Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant will lead the work towards an OECM coherence guidance document as applied in the East Asian Seas, focusing in OECM in the marine and coastal environment. A scoping study will be carried out based on desk review, country consultation and, as appropriate, other approaches. The consultant will ensure that the guidance document captures existing marine and coastal OECM best practices as applied in the region, and also draw examples from elsewhere that can be a source of learning for the region. Finally, the consultant will develop training materials and conduct a regional training focused on sharing best practices and opportunities for marine and coastal OECM. Specifically, the OECM Consultant will conduct a study on marine and coastal OECM and disseminate this information at the regional level by: i) Reviewing the different OECM modalities as applied in the region, and elsewhere that is relevant ii) Studying of OECM best practices for each COBSEA participating country iii) Developing effective communication materials on OECMs in the region iv) Developing training materials and preparation for the training in August 2025 v) Conducting the OECM training in close collaboration with the COBSEA Secretariat

Qualifications/special skills

A second-level university degree (Master’s or higher) in environmental sciences, natural resource management or equivalent academic qualifications is required. ● A minimum of 10 years of work experience in marine and coastal environmental issues is required; ● Experience of Marine Protected Areas and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures, preferably in the East Asian Seas region is desirable. ● Experience in facilitating / conducting knowledge sharing, learning exchange, and/or interactive lectures is an asset. ● Working experience in a multicultural environment including United Nations would be an asset. ● Previous involvement in and knowledge of COBSEA’s work is desirable. ● In-depth knowledge about the East Asian Seas region including national policy/legislative frameworks and processes ● Detailed understanding of Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures ● Good written and oral communications skills ● Good facilitation skills ● Excellent analytical skills

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other regional languages an advantage.