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TERMS OF REFERENCE

A. BACKGROUND

The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), established in 2005, is ASEAN’s response to the challenge of biodiversity loss. It is an intergovernmental organisation that facilitates cooperation and coordination among the 10 ASEAN Member States (AMS) and with regional and international organisations on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of such natural treasures.

The ACB, in its Memorandum of Understanding with the United Kingdom – Governance and Transparency Fund (UK – GTF) is spearheading the implementation of the Enhancing Conservation and Restoration of Wetlands and Peatlands in ASEAN as Effective Sinks and Reservoirs of Greenhouse Gases (EnCORE Wetlands) Project. The Project aims to contribute to the achievement of the greenhouse gas GHG mitigation objectives of the Nationally Determined Contributions of the AMS involved in the Project through conservation, protection, and restoration of sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases, such as wetlands and peatlands in the region. With this objective, the Project intends to achieve the following outcomes 1) wetlands and peatlands conserved, protected and restored while ensuring carbon gains; 2) carbon measurement approaches integrated into the Paris Agreement while realising Target 8 of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and 3) local communities and stakeholders empowered to enhance the economic value derived from biodiversity while conserving carbon and biodiversity in key sites. The Project will be implemented for three (3) years from March 2025 to March 2027.

During the national inception meeting held in Kuching, Malaysia, on 15 May 2025, the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) suggested that a project staff member should be based in Sarawak to better assist the SFC and the Maludam National Park in the implementation of the Project. Hence, the ACB is seeking dynamic, innovative, and committed candidates for the position of Programme Officer for Malaysia who will provide technical guidance along with necessary administrative support for the successful implementation of the EnCORE Wetlands Project.

B. SCOPE OF DUTIES

The Programmes Department provides the primary oversight of the EnCORE Wetlands Project. The Programme Officer for Malaysia will be working under the supervision of the Project Manager and the Biodiversity Conservation Division Director.

The EnCORE Wetlands Programme Officer for Malaysia will support the overall operations of the Project in Malaysia and shall provide the necessary technical and administrative support to project implementation. The EnCORE Wetlands Programme Officer for Malaysia shall perform the following specific roles to ensure that the Project’s objectives are effectively achieved:

1. Project Implementation
   1. Provide support to the implementation of the Project in Malaysia;
   2. Prepare technical, administrative, and financial documents for implementation of activities in Malaysia, which includes preparation of concept notes, activity designs, reports, and official communication, among others;
   3. Ensure timely delivery of project activities and outputs,

2. Technical Assistance
   1. Provide strategic, scientific, and technical inputs in project implementation in Malaysia;
   2. Ensure coherence and consistency of technical approaches across the project activities in Malaysia;
   3. Facilitate workshops, trainings, and meetings;
   4. Engage and coordinate with institutions and experts involved in project implementation in Malaysia;
   5. Provide technical and secretariat support in national and site-level trainings/workshops, conferences/meetings and other project events online and/or in-person;
   6. Assist in the production of the Project’s knowledge products.

3. Monitoring, Reporting, and Evaluation
   1. Support the monitoring and evaluation of the project;
   2. Develop  project progress reports for Malaysia;
   3. Assist in the preparation of project reports and related documents; and
   4. Report regularly to the ASEAN Working Group on Nature Conservation and Biodiversity National Focal Point of Malaysia, the SFC and the Maludam National Park on the progress of the Project;

4. Conduct and facilitate the preparation of technical and administrative documents during the field activities, workshops and trainings;

5. Work with the ACB departments and relevant institutions in the AMS, partner organisations, and consortia in the conduct of project activities; and

6. Perform other related tasks that may be assigned by the supervisor(s) from time to time

C. QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Work Experience
● Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, biodiversity conservation, environmental science, forestry, climate change and other related fields and three (3) years of related work experience or its equivalent requirements:
o Bachelor’s degree in non-related fields with at least five (5) years of related work
experience
o At least three (3) years of experience in project implementation related to
ecosystem restoration, climate change and biodiversity conservation

Skills
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are required, and knowledge of other ASEAN languages is an asset
● Adept at working within a multicultural organisation
● Must have the ability to work independently and comply with work quality and deadlines
● Ability to work independently and to manage effectively different tasks
● Able to use computer applications, in particular, MS Office and creative software
● Strong technical knowledge in biodiversity conservation, wetland and peatland management, climate mitigation and adaptation, ecosystem restoration, Other Effective Areas-based Conservation Measures and/or protected area management
● Ability to manage project activities, including planning, change processes, monitoring, and reporting

Other Preferences
● A master’s degree is an advantage
● Previous work experience in a regional/international organisation in the ASEAN region is an advantage

Nationality
● Must be a citizen of Malaysia, preferably living or based in Sarawak

D. COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

Core Values
● Strong work ethics, professionalism, and respect for diversity
● Integrity and transparency
● Prudence, dependability, and accountability
● Cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
● Treats all people fairly

Core Competencies:
● Communication, teamwork, planning and organising, problem-solving, commitment to continuous learning and technological awareness

E. APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applicants should prepare the following and send all to acb.hr@aseanbiodiversity.org:

1. A letter of intent of no more than two pages, elaborating how his/her qualifications and
   experiences make him/her suitable for the position. Address the letter to Executive
   Director Dr. Jerome L. Montemayor. JP 2025-21 EnCORE Wetlands Programme Officer for
   Malaysia is to be indicated in the aforesaid letter.
2. Updated curriculum vitae and diploma, or transcript of records
3. A completed Job Application Form (which can be downloaded here)

The deadline for submission of completed applications is 12 November 2025. Only applications with complete documentary requirements (Letter of Intent, completed Job Application Form, and curriculum vitae) will be processed. Applications received beyond this date will not be considered. All applicants will be given notice as to the status of their application. Previous applicants may apply again.

F. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The ACB does not ask for payment at any stage of its recruitment process (application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fees) nor authorises anyone to officially receive applications from prospective candidates, except through the ACB Human Resources Division. The public is strongly advised to be vigilant when dealing with financial transactions online and to report any suspicious individuals or accounts representing the ACB.