Expertise: Marine Conservation and Circular Economy
Expertise Group: Biological Sciences & Ecology
Consultant Source: International
TOR Keywords: marine conservation, circular economy, marine/ocean sciences, environmental/natural resources management
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
Marine plastic pollution is an enormous and growing problem. About 150 million tons of plastic is
already in the ocean, and this amount increases every year by about 8 million to 12 million tons. Asia
is at the epicenter of this crisis and is the source of over 80% of all marine plastic pollution, while
also being highly vulnerable to its impacts. Addressing marine pollution in the region is necessary to
secure long-term economic growth, restore critical coastal and marine ecosystems, and deliver ocean-
climate action.
In May 2019, ADB launched the Action Plan for Healthy Oceans and Sustainable Blue Economies (Action
Plan) which aims to scale up investments and technical assistance to $5 billion between 2019-2024. The
Action Plan has three flagship programs focused on tackling marine plastic pollution, enhancing coastal
ecosystem and community resilience, sustainable seafood, and ocean finance. It targets growing blue
economy sectors such as green maritime transport, marine renewable energy, and sustainable coastal
tourism; while aiming to mainstream ocean health benefits into more established ADB sector investments
in wastewater and sanitation, agriculture and water, and solid waste management.
As part of the Action Plan’s flagship programs, ADB has approved a knowledge and support technical
assistance (KSTA) cluster called “Promoting Action on Plastic Pollution from Source to Sea in Asia and
the Pacific” (TA) to help developing member countries (DMCs) deliver their commitments to reduce marine
plastic pollution and support their initiatives towards healthy rivers and oceans.
Given the aspirations of the Action Plan, and to achieve the outputs of the TA, ADB will need to engage
a Marine Conservation and Circular Economy Specialist to (a) strengthen ADB’s internal capacity to
mainstream ocean health and circular economy solutions by leading the design and preparation of learning
programs, and knowledge products and services; and (b) support DMCs to direct investments on marine
plastic pollution prevention, including prioritizing integrated solid waste management, river and ocean
health, coastal ecosystem and community resilience, and circular economy development.
Scope of Work
The expert will lead the development and implementation of ADB staff training and DMC capacity building
program on reducing marine plastic pollution, river and ocean health, community resilience, and circular
economy development. The Marine Conservation and Circular Economy Specialist will also provide research
and extensive expert inputs to ADB operations.
With particular reference to COVID-19, any need for international and national travel shall be assessed
by ADB and the Consultant using ADB’s advice at the time of travel. Subject to ADB’s approval, the
Consultant may use remote video technology meetings to replace face-to-face meetings as considered
necessary.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
The Marine Conservation and Circular Economy Specialist will:
- Lead the creation of an e-learning course on CE fundamentals with a focus on plastic wastes and ocean
health, tailored to ADB DMC development context, and has a distinct syllabus from existing ADB/ADBI
learning program/s. The e-learning module/s can be used as standalone self-paced learning, or as
prerequisite course taken before participation in more intermediate-level or sector-focused training.
Develop the work plan and identify resources and additional specialist/s that will be needed to deliver
the e-learning course. - Co-design a program and support the site visit during the Second TA Implementation Workshop, which
will be held at the ADB Headquarters, on 17-18 January 2023. - Author/co-author and publish at least two knowledge products, including a policy brief, on innovative
project design for circularity and marine plastic pollution reduction, specifically on alternative
technologies, business models, financing for circular economy, behavior change, green jobs (including
gender and social inclusion), recycling, waste management, marine conservation, coastal resilience, and
other interventions to reduce plastic pollution. - Finalize the program and lead the implementation of in-person CE trainings targeting government
officials from Viet Nam, and/or Indonesia. Develop the work plan and identify resources and additional
specialist/s that will be needed to deliver the training/s. - Develop the concept note and support the implementation of at least two one-hour webinars under the
CE webinar series (see past events here), with a focus on key issues and sectors, e.g., marine
conservation, behavior change, gender and social inclusion, informal sector, plastic-climate nexus, etc. - Participate as speaker/moderator in at least 6 external or internal seminars/webinars or e-learning
course on ocean health and the circular economy. This may include potential speaking engagements in line
with tasks 1, 2, 4, and task 5. - Prepare and publish at least 2 blogs or articles raising awareness and sharing knowledge on marine
plastic pollution reduction issues, which may cover: marine and coastal conservation and cleanup,
microplastics, managing ocean plastic leakage, among others (as discussed and agreed with the TASU). - Provide expert advice, research, or extensive inputs to ADB project teams, who request or require
perspectives on behavior change, policies, business models, case studies, knowledge sharing and capacity
building activities relevant to plastic waste reduction, ocean heath, and circular economy development.
Provide peer review on relevant project documents circulated for interdepartmental review. - Share knowledge and inputs on studies, policies, financing investments, emerging technologies,
science, and trends on CE. - Coordinate with relevant ADB departments (including operational departments, sector and thematic
groups, and DOC), to accomplish above tasks. - Accomplish any other related tasks within reasonable scope, as requested by the TASU Officer.
Expected outputs from this assignment are as follows:
- E-Learning Course on CE Fundamentals
- Concept Note for at least one in-person training conducted in one of the TA participating countries
- At least 2 knowledge products (including a policy brief) on marine plastic pollution reduction
- At least 2 blogs or articles on marine plastic pollution reduction issues
- Concept Notes for at least 2 sessions under ADB’s CE webinar series
- Speaker/Moderator in at least 6 seminars/webinars
Minimum Qualification Requirements
The specialist must have a master’s degree or higher in a relevant subject (e.g., marine conservation,
marine/oceans sciences, environmental/natural resources management, or related topics) and at least
seven years demonstrated professional experience in these fields. S/he must have demonstrated skills in
awareness raising, advocacy and outreach on marine issues, including at a high-level engagements in the
region and internationally. S/he must have technical experience on behavior change initiatives and
developing capacity for government officials; and engaging development partners, funding agencies,
business, civil society and community leaders, women, and youth. S/he must also have excellent oral and
written communication skills and be an experienced and engaging speaker at high level and international
events. Experience working in the region is a must and knowledge of ADB’s environment-related programs,
operational priorities, institutional systems, and MDB role is preferred. The expert must be organized
and proven to deliver high quality work in a timely manner.
Minimum General Experience: 10 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 7 Years
