POSITION TITLE: Programme Specialist (Coastal and Marine Environment)
DEPARTMENT: Programmes
DIVISION: Biodiversity Conservation
DURATION OF CONTRACT: One Year (renewable)
DUTY STATION: ACB Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
REPORTING TO: Biodiversity Conservation Division 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 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.
As the Centre broadens its mandate and technical portfolio to support the conservation and sustainable management of coastal and marine resources across the ASEAN region, the demands on its coastal and marine initiatives have significantly increased. Escalating pressures on coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass ecosystems, and associated fisheries — including those linked to transboundary and offshore areas beyond the direct jurisdiction of individual AMS — require deeper technical engagement and more agile institutional capacity. In response, the ACB is scaling up science-based initiatives that integrate ecological connectivity, climate resilience, marine spatial planning, and inclusive governance, ensuring that national and local governments, coastal communities, indigenous peoples, women, and youth are meaningfully involved in shaping effective marine policies and management actions.
To support this growing programmatic thrust, the ACB seeks a Coastal and Marine Environment Specialist who will provide expert technical guidance to regional initiatives, strengthen partnerships, and contribute to the development and effective implementation of projects on the coastal and marine environment, including but not limited to marine protected area (MPA) networks, blue economy initiatives, transboundary governance, biodiversity monitoring, and ecosystem-based management.
B. SCOPE OF DUTIES
Under the supervision of the Biodiversity Conservation Division Director of the Programmes Department, the Programme Specialist (Coastal and Marine Environment) shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Technical and Scientific Advisory Support
a. Provide expert input on coral reef, seagrass, mangrove, and fisheries ecology, including connectivity science, species-habitat relationships, and climate vulnerability
b. Lead or contribute to assessments on marine biodiversity status, threats, drivers of ecosystem change, and regional trends across ASEAN large marine ecosystems
c. Support the design, review, and implementation of marine protected areas (MPAs), MPA networks, and marine corridors, ensuring alignment with the GBF Target 3 and transboundary conservation priorities.
d. Develop or refine methodologies for ecosystem-based management, integrated coastal management (ICM), marine spatial planning (MSP), and ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM). - Programme/Project Development
a. Lead the development of concept proposals on coastal and marine conservation
b. Provide technical inputs to detailed proposals, programme documents, and regional initiatives focused on coastal and marine conservation.
c. Assist in the coordination and negotiation with relevant institutions in the finalisation and approval of project proposals;
d. Assist in the preparation of partnership agreements and other documents related to project implementation, including project work and financial plans - Programme/Project Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation
a. Support implementation and monitoring of ongoing programmes and projects (e.g. Effectively Managing Networks of Marine Protected Areas in Large Marine Ecosystems in the ASEAN Region and other related marine initiatives), ensuring outputs meet scientific and policy quality standards.
b. Work with ACB teams and national partners to integrate coastal and marine layers into biodiversity monitoring systems, including the ASEAN Biodiversity Dashboard.
c. Contribute to project missions, field activities, consultations, and multi- stakeholder workshops.
d. Perform necessary coordination work with the ASEAN Member States in the implementation of activities related to coastal and marine conservation.
e. Provide regular updates on the implementation of programmes, projects and activities on coastal and marine conservation; - Knowledge Management and Capacity Development
a. Prepare technical papers, policy briefs, training modules, guidance documents and communication materials on coastal and marine biodiversity.
b. Provide capacity-building support to theAMS on marine governance, MPA network design, climate resilience, and biodiversity assessments.
c. Facilitate exchange of best practices among AMS—including models on co- management, indigenous knowledge systems, gender-responsive conservation, and community-based stewardship. - Policy Support and Regional Coordination
a. Provide inputs to ASEAN policy frameworks, ministerial declarations, and regional coordination mechanisms related to oceans, biodiversity, climate, and blue economy.
b. Support the ACB’s role in regional partnerships, including with UNDP, GEF, SEAFDEC, PEMSEA, Global Fishing Watch, Q-Quatics, universities, research institutions, and civil society groups.
c. Strengthen integration of marine biodiversity priorities across ASEAN sectors (environment, fisheries, tourism, climate, local governance). - Perform other related tasks that may be assigned by the Supervisor(s) from time to time.
C. QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Work Experience
- Must have at least a Master’s degree or higher in Marine Ecology, Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, Oceanography, Coastal Zone Management, Environmental Science, or related field or its equivalency requirements:
- Academic Requirements in a related Master’s Degree and 7 years of related work experience; or
- 18 units earned in a related Master’s degree and 9 years of related work experience; or
- Related Bachelor’s Degree and 12 years of related work experience; or
- Non-Related Bachelor’s Degree and 15 years of related work experience
- Demonstrated expertise in at least two of the following:
- Coral reef, seagrass, or mangrove ecology
- Fisheries assessments and resilience to climate change
- Marine protected area design and management
- Ecological connectivity or oceanographic modeling
- ICM, MSP, or EAFM
- Seven years of progressive experience in coastal and marine conservation in Southeast Asia or similar tropical regions is an advantage.
Skills
- Excellent verbal and exceptional written communication skills in English are required, and knowledge of other ASEAN languages is an asset
- Strong analytical and scientific writing skills.
- Ability to synthesise complex marine science concepts into policy-relevant recommendations.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic regional context
- Adept at working within a multicultural organisation
- ability to work independently and comply with work quality and deadlines
- Able to use computer applications, in particular, MS Office and creative software
- Strong technical knowledge in biodiversity conservation, protected and conserved area management
- Skilled in stakeholder engagement, including work with local communities, indigenous peoples, women, youth, and government partners.
Other Preferences
- Experience working with AMS, regional organisations, UN agencies, or multi-country programmes is an advantage.
- Strong grounding in community-based and gender-responsive approaches to coastal governance.
Nationality
- Must be a citizen of any AMS
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 on how his/her qualifications and experiences make him/her suitable for the position. Address the letter to Executive Director Dr. Jerome L. Montemayor. JP 2026-02 Programme Specialist (Coastal and Marine Environment) is to 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 4 March 2026. 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.
