The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) intends to engage the services of a Consultant for the Review of Governance Mechanisms and Financial Sustainability for the Management of MPA Networks and Marine Corridors in the Philippines under the Effectively Managing Networks of Marine Protected Areas in Large Marine Ecosystems in the ASEAN Region (ASEAN ENMAPS) Project.
The effective management of Marine Protected Area Networks (MPANs) and associated marine corridors in the Philippines requires coordinated governance and sustainable financing beyond the capacities of individual LGUs. Currently, funding is largely LGU-dependent, which is often inadequate and inconsistent across jurisdictions. Strengthening governance mechanisms through inter-LGU cooperation and exploring financing options such as environmental user fees, pooled funds, and trust mechanisms is essential for long-term management. Recognizing marine corridors as Other Effective
Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) may provide additional institutional and financial leverage. This consultancy will help identify and recommend viable governance and financing models to support resilient and functional MPANs and marine corridors.
The Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
- Review existing legal and institutional arrangements for MPANs and OECMs in the Philippines.
- Identify governance models used in other regions or globally relevant to MPAN/corridor-scale management.
- Analyze current sources of funding, challenges, and gaps in sustaining MPAN operations.
- Recommend governance and financing schemes applicable to Philippine marine corridors, particularly those aligned with the ASEAN ENMAPS demonstration sites.
- Conduct cost-benefit analysis or financing scenarios to assess potential return on conservation investments.
- Facilitate knowledge-sharing workshops with BMB and project stakeholders.
- Reporting and Recommendations: Prepare a detailed report outlining the findings, methodologies, and recommendations
Interested applicants shall have the following minimum qualifications:
Qualifications and Experience
● Master’s degree or higher in Environmental Economics, Marine Policy, Public Administration, or related fields.;
● At least 7 years of experience in natural resource governance, environmental policy, conservation investments & financing, or marine/coastal management;
● Demonstrated experience in designing or evaluating sustainable financing mechanisms for protected areas or resource management
● Knowledge on ASEAN regional frameworks (preferable).
● Familiarity with Philippine marine and coastal governance frameworks.
● Strong communication and report writing skills
Interested applicants may obtain further information from the ACB Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Secretariat and may download the ToR on the ACB website.
Applicants should prepare the following and send all to acb-bac@aseanbiodiversity.org:
- Letter of Intent of no more than two pages addressed to the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) through the BAC Secretariat, elaborating how their qualifications and experiences make them qualified for the position Consultant – Review of Governance Mechanisms and Financial Sustainability for the Management of MPA Networks and Marine Corridors in the Philippines should be indicated in the aforesaid letter;
- Comprehensive curriculum vitae; and
- Completed Personal History Form.
Deadline for submission of completed application is on 26 May 2026, Only applications with complete documentary requirements will be processed. Applications received beyond this date will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be given due notice.
(signed)
GRACE ANNE R. PALIS
Chairperson
Bids and Awards Committee
