Position title: Marine Assessment and Analysis Consultant
Area of Coverage: Costa Del Hamilo Inc.
Project Name: Hamilo Coast Sustainable Development Project Phase V
Duration: six (6) months
Reports to: Project Officer–Sustainable Food Systems, Director for Conservation Programs

The Philippines, recognized for its rich marine biodiversity, continues to face challenges in balancing tourism development with environmental conservation. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been established to safeguard marine ecosystems and sustain fish populations that support both fisheries and tourism. However, increasing coastal tourism pressures have contributed to environmental issues such as pollution and habitat degradation.

Building on the successes and gains of the previous phases of the Hamilo Coast Sustainable Development Project, the fifth phase will refocus on marine conservation. This phase aims to ensure that the waters surrounding Hamilo Coast, especially the coves within the MPAs, are effectively managed and ecologically thriving.

The project will undertake a series of assessments to update baseline information and generate a more detailed analysis of current conditions, identify gaps, and explore potential areas for innovation and improvement in marine management practices.

Effective MPA management, supported by local communities and strengthened private sector engagement—particularly from tourism stakeholders—remains essential to sustaining ecosystem health and coastal livelihoods. Integrating sustainable tourism practices with robust conservation measures is therefore critical to the long-term protection of marine resources

In line with CDHI’s refocusing on strengthening marine conservation within the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) surrounding Hamilo Coast, there is a need to generate updated scientific data to guide management interventions, including artificial reef deployment and habitat enhancement. 

The Consultant is expected to conduct a site selection survey for potential artificial reef deployment areas and undertake a marine ecological assessment of the project sites to update baseline conditions and inform evidence-based conservation planning.

Specifically, the Consultant must:

1. Conduct a site selection survey to identify suitable locations for artificial reef deployment based on ecological and environmental criteria;
2. Undertake a marine ecological assessment covering benthic cover, fish communities, and invertebrates within the designated MPA sites; and
3. Analyze findings to update baseline marine conditions and provide technical recommendations to support marine management and future interventions under the project.

Expected Deliverables

1. Site Selection Report for Artificial Reefs (including maps if applicable); and
2. Marine Assessment Report (including maps if applicable)

1. Must have a degree in Marine Biology, Marine Science, Fisheries, Environmental Science, Coastal Resource Management, or other related fields. An advanced degree is an advantage.
2. Must have at least 3–5 years of relevant experience in conducting marine ecological assessments, including benthic cover assessment, fish community assessment, invertebrate assessment, and/or site suitability assessments for marine conservation interventions such as artificial reefs.
3. Demonstrated experience working within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), coastal conservation projects, and marine resource management initiatives in the Philippines.
4. Familiarity and previous working experience with WWF-Philippines and/or Costa Del Hamilo Inc. (CDHI) is an advantage, particularly in relation to the previous phases of the Hamilo Coast Sustainable Development Project, to support continuity, integration, and alignment of project findings and recommendations.
5. Must possess strong technical writing, data analysis, and report preparation skills, including experience in producing technical assessment reports, maps, and evidence-based recommendations for marine management and conservation planning.

Please send your application via email to apply@wwf.org.ph, with the subject line “Marine Assessment and Analysis Consultant.” The deadline for submissions is on May 15, 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for the next steps.