The Darwin Initiative Socially and Ecologically Coherent Freshwater Protection in the Northern Philippines Project (Karayan Ket Biag – River is Life) is a three-year natural resources management and freshwater biodiversity conservation project implemented by the Zoological Society of London Philippines. The project works with the Philippine government to achieve its goals of improving natural resource security and governance, sustainably managing natural resources, and reducing environmental crime, leading to greater ecosystem stability and inclusive green growth.

A component of the project is the Biological Survey of Pared River Catchment (PRC); Freshwater Sanctuary and Network Establishment, FS network monitoring, Sustainable threat mitigation and building capacity at the community level within the PRC to increase their stewardship of freshwater resources, in collaboration with LGUs and Regional GOs. This also works towards the project aims focused on poverty alleviation, socio-economic surveys will identify key beneficiaries and allow us to tailor elements of the capacity building program to meet their needs. Technical skills training will be delivered – enforcement and paralegal training for river wardens, climate smart agriculture and riparian restoration (including invasive species removal) for farmers; and protected area management and assessment training for those supporting the FS. Training in native seedling silviculture will be carried out in collaboration with DENR who has permanent presence in the region and by gaining access to identified markets we will ensure the program is economically viable and has legacy beyond the project.

Overview of the Role: 

The successful applicant will be based in ZSL-Philippines field office in Tuguegarao City with corresponding fieldwork and travel to project sites. The post-holder will work directly with ZSL – Project Manager and Senior Conservation Biologist, who will provide guidance and instructions on daily tasks, data and information to be collected and reports to be generated.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Assists in the planning and implementation of biological fieldworks, following standardized methodologies as agreed with the ZSL Philippines Project Manager and Senior Conservation Biologist;
• Conduct primary data collection of ecological habitats, associated fauna, assessment and monitoring of FSs;
• Assist LGUs, communities in establishing freshwater sanctuaries and FS network along Pared River catchment with the Senior Biologist;
• Support management bodies and lobbying management plans to LGUs
• Provides inputs to the training of relevant partner staff, enumerators and community members in data collection, entry, management, analysis, and reporting.
• Liaises with communities, POs, LGUs, government agencies, academe, private and NGO project partners;
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with partners – NGAs, Academe, POs and LGUs;
• Assists in the preparations and conduct of trainings, workshops and learning sessions for partners, river wardens and stakeholders;
• Supports in the inventory, maintenance and safekeeping of bio Team assets and other field equipment

Education, Skills and Other Requirements

• A university degree holder in biology, environmental science, conservation, freshwater science, fisheries, or natural resource management;
• Experience and strong capacity in freshwater assessment and monitoring surveys, data management and analysis, and technical report write-up and communication;
• Good understanding of community-based conservation initiatives;
• Prior experience in community-based freshwater conservation projects;
• Computer literate with good skills in operating Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and GIS programs;
• With strong communication skills both community and local government level; and
  With good command of English both oral and written.

Project Staff Base:

This post is based in ZSL Philippines Tuguegarao Field Office and field activities in KKB project sites (Alcala, Baggao and Penablanca).