POSITION TITLE: ENMAPS Site Officer – Tubbataha Reef Natural Park (TRNP)
DEPARTMENT: Programmes
DURATION OF CONTRACT: One year (renewable)
DUTY STATION: Philippines
REPORTING TO: ENMAPS National Project Manager (Philippines)
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 ten 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, together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is implementing the GEF project, Effectively Managing Networks of Marine Protected Areas in Large Marine Ecosystems in the ASEAN Region (ASEAN ENMAPS), which is designed to address the coastal and marine ecosystem challenges in the ASEAN region through enhanced collaborative management of marine protected areas (MPAs) and through integrated coastal management (ICM) and ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM). The objective of the project is to develop and improve the management of networks of MPAs and marine corridors within selected Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) in the ASEAN for the conservation of globally significant biodiversity and support for sustainable fisheries, and other ecosystem goods and services. This regional project will have a strong upscaling focus, including engagement with ASEAN working groups and LME governance mechanisms, and leverages on complementary investments across the ASEAN region. The ASEAN ENMAPS is implemented for five (5) years, beginning in March 2024, in selected MPAs and marine corridors with high conservation importance in the ASEAN region with pilot sites across Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand.
The ACB is seeking dynamic, innovative and committed candidates for the position of ENMAPS Site Officer for Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP), who will be the focal point of the project at the field/community level, directly interacting with the target sites, local communities and local government units.
Position Overview:
Reporting directly to the ASEAN ENMAPS National Project Manager (Philippines), the Site Officer will be responsible for coordinating site-based activities of the ASEAN ENMAPS Project, specifically in organising field validation surveys and stakeholder consultations, collecting related information, and supporting the implementation of ICM interventions. This position requires strong leadership; technical expertise in marine conservation; knowledge on the local governance patterns, issues, and language in the locality; and effective communication skills to engage with local stakeholders and to ensure the successful execution of project objectives. This Terms of Reference outlines the key responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for the Site Officer position, ensuring alignment with the goals of enhancing marine protected area networks and supporting sustainable fisheries in the ASEAN region.
B. SCOPE OF DUTIES
The Programmes Department is the primary oversight of the ASEAN ENMAPS project with the technical and management support of the Project Management Unit (PMU). The ASEAN ENMAPS Site Officer – TRNP will be working under the PMU, directly reporting to the ASEAN ENMAPS National Project Manager (Philippines) under the overall supervision of the ASEAN ENMAPS Project Manager – Chief Technical Adviser. S/he will also closely coordinate with the respective site-level management unit of the National Executing Agency of the ASEAN ENMAPS.
The ASEAN ENMAPS Site Officer – TRNP shall perform the following specific roles to ensure that the project objectives are efficiently achieved:
- Coordination:
a. Coordinate with relevant stakeholders including government agencies, local communities, NGOs, the academe and other partners;
b. Support all field-related activities, including validation, consultation, and needs assessment activities of the Fisheries and Safeguards Consultant; and the assessment activities of the M&E, Gender and Safeguards, Fisheries and MPA, and Communication specialists and project partners;
c. Facilitate communication with local communities, local government units, local businesses, and other local stakeholders;
d. Provide translation services to project staff at stakeholder consultations and meetings;
e. Monitor progress of project activities and report quarterly to the ASEAN ENMAPS National Project Manager on achievements, challenges, and lessons learned; and
f. Collect information related to MPAs, including MPA management plans, results of previous surveys and periodic reports as may be available. - Technical Support
a. Provide technical assistance in the implementation of activities at the TRNP pilot site consistent with the Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program;
b. Support the development of annual work plans and budgets; and
c. Identify opportunities for synergies on complementary initiatives and assist in tracking co-financing. - Project Implementation
a. Implement activities outlined in the project plan for the designated site;
b. Support the management of MPAs;
c. Participate in the design and configuration of and propose governance mechanisms for MPAs that will be developed in the MPAs of concern;
d. Support the development and subsequent implementation of management plans for MPAs and MPA networks based on the outputs and recommendations of ecological and socio-economic assessments; and
e. Ensure compliance with national and international safeguards regarding marine conservation, project safeguards, gender sensitivity and inclusivity. - Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement:
a. Support the conduct of training needs assessments at the site and community levels;
b. Facilitate capacity-building activities for local stakeholders on marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, livelihood identification and development and ecosystem management;
c. Foster collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders to enhance conservation efforts and sustainable resource use; and
d. Support the implementation of the project’s small grants facility. - Monitoring and Evaluation:
a. Implement monitoring protocols with the M&E Specialist to assess the effectiveness of conservation measures as may be designed;
b. Support the regular evaluation of project activities and outcomes;
c. Prepare reports and documentation as required by the ASEAN ENMAPS project; and
d. Keep abreast of concerns, priorities, and socio-economic conditions and trends in the locality; relate their impacts on the project; and effectively recommend actions to the other project team members. - 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 marine biology, marine conservation, environmental science, or any related fields, with at least three (3) years of experience in marine conservation or natural resource management and with specific experience in managing MPAs, or its equivalency requirements:
- Non-related bachelor’s degree, with at least five (5) years of experience in marine conservation or natural resource management, with specific experience in managing marine protected areas
● Strong understanding of ecosystem-based management principles, resource valuation, and biodiversity conservation
● Proven experience in project management, including planning, implementation, and monitoring
Skills
● Proficiency in local languages is a must
● Excellent communication skills in English will be an advantage
● Adept at working with international partners
● Ability to work independently and to manage effectively different tasks
● Advanced skills in MS Office applications
● Adept at working within a multicultural working environment
Nationality
● Must be a citizen of Philippines
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:
- 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 Acting Executive Director Clarissa C. Arida. JP 2025-08 ENMAPS Site Officer – Tubbataha Reef Natural Park (TRNP) should be indicated in the aforesaid letter.
- Updated curriculum vitae, and diploma, or transcript of records
- A completed Job Application Form (which can be downloaded here)
The deadline for submission of completed applications is on 12 April 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 transaction.
