adaptation ¹

fixed implementation assumption ¹

SOFF’s preparation incorporated scaling principles without an explicit intention to do so. ¹ The design linked funding mechanisms to GBON, making the desired observation standard part of the incentive structure. ¹ That connection gave the facility a basis for pursuing sustainable compliance instead of separating funding from service performance.

The model also divided delivery into preparedness, investment, and compliance, with a theory of change for scale impact. ¹ A Steering Committee and Advisory Board coordinated peer advisers, implementing entities, and climate funds. ¹ The 2022–2025 period added monitoring, evaluation, learning, and adaptation to the design. ¹

UN-designed fund mainstreamed scaling into climate observation service delivery