BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) is committed to bolstering the capacity of ASEAN Member States (AMS) to conserve and mainstream biodiversity across the region. The ACB achieves this by facilitating training, knowledge exchange, and networking opportunities between relevant organisations, aiming to bridge the gap between conservation leaders and practitioners. 

One successful strategy for capacity development has been the active involvement of the AMS and non-state leaders in the ACB’s regional initiatives. This method works well because it combines face-to-face interactions and practical application with online sessions that enhance learning and knowledge sharing.  Within this context, the ACB Secondment Programme was developed and institutionalised. The Programme was designed to promote and facilitate the direct involvement of professionals from government, non-government organisations, and research and academia within the AMS in executing selected functions of the ACB, through both short-term and long-term engagements.

Since its first rollout in 2013, the Programme has provided AMS nationals with opportunities to contribute to various aspects of the ACB’s work. It also supports efforts to professionalise, diversify, and “ASEANise” the Centre by enhancing the representation of AMS in its operations and outputs. The programme also serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, allowing seconded officers to share their expertise with the ACB and the AMS, and also bring back insights and best practices they have learnt during their secondment to their respective institutions.

PROGRAMME PERIOD AND ENGAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

The ACB will be offering a three-month Secondment Programme, with the target engagement duration from September to November 2025.  The Programme will be a combination of remote work engagement with the ACB, followed by a ten-day stay in the Philippines, for meetings and possible field visits, with an exit seminar as the culminating activity at the ACB Headquarters.

ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS

The Secondment Programme is open to qualified officers and staff occupying professional, technical, and/or scientific positions from government, academic, and research institutions in the ASEAN region whose roles focus on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Eligible government, academic, and research officers include personnel from mid-level management or technical officers of similar levels working on biodiversity conservation and climate change in the AMS, including the ASEAN Heritage Parks Programme, and other priority areas and programmes of the ACB.

To ensure diversity, professionalism, and regional relevance, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen or national of an ASEAN Member State (AMS).
• Current Employment: Must be permanently employed in government, academia, or a research-oriented institution or organisation at a professional, technical, or mid-level management role, with exposure to individual or cross-sectoral thematic areas, including but not limited to biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability and health, climate change mitigation and adaptation, protected and managed areas, environmental governance, and inclusive participation of women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).
• Relevant Experience: Prior or current experience related to work in an ASEAN Heritage Park (AHP), other ACB-supported programmes, or in projects linked to thematic areas—such as managing protected areas or other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs), working on environmental policy and governance, mainstreaming biodiversity in key development sectors, or addressing climate change—is preferred.
• Mobility and Availability: Willing and able to travel within and outside ASEAN as required for field missions, training sessions, stakeholder engagements, or other official activities.
• Language Proficiency: Strong written and verbal English skills to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and coordination across ASEAN Member States.
• Computer Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant tools to support data analysis, reporting, and documentation, such as geospatial software, statistical packages, or knowledge management platforms.
• Cross-Cultural Engagement: Demonstrates the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural and institutional backgrounds while upholding professional ethics, inclusivity, and integrity.

BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAMME

The Programme aims to strengthen the seconded officer’s understanding of the factors contributing to biodiversity loss in the region and their capacity in various thematic concerns in biodiversity conservation at local, national, regional, and international levels. The Programme also fosters mutual learning and experience-sharing among ASEAN professionals working in nature, biodiversity, and development sectors. In this Programme, learning and teaching become a two-way process through the exchange of information, expertise, and lessons learnt.

During the secondment period, the seconded officers will receive a monthly allowance of up to approximately USD 600.00 (at USD 1 = PHP 55.00) to subsidise the costs of meals, Internet, electricity, local transport, and incidentals. The seconded officers will also receive full daily subsistence allowance based on ACB’s policy during national, regional, and/or international missions, if applicable. 

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS 

Qualified candidates who meet the Programme’s criteria—including educational background, relevant experience, and required skills—will be considered through the following application and selection process:

1. Call for Applications
   The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) issues a call for applications through the ASEAN Working Group on Nature Conservation and Biodiversity (AWGNCB) National Focal Points, as well as via the ACB website and social media platforms.

2. Endorsement Process
   Interested applicants must seek endorsement from both their home agency or organisation and the National Focal Point (NFP) of the ASEAN Member State (AMS) where they reside. Endorsements will be accepted from any of the members of the following ASEAN Working Groups:
   1. ASEAN Working Group on Nature and Conservation of Biodiversity (AWGNCB)
   2. ASEAN Working Group on Coastal and Marine Environment (AWGCME)
   3. ASEAN Working Group on CITES and Wildlife Enforcement (AWG CITES-WE)
   4. ASEAN Working Group on Environmental Education (AWGEE)
   5. ASEAN Working Group on Environmentally Sustainable Cities (AWGESC)

AMS National Focal Points may follow their internal procedures and criteria when endorsing applicants. Applicants may approach the ACB for information on the relevant NFPs, and the ACB may assist in facilitating the endorsement process with the respective NFPs.

3. Submission of Requirements
   Applicants must submit their complete documentary requirements to the ACB. The endorsement letter or email may be attached, and the National Focal Point may be copied on the submission. An evaluation committee composed of ACB and project partner representatives will assess the applications. See the list of required documents to be submitted to ACB below. 

4. Acceptance and Contracting
   The ACB will issue acceptance letters and invitations to successful applicants. The secondment contract, including the Terms of Reference (ToR) and other relevant terms and conditions, will then be prepared and signed. The ACB will coordinate all necessary logistical arrangements with the selected seconded officer.

DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS SUBMISSION

Applicants are requested to prepare and submit the following documents to acb.oed@aseanbiodiversity.org with a copy to acb.hr@aseanbiodiversity.org and  acb.mbd@aseanbiodiversity.org. 

• Letter of intent (maximum of two pages) detailing how the applicant’s qualifications and experiences align with the requirements of the secondment position
• Updated curriculum vitae or work portfolio (maximum of three pages)
• Endorsement letter or email from a member of the relevant ASEAN Working Group National Focal Point
• Endorsement letter and written guarantee from the employing agency/organisation confirming continued employment and salary support during the secondment period
• Fully accomplished Application Form
• A photocopy of a valid passport

Applicants must submit the following requirements on or before 15 August 2025.