About the Role:
The Specialist – Adaptation & Resilience (A&R) will be responsible for conceptualising, building, and scaling the organization's Adaptation & Resilience vertical. This role requires domain expertise (climate), a strong technical understanding of adaptation and resilience, hands-on experience in programme design and implementation, and proven ability to secure partnerships and funding.
The candidate must be able to independently drive strategy, develop multi-stakeholder programmes, represent the organization externally, and create a strong ecosystem presence for A&R.
Key Responsibilities
a. Strategic Leadership:
- Develop a 5-year strategic roadmap for the A&R vertical aligned with the organization's mission and ecosystem needs.
- Build the vertical end-to-end including strategy, programmes, partnerships, fundraising, talent planning, and impact measurement.
b. Programme Design & Delivery:
- Conceptualise, design, and launch large-scale adaptation and resilience programmes (community-based, industry-led, policy-supported).
- Oversee implementation, M&E, and reporting frameworks for A&R programmes.
Partnerships & Fundraising:
- Lead fundraising for the vertical — CSR, philanthropic donors, multilaterals, impact investors, and corporate climate programmes.
- Represent the organization in national/international forums to position it as a credible leader in climate adaptation.
Research & Thought Leadership:
- Oversee development of high-quality research briefs, policy notes, insights, case studies, and sector publications.
- Drive climate risk assessments, vulnerability mapping, and resilience modelling (where relevant).
Leadership:
- Mentor junior team members and build a small A&R team over time.
- Contribute to organisation-wide strategic initiatives, including climate entrepreneurship, ecosystem partnerships, and cross-vertical collaborations.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Science, Climate Change, Sustainability, Resilience Studies, Disaster Management, Engineering, Social Sciences, or related fields.
- 10–12 years of experience in climate adaptation, resilience, sustainability, community development, or public policy.
- Strong experience in programme leadership, not only project management.
- Demonstrated success in fundraising, developing large proposals, managing donor relationships, and closing CSR/philanthropic/multilateral grants.
- Experience in managing multi-stakeholder programmes with government, INGOs, multilaterals, academia, and corporate partners.
- Technical understanding of adaptation frameworks such as Climate risk & vulnerability assessments, Resilience planning, Nature-based solutions, Community-based adaptation, Resilient infrastructure, water/climate services
- Climate finance mechanisms (preferred)
Skills & Competencies
- Strategic leadership with ability to build a vertical independently.
- Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Excellent relationship management, networking, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage complex projects with multiple partners and timelines.
- Entrepreneurial and proactive working style, comfortable with scalability and innovation.
Reporting Matrix
The Specialist – Adaptation & Resilience (A&R) will report to the Partner.
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