Lawyer, Marine Biodiversity Conservation

ClientEarth; Manila; Remote; PHP 1,620,000 - 1,980,000; Full time

Job summary

ClientEarth seeks a qualified lawyer with experience in marine biodiversity conservation to support its programme on Food, Ocean, and Land Use (FOLU) in Southeast Asia. This remote, Manila-based role focuses on advancing biodiversity protection in marine environments.

You will conduct legal research, engage with partners across Indonesia and Asia, and present work to stakeholders. The position is fixed-term for one year, with potential extension based on funding and performance.

Qualifications

• Fluent English (CEFR C2) for legal drafting and briefings.
• Fluent Bahasa Indonesia (CEFR C2) for Indonesian law and policy work.
• Experience in marine biodiversity law, policy, and regulation (MPAs, OECMs, IPLCs, IUU fishing).

Responsibilities

• Strategy Development: develop and implement legal workstreams on marine biodiversity.
• Stakeholder Engagement: build relationships with Indonesian government, CSOs, donors.
• Advocacy and Representation: present ClientEarth’s work in forums and events.

Skills

English (CEFR C2)

Bahasa Indonesia (CEFR C2)

Education

Law degree / LLB

Job description

Lawyer, Marine Biodiversity Conservation

Application Deadline: 16 November 2026

Department: Global Impact

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Remote - Manila

Reporting To: Joyce Melcar Tan

Compensation: ₱1,800,000 / year

Description

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified lawyer with experience in marine biodiversity conservation in Indonesia to contribute to the work of ClientEarth’s new programme on Food, Ocean, and Land Use (FOLU) in Japan and Southeast Asia. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing biodiversity conservation in marine environments in Indonesia and the broader region, leveraging their expertise in marine and biodiversity law, policy, and regulation. This is a remote, fixed-term position for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance, funding, and organisational need.

In this role, you will contribute to our early-stage nature strategy, engage with partners and develop and maintain effective relationships across Indonesia and Asia to strengthen nature conservation and address the biodiversity crisis, actively develop ClientEarth’s work in Indonesia, conduct legal, technical and factual research and drafting, and present our work both internally and externally to various stakeholders.

ClientEarth is a group of international legal experts on climate, energy, and the environment. We use the law in partnership with governments, the private sector, and civil society to address climate change, capture the opportunities of the low-carbon transition, and protect nature. Our global team of legal experts specialises in climate risk, decarbonisation, and nature conservation, working across nine offices in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Important dates to note:

• Deadline to submit an initial application: 16th of November
• If your profile passes initial screening, you will be asked to submit additional information in the form of 3 additional questions.
• The deadline to submit your answers to these questions is the 22nd of November
• If we do not receive a response to these questions by the deadline we will assume you are no longer interested in the role.
• Interviews will take place the week beginning by the 2nd of December

Main duties

• Strategy Development: Work closely with the line manager to develop and implement ClientEarth’s strategic priorities for the role’s work area in Legal Research and Analysis:
• Conduct in-depth research and analysis on marine biodiversity conservation law, policy, and regulation in Indonesia, identify and assess relatively complex legal and policy problems, develop practical options in consultation with the line manager, and lead delivery of agreed marine biodiversity legal workstreams.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders in Indonesia, including government agencies, industry leaders, civil society organisations, and donors
• Advocacy and Representation: Represent ClientEarth in agreed public forums and networking events, presenting the organisation’s work and advocating for biodiversity action within approved positions and in consultation with the line manager on sensitive or strategically significant matters.

See the job description (below) for a full list of duties for this role.

Role requirements

• Fluent (CEFR level C2) in English
• Fluent (CEFR level C2) in Bahasa Indonesia
• Experience in marine biodiversity conservation law, policy, and regulation, particularly in MPAs, OECMs, traditional knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), or IUU fishing
• Specific knowledge of Indonesia’s marine biodiversity conservation landscape and progress towards GBF implementation and the 30x30 target
• Knowledge of formal and informal relationships and working practices in relation to policymakers, regulators, civil society organisations (CSOs) and networks, and traditional knowledge holders in Indonesia
• Ability to engage constructively with a range of external stakeholders and represent ClientEarth confidently in various forums

See the job description (below) for a full list of requirements for this role.

Note to candidates: We know that long lists of criteria can be daunting and that some candidates will not apply for a role unless they feel they are 100% qualified. If you feel you meet at least some of the essential criteria, we still encourage you to apply.

Further Information

ClientEarth values diversity and inclusion and the benefits this brings. We aim to appoint the most suitable candidate at all times and welcome applications from people from all different backgrounds.

Please note that ClientEarth is only able to employ those who have the pre-existing legal right to work in the countries listed at the top of this job advert.

ClientEarth is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services to third parties.