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Home-based | Consultancy
Position Summary
The Asia Foundation seeks a qualified individual to serve as a Key Researcher for the “Regional Optimisation of Transboundary Ecosystem Development for Nature-based Solutions in ASEAN (ROOTED)” project under the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund, aimed at strengthening regional policy and cross-border collaboration to scale up NbS across ASEAN’s shared ecosystems.
The Key Researcher will lead analytical and policy development work and deliver two key outputs: (1) a Transboundary Policy Mapping Report identifying transboundary ecosystems in the ASEAN region, reviewing national and regional NbS policy frameworks, and analyzing initiatives, gaps, and opportunities; and (2) an ASEAN Policy on Transboundary Frameworks for NbS Implementation, outlining governance principles, MRV (monitoring, reporting and verification) alignment and resource mobilization strategies to guide regional cooperation.
The role will involve collaboration with the Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Specialist and project partners, and engagement with ASEAN stakeholders to validate findings and build consensus toward policy endorsement.
Key responsibilities
Output 1: Transboundary Policy Mapping Report
Using desk-based research and literature review, completed by other data collection methods as appropriate:
- Map and characterize transboundary ecosystems in the ASEAN region
- Identify and categorize major transboundary ecosystems in the ASEAN region (e.g. Mekong River Basis, ASEAN Heritage Parks, Coral Triangle, and other transboundary forests, wetlands and watersheds)
- Summarize their ecological significance and relevance to NbS interventions
- Map and review national policy frameworks, strategies and regulations related to NbS implementation in each ASEAN Member State, providing an overview of current policy landscape and institutional arrangements. Include assessment of the presence or absence of dedicated transboundary policy, cooperation mechanisms or frameworks for NbS across borders.
- Catalogue and review NbS projects and initiatives related to transboundary ecosystems
- Compile and analyze existing NbS projects and initiatives operating within or affecting transboundary ecosystems in the ASEAN region.
- Document their objectives, implementing agencies, and linkages to national or regional policies
- Review their governance structures, coordination mechanisms, institutional arrangements and other lessons learned that enable or constrain cross-border NbS implementation.
- Link the identified NbS projects and initiatives back to the mapped national policy frameworks to assess policy coherence, alignment and potential gaps in implementation.
- Collaborate with the project partner to incorporate findings and insights from their three case studies of selected transboundary landscapes. These case studies are expected to provide in-depth illustration of policy and governance dynamics and highlight good practices, challenges and opportunities that will be synthesize into the overall report.
- Identify gaps, opportunities and good practices
- Analyse gaps and opportunities for improved transboundary policy and coordination.
- Identify replicable good practices and co-benefits (such as biodiversity protection, community resilience, climate adaptation)
- Draft the comprehensive transboundary policy mapping report
- Prepare an annotated outline of the report
- Prepare a structured report synthesizing findings from the mapping, policy review and case studies, leading to actionable recommendations for ASEAN policymakers
- Engage ASEAN stakeholders in the validation and finalization of the report
- Present key findings and recommendations in a regional workshop to solicit feedback from ASEAN stakeholders and partners
- Review and finalize the report based on feedback from the Asia Foundation, ASEAN stakeholders and other relevant stakeholders.
Output 2: ASEAN Policy on Transboundary Frameworks for NbS Implementation
Building on findings from Output 1, other relevant works under the project and additional consultations:
- Develop a policy document proposing a framework for transboundary cooperation on NbS in ASEAN. It should include governance principles, alignment with MRV systems and resource mobilization strategies that can be integrated into local and national government policies and action plans.
- Translate good practices and lessons learned into practical policy instruments. Synthesize evidence and good practices into actionable tools and guidelines that promote harmonized and coordinated NbS implementation across borders.
- Collaborate closely with the GEDSI Specialist to ensure GEDSI considerations are effectively integrated and mainstreamed throughout the policy document.
- Present the draft policy document to key ASEAN stakeholders and provide support to the consultation of the draft policy document with key ASEAN stakeholders to gather input and build support.
- Refine the policy based on stakeholder feedback and prepare it for endorsement process within ASEAN mechanisms.
Additional responsibility:
- Work closely with the project team members to ensure outputs are aligned with project objectives, timelines and stakeholder expectations. Coordinate with the project team members to ensure cohesion across workstreams and outputs.
Qualifications
Required
- Post-graduate degree in environmental science, policy, natural resource management or related field.
- At least 7 years of experience conducting policy research or analysis on relevant topic, preferably in the ASEAN region or similar context.
- Demonstrated strong knowledge and familiarity with NbS, transboundary environmental governance, and/or climate policy in Southeast Asia. Knowledge on ASEAN regional cooperation frameworks related to the topic is a strong asset.
- Demonstrated experience in leading the development of a high-quality research reports and/or policy papers, preferable in the ASEAN or similar context.
- Strong research, writing and analytical skills. Proven ability to synthesize diverse data from different countries and identify overarching trends and translate into a cohesive analysis or report.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including experience in facilitating consultations with government stakeholders.
- Fluency in English (writing, oral and listening) is required.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural, multi-country team environment.
- Must be available from November 2025 to December 2026, able to start immediately, and committed to meeting all agreed deliverable timelines.
Preferred:
- Experience engaging with ASEAN institutions or working on ASEAN-led processes
Compensation and Benefits
A competitive consultancy fee commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and writing sample to country.thailand@asiafoundation.org with the subject line “[Surname] – Key Researcher – ASEAN Transboundary NbS Policy and Mapping”.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For full consideration, please apply by November 28, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.
