Senior Adaptation Solutions Specialist (Glaciers)
Job Vacancy | Tuesday, March 31, 2026
| Reference Number | 260384 |
|---|---|
| Position Grade | TI2 |
| Department | Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department |
| Division | Climate Change, Resilience, and Environment Cluster |
| Location | Asian Development Bank Headquarters |
| Date Posted | Tuesday, March 31, 2026 |
| Closing Date | Thursday, April 16, 2026 11:59 p.m. (2359 Manila Time, 0800 GMT) |
Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia
Are you ready to make a lasting impact on the future of Asia and be a catalyst for positive change? We are thrilled to offer a unique opportunity to become an important part of the prestigious Asian Development Bank (ADB). At ADB, our mission is simple yet powerful: to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.
Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationship
The position of Senior Adaptation Solutions Specialist (Glaciers) is assigned to the Climate Change Strategy and Engagement (CCSE) Division within the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department (CCSD). CCSD leads thematic operations, knowledge innovation, and partnerships. You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.
You will report to the Director, Climate Change Strategy and Engagement and will oversee junior team members.
Your Role
As a Senior Adaptation Solutions Specialist (Glaciers), you will play a leading role in the development and deployment of ADB's institutional approach, strategies, partnerships and investments on adaptation and resilience in glacier-fed ecosystems and in mountainous terrain that is vulnerable to glacier melt; Provide support to ADB's developing member countries (DMCs), Sector Groups, and Regional Departments with up-to-date and accurate information, analysis and assessments needed to inform investments in water resource management, renewable energy, disaster risk reduction, ecosystems and livelihood, and institutional and community capacity development in glaciated ecosystems; Act as a thought leader on resilience-related knowledge and investments in glaciated ecosystems.
You will:
Strategy, Planning and Partnership
- Lead ADB's programs and initiatives on adaptation and resilience to scale up ADB's investments to build resilience of communities and infrastructure systems at national and transboundary level, reliant on glacier-fed ecosystems and ecosystem services and in mountainous areas vulnerable to the impacts on glacier melt.
- Provide technical oversight to ADB's Glaciers to Farms (G2F) Program and the Building Adaptation and Resilience in the Hindu Kush Himalayas (BARHKH) initiative to reduce climate-induced risks including floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
- Support ADB's Regional Departments in country programming and pipeline development (sovereign and nonsovereign) from the perspective of investments in water resource management, renewable energy, disaster risk reduction, ecosystem and livelihood in glaciated ecosystems or associated ecosystem services.
- Support linking ADB glacier resilience initiatives with wider initiatives being pursued by ADB and regional and global organizations/professional bodies and support the mobilization of financial resources for adaptation and resilience initiatives in glacier ecosystems.
Operational Support
- Lead and provide technical assistance support to ADB's DMCs and Sector Groups and Private Sector Operations to conceptualize and design investments in adaptation and resilience in the context of operations in glaciated, mountainous and permafrost ecosystems based on understanding of risks, preventing maladaptation, promoting innovative solutions for reducing risk (such as through nature-based solutions) and to manage residual risk (such as through monitoring and early warning systems), and targeting social vulnerability.
- Participate in projects and technical assistance (TAs) missions and provide technical support throughout the project cycle to help assure improved quality at entry, oversee and monitor project performance, and extract lessons learned for the design of new investment and TA projects, and other activities.
- Co-lead processing of selected full-adaptation projects (Type 2B) with focus on resilience in glaciated ecosystems.
Knowledge Sharing
- Lead the development and dissemination of relevant knowledge and innovation work and target capacity building on adaptation and resilience in the context of glacier ecosystems.
- Explore opportunities and strengthen partnerships to share global good practices to inform the preparation of ADB's resilient investments in glaciated ecosystems specifically in the context of investments in water resources management, renewable energy, disaster risk reduction, ecosystems and livelihoods.
- Support ADB to liaise with external development partners including other multilateral development banks (MDBs), regional intergovernmental organizations, knowledge/policy partners, private sector, and civil society with a view to exploring opportunities for external cooperation and knowledge sharing with regard to adaptation and resilience in the context of glacier ecosystems. Represent ADB in international forums and technical working groups on glaciated ecosystems and resilience.
Qualifications
You will need:
● Master's degree, or equivalent, in engineering, glacier engineering, hydrology, or other related subjects or relevant fields with significant experience in the unique challenges associated with glaciated and permafrost ecosystems; or University degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
● At least 10 years of work experience in the field of adaptation and resilience in the context of operations in glacier ecosystems preferably in the Central and South Asia region. International experience working in several countries.
● Demonstrated experience with glacier related adaptation solutions, approaches, and tools to increase resilience and pursue low-carbon development.
● Demonstrated experience of carrying out climate and geohazard risk assessments to inform investments in infrastructure, disaster risk reduction and ecosystem and livelihood.
● Demonstrated managerial skills and experience leading professionals, teams, and project missions on technical matters related to resilience in glacier ecosystems.
● Familiarity with operations, policies, and procedures of multilateral financial institutions is preferred.
● Ability to utilize and share relevant knowledge to benefit the broader ADB community and support south-south knowledge transfer.
● Must be a strong team player and an efficient negotiator.
● Written and verbal proficiency in English.
● Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for TI2.
Benefits
ADB offers a rewarding salary and a comprehensive benefits package. The salary will be based on ADB's standards and comparator markets, taking into account your qualifications and experience.
● Housing and education allowance (if applicable)
● Expatriate benefits (if applicable)
● Relocation (if applicable)
● Retirement plan
● Medical and health benefits
● Paid leave (including parental)
● Life and other insurance plans
● Staff development
Additional Information
This appointment is open to internal and external applicants.
This is a fixed term appointment with option to renew, initially for a period of up to 3 years, or up to the Normal Retirement Date (NRD), whichever comes earlier, for the purpose(s) and conditions determined by ADB, in accordance with Administrative Order No. 2.01 (Recruitment and Appointment). After the initial fixed-term period, ADB may choose to renew the appointment for up to an additional 3 years or not renewed. This decision will be made in the overall interest of ADB, based on factors including but not limited to the requirement of Staff's particular blend of skills and experience for the medium-term work program of the organizational unit, sufficient funding to cover the renewed period, and Staff's performance and suitability for employment. There is no limit to the number of renewals up to NRD. However, this appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment.
About Us
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is headquartered in Manila and owned by 69 members—50 from the region.
ADB only hires nationals of its 69 members.
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