Programme Specialist (Coastal and Marine Environment) - Los Baños

ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Fixed-term insertion contract
Long-term contract
Localisation Los Baños, Philippines
No remote
From 5 yrs of exp.
Posted on 02-12-2026

Description of the mission

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:

1. 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).

2. 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

3. 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;

4. 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 the AMS 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.

5. 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.

Profile

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.

Click here to apply

ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

To catalyse and scale up efforts on biodiversity valuation, conservation, sustainable management, and equitable sharing of benefits derived from the use thereof in the ASEAN Region

More information
  • Website
  • Friendly Society
  • Between 50 and 250 employees
  • Others
Impact study
ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity did not yet communicate its impact measurement.
Labels and certifications
This structure did not communicate to us the labels or certifications that it was able to obtain.
Read more