Specialist- Adaptation & Resilience (A&R)

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. Originally posted on Himalayas