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POSITION TITLE : Director for Programmes
DEPARTMENT : Programmes
DURATION OF CONTRACT : Three (3) years (renewable)
DUTY STATION : ACB Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR : Executive Director

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 Programmes Department develops, implements, and monitors programmes and projects, and provides technical support to the AMS. It also spearheads facilitating discussions and developing a common understanding of biodiversity conservation issues among the AMS in support of developing regional policies. The Programmes Department is also responsible for the development and implementation of capacity development programmes in support of the AMS.

The ACB is seeking dynamic, innovative, and committed candidates for the position of Programmes Director, who will lead the Programmes Department in its responsibilities.

B. SCOPE OF DUTIES

Reporting to the ACB Executive Director, the Programmes Director shall ensure synergies and complementation of programmes and projects under the various divisions. Specifically, the Programmes Director shall perform the following functions:

a. Policy and Programme Development

1. Spearhead the Programmes Department in developing and conducting policy studies, programmes, and projects on biodiversity conservation and management based on identified needs of the AMS and approved regional action plans and policy documents;
2. Direct and oversee the preparation of policy papers and development of programmes and projects on biodiversity, based on the recommendations of the AMS, and consistent with the regional ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint, United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and other Multilateral Environmental Conventions and ASEAN Agreements.
3. Identify key biodiversity issues that have regional and national implications in conjunction and consistent with the CBD programmes of work and with other related multilateral environmental agreements and related meetings;
4. Develop institutional mechanisms for deliberating and discussing outstanding biodiversity issues among the AMS;
5. Provide oversight direction and spearhead meetings and workshops on various biodiversity issues that convene scientific experts and policy makers in a regional setting;
6. Represent the ACB in regional and international discussions which have policy and program development implications/opportunities, including meetings with potential partners and donors;
7. Prepare concept notes to mobilise resources for ACB and the AMS; present research findings, policy briefs, and policy papers to ACB partners, at ASEAN meetings and other regional and international conferences; and
8. Respond to the AMS request for tailored analysis of biodiversity information to meet their strategic needs.

b. Programmes and Projects Implementation

1. Work with relevant institutions in the AMS and with international organisations and partners in fostering cooperation agreements and arrangements;
2. Convene and facilitate meetings and networks, and undertake thorough and value-adding assessments and analysis, in framing the region’s common understanding;
3. Spearhead and convene meetings and discussion forums that provide value-adding partnership and engagements;
4. Provide leadership in establishing linkages and in developing partnerships with appropriate organisations of the relevant multilateral environmental agreements responsible for the identification of agenda items that will be tackled in international meetings;
5. Contribute and participate in global, regional and national policy discussions on biodiversity-related multilateral environmental agreements;
6. Provide support to the AMS in developing national assessments and plans on biodiversity and other materials and instruments that reflect the regional agreements on specific issues, including the status of compliance to relevant MEAs;
7. Lead in the identification of opportunities for collaboration and intervention by developing potential programmes for the AMS that correspond to the issues identified and those that have far-reaching implications;
8. Direct the operation of a network of experts and institutions involved in biodiversity research and other related work;
9. Lead the review of concept notes, project proposals, and policy briefs to mobilise resources for ACB and AMS ;
10. Spearhead technical / financial proposal negotiations, and provide oversight direction to project development missions, including consultation with AMS and partners on pipeline programme priorities.

c. Capacity Development – Provide guidance in developing and implementing ACB capacity development programmes for AMS such as the Secondment Programme, training and regional workshops.

d. Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation

1. Provide guidance and direction in the development of an M&E framework, aligned with donor/partner requirements and the ACB institutional M&E framework
2. Direct the monitoring and evaluation of various programmes and projects, including the implementation of approved regional action plans;
3. Review project briefs and documents for AWGNCB, ACB Governing Board and AMME/IAMME
4. Spearhead and undertake targeted analysis on emerging and outstanding biodiversity issues as the basis for the evaluation of the status of identified biodiversity indicators;

e. Perform other related duties and tasks as may be assigned by the Executive Director.

C. QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Work Experience

● Master’s Degree in natural sciences, social sciences, economics, development management, environment and natural resources management, environmental science or any of these related fields and 15 years of related work experience or its equivalent requirements:

• Bar eligibility and 15 years of related work experience; or
• PhD in natural sciences, social sciences, economics, development management, environment and natural resources management, environmental science or any of these related fields and 13 years related work experience.

● Has at least 15 years of relevant work experience with substantial experience at the senior management level, preferably in government, regional, or international organisations of a multidisciplinary/multilateral nature.
● A highly experienced professional in regional or international organisations, possessing expertise in biodiversity policy and programme development, project implementation, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and fostering international collaborations to support ASEAN biodiversity conservation efforts.

Skills

● Must possess excellent leadership, managerial, strategic and programme/ portfolio management skills.
● Has established good working relationships with governments, intergovernmental organisations, international organisations, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.
● Possesses strong networking and resource mobilisation abilities, along with excellent communication, negotiation, facilitation and presentation skills

Nationality

● Must be a citizen of any of the ASEAN Member States

D. COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

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

Core Competencies
● Negotiation and communication, policy development, project development and management, leadership, teamwork, planning and organising, accountability, 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 2025-17 Director for Programmes should be indicated in the aforesaid letter.
2. Updated curriculum vitae, work portfolio, 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 30 August 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.