Lawyer, Marine Biodiversity Conservation

ClientEarth is seeking a qualified lawyer for a remote, fixed-term position focused on marine biodiversity conservation in the Philippines and Indonesia. The role involves contributing to strategy development, conducting legal research, and engaging with stakeholders to advance biodiversity efforts. Applicants must be fluent in English and Filipino/Bahasa Indonesia, with relevant legal qualifications and experience in marine conservation law. The position offers a salary of ₱2,100,000 per year.
OverviewThis remote, fixed-term position (one year, with potential extension) seeks a qualified lawyer with experience in marine biodiversity conservation in the Philippines and/or Indonesia to contribute to ClientEarth’s Food Systems, Ocean and Land Use (FOLU), Japan and Southeast Asia Programme. The successful candidate will advance biodiversity conservation in marine environments in the Philippines and/or Indonesia and the broader region, applying expertise in marine and biodiversity law, policy, and regulation.

Application Deadline: 17 May 2026

Department: Global Impact

Location: Remote – Manila

Compensation: ₱2,100,000 per year

Role and ResponsibilitiesIn this role, you will contribute to ClientEarth’s early-stage nature strategy, engage with partners, and build a network of relationships across the Philippines/Indonesia and Asia to strengthen nature conservation and address the biodiversity crisis. You will actively develop ClientEarth’s work in these countries, conduct legal, technical and factual research and drafting, and present our work to internal and external stakeholders.

Main duties

Strategy Development: Contribute to the development and implementation of ClientEarth’s strategic priorities in the Philippines/Indonesia, including through country-level insights, risks or lessons learned, and ensuring alignment with regional and global strategies.Legal Research and Analysis: Conduct in-depth research and analysis on marine biodiversity conservation law, policy, and regulation in the Philippines/Indonesia, focusing on: designation and governance of marine protected areas (MPAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) and incorporation of traditional knowledge; IUU fishing; due diligence and supply chain transparency in the seafood industry; and GBF and the 30x30 target.Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, industry, civil society organisations, and donors.Role RequirementsFluent (CEFR level C2) in EnglishFluent (CEFR level C2) in Filipino and/or Bahasa IndonesiaRelevant legal professional qualification in the Philippines and/or IndonesiaExperience in marine biodiversity conservation law, policy, and regulation, including MPAs, OECMs, traditional knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), and IUUSpecific knowledge of the Philippines’ or Indonesia’s marine biodiversity conservation landscape and progress toward GBF implementation and the 30x30 targets (essential)Strong interest in nature conservation and its intersection with climate changeManager and TeamYou will be managed by Joyce Melcar Tan, who joined ClientEarth in 2020 and is based in London. She leads climate and environmental law practice in Asia and collaborates with civil society, regulators, and the private sector.

Additional InformationClientEarth values diversity and inclusion. Applications are welcome from people from all backgrounds. ClientEarth is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or services to third parties. Applicants must have the pre-existing legal right to work in the countries listed. This position is remote and does not require relocation.