Purpose of the role

Project Description

Advancing Blue Carbon Policy in the Philippines: Supporting Released Public Lands Assessment and Seagrass Conservation Frameworks:  Technical Assistance Partnership with DENR and DA-BFAR for Evidence-Based Decision-Making, Capacity Building, and Sustainable Financing of Coastal Blue Carbon Ecosystems

The Philippines has a critical opportunity to advance blue carbon conservation by translating strong policy momentum into concrete action. This 18-month technical assistance partnership with DENR and DA‑BFAR to operationalize mangrove restoration policies and build foundational capacity for seagrass conservation, supporting climate commitments, coastal resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. It adopts a unified strategy that recognizes the need for immediate implementation tools for mangroves and long-term capacity building for seagrass ecosystems, aligning both with national development goals and international financing support.

The project delivers two integrated components: first, the development and pilot testing of a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) with standardized assessment tools to guide evidence‑based land use decisions across over 53,000 hectares of released public lands; and second, the establishment of technical, policy, and financing frameworks for seagrass conservation, including carbon assessment, ecosystem valuation, and a National Seagrass Strategy. Together, these efforts will strengthen institutional capacity, enable coordinated governance, and create pathways for sustainable blue carbon financing—positioning the Philippines as a leader in climate-resilient coastal management.

 

Purpose of the Role

To support the implementation of ecological assessments, biodiversity monitoring, and restoration activities for mangrove and seagrass ecosystems by assisting in data collection, analysis, and application of scientific methods, while building technical skills in conservation practice.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist in conducting ecological assessments of mangrove and seagrass ecosystems using established methods
  • Support data collection and field surveys, including habitat assessments, species identification, and monitoring activities
  • Help apply biophysical indicators for habitat condition, biodiversity, and ecosystem health
  • Compile and organize ecological and field data for analysis and reporting
  • Contribute to site assessments by supporting evaluation of restoration and conservation potential
  • Assist in documenting biodiversity, including species composition, habitat characteristics, and notable ecological features
  • Support the implementation of restoration and conservation activities under guidance from senior technical staff
  • Help review and identify potential ecological risks or site issues during fieldwork
  • Contribute inputs to technical reports, guidelines, and documentation based on field and analysis work
  • Participate in training and capacity-building activities related to ecological monitoring and assessment
  • Support coordination with project staff and local partners during field activities and community engagement
  • Maintain accurate records of field data and observations, ensuring quality and consistency
 
  

This job description is designed to outline a range of main duties that may be encountered. It is not designed to be an exhaustive list of tasks and can be varied in consultation with the post holder to reflect changes in the job or the organization. 


About You

The successful candidate should have the following qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field
  • Experience with biodiversity assessments or coastal conservation projects
  • Fieldwork experience (surveys, data collection, or monitoring)
  • Basic data handling and analysis skills

Desirable:
  • Experience working with local communities or government partners
  • Preferably, but not necessary, with previous experience in non-government organizations (NGO) settings and natural resource conservation and management programs.
  
(please see the attached JD for additional knowledge/skills preference.)

ZSL is committed to conservation led by those who know their environments best. We work hand in hand with local communities and conservationists around the world, united in our mission to protect wildlife and power sustainable solutions globally.

We encourage applications from members of the communities we work with, and from those who share our passion for conservation and collaboration. At ZSL, we value respect, local knowledge, and shared purpose, together, we can make a real difference for wildlife,  people and planet.

 

About Us

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.  

In 2010, the ZSL-Philippines Country Office was established as a duly accredited non-government organization registered under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a local branch of a foreign charitable institution registered in UK and holds its primary office in Iloilo City.

Project Staff Base

The successful candidate shall be based at ZSL Philippines field office in Ortigas, Manila with corresponding fieldwork and travel to target project sites and the opportunity to visit other ZSL Philippines project sites.

Vacant Position

1 Vacancy

What do we offer? 

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits which include the following:

  • Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct.
  • Holidays – 15 days paid annual leave during each 12-month period worked, plus national and public holidays as per the Labor Laws of the Philippines
  • Sick Leave- ZSL Philippines showcases a 6 week generous leave compensation for each staff that ensures enough recovery for those who are with illness. 
  • 13th Month Pay
  • Wellbeing – ZSL provides medical health insurance (HMO) for the staff  and 3 of his/her dependents (spouse & children).
  • International accident insurance coverage.
  • Paid Maternity leave and paternity leave aside.
  • Monthly communications allowance
  • Chances for travel to ZSL project sites across the country as well as to our international offices. 
  • Staff Emergency Loan Fund benefit after 6 months. 

 

NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.

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