ATSEA JOB VACANCIES 2026
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Reference: VA-2026-01
- Title: Senior Policy and Partnership Specialist
- Reports to: Interim Executive Director of ATSEA
- Duty Station: ATSEA Regional Secretariat, Bali
- Position type: Full time (Indonesia national)
- Duration of Assignment: Fixed-term of one year contract, renewable annually subject to performance review and budget availability
- Deadline of application: 20 January 2026
Background
The Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action (ATSEA) Programme is a long-term regional initiative that brings together the governments of Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste to promote the sustainable management of shared marine and coastal resources in the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS). Guided by the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) 2024–2033, ATSEA promotes regional cooperation to address transboundary challenges, including marine plastic pollution and ghost gear, oil spill risks, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and the degradation of critical habitats and populations of endangered species.
Since its beginnings in 2003 and through two project phases (ATSEA-1 and ATSEA-2), the Program has evolved into a regional coordination mechanism endorsed by ATS countries under the 2024 Sydney Declaration. Today, the ATSEA Program strengthens ocean governance, advances ecosystem-based management, and supports inclusive policies that secure biodiversity, fisheries, and livelihoods for millions of coastal people across the ATS region.
The Senior Policy and Partnership Specialist provide technical leadership in marine and coastal policy development and implementation and strengthens strategic partnerships with governments, regional organizations, academic institutions, civil society, and development partners. Under the supervision of the ATSEA Interim Executive Director, the Specialist leads policy analysis and institutional capacity-building efforts, develops and manages partnerships, and maintains the stakeholder engagement plan to support effective planning, coordination, and monitoring of ATSEA’s policy-related activities. The Specialist ensures that policy harmonization and institutional capacity-building initiatives are fully integrated into the annual regional work plan and the annual national work plans of ATS countries.
Duties and Responsibilities
Policy Analysis and Institutional Capacity Building
- Oversee the implementation of all ATSEA Program activities related to policy harmonization, policy, plan and by-law drafting and institutional capacity building, including work planning, implementation, design of ToRs for external consultants, and monitoring of related activities;
- Undertake all regional assessments related to policy harmonization, institutional capacity, and financing mechanisms;
- Facilitate consultations and work with the Executive Director to support development of marine and fisheries related policies in ATS countries;
- Coordinate the annual updating of the ATSEA stakeholder engagement plan in coordination with the Communications team, and other staff at the ATSEA Regional Secretariat.
- Work with National Coordinators to carry out regular monitoring and evaluation of the SAP and NAPs implementation;
- Support the Executive Director in managing or coordinating the organization and conduct of meetings, preparation and safekeeping of meeting documents and reports, and overseeing the monitoring and implementation of decisions from the Council of Ministers (CoM), Regional Coordination Committee (RCC), and Regional Stakeholder Working Group (RSWG) meetings
- Carry out additional responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by supervisor.
Partnership Development:
- Serve as a liaison of the Regional Secretariat to international and regional organizations, harnessing their expertise and resources that can enhance the implementation of the SAP Governance objectives and priority actions
- Foster relationships with a range of stakeholders, organizing workshops, trainings, and campaigns that address key technical issues and priority actions in the SAP
- Identify potential partnerships, donors/funding in support of implementation of the ATS SAP and NAPs
- Support the Regional Secretariat in coordinating with Strategic Development Partners (SDP) to ensure alignment of SAP and NAPs objectives.
- Coordinate with SDPs on the development and implementation of projects in support of SAP and NAP implementation, ensuring alignment of objectives, activities, and timeframes with the regional and national work plans
- Support the Regional Secretariat in identifying opportunities for collaboration and partnership with other related programs and initiatives such as: UNDP, CTI-CFF, RPoA-IUU, PEMSEA, etc. in support of the implementation of the SAP and NAPs
- Liaise, consult and network with appropriate regional and global partner organizations to promote the SAP and NAPs and identify opportunities for funding and partnerships
- Keep abreast of developments, good practices and innovations in natural resource financing, climate change financing, environmental investments, blue economy initiatives and various innovative financing mechanisms and assess their possible application in support of SAP and NAPs implementation
Competencies
- Education: At least a Master’s degree in Coastal Management, Public Policy, International Development/Relations, Environmental Sciences or a related field.
- Experience: At least ten years of development work experience related to policy work and institutional capacity building, project development, resource mobilization and partnership development preferably in the Arafura and Timor Seas area. Practical experience in policy assessments and harmonization and the drafting of program relevant policies and bylaws, and experience working with international and regional organizations, is essential. Familiarity with the policies, programs and operating styles of local and national governments of the ATS countries is required.
- Languages: Fluency in the English language, with effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to speak Bahasa, Tetun, and/or Tok Pisin would be an asset.
- IT Skills: Proficiency in the use of various software applications (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point, MS Project, and Financial Systems) and adequate knowledge and practical experience in handling web- based management systems.
- Other Desirable Skills: Has own initiative, strong conceptual abilities, sound judgment, strong liaison and networking skills, strong interest in coastal, marine and fisheries sector related to the mission of the ATSEA Program.
Applicants are requested to submit the tender and requirements via email to recruitment@pemsea.org and copy to infoatsea@pemsea.org.
Applications received after the closing date (20 January 2026) will not be considered. Only those candidates that are shortlisted will be notified.