Climate Change Expert

Background

At Nicholas O'Dwyer, sustainability is at the core of our work. If you are looking to advance your career in a socially responsible company, which has a proven track record over 90 years, and is committed to creating a sustainable planet, we invite you to be part of our team.

Our mission is to provide innovative and reliable solutions using cutting edge technology and expertise, to ensure project success and employee satisfaction. We deliver infrastructure projects in water, wastewater, transportation, civil and structural engineering, flood protection, and energy including renewables. With headquarters in Ireland, we also operate in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

As part of the RSK Group, an amalgamation of over 200 companies with more than 17,000 employees, we benefit from a global network of opportunities while retaining our brand and autonomy.

Project Overview

This strategic initiative is a critical pillar of the Federated States of Micronesia’s (FSM) national resilience strategy, aiming to secure sustainable water and sanitation services across a highly vulnerable archipelago of over 600 islands. Under the Water Security and Resilience Improvement Project, this Project Readiness Financing (PRF) assignment is designed to address the urgent challenges of climate change: including sea-level rise, saline intrusion, and extreme weather, by preparing high-priority, climate-resilient infrastructure investments across the states of Chuuk, Pohnpei, Yap, and Kosrae.

As part of the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) consultancy, your primary responsibility will be to provide high-level technical, environmental and social safeguards, and strategic management services to the Department of Resources and Development (DoRD) and its Project Management Unit (PMU). This assignment focuses on preparing feasibility studies, and detailed engineering designs aligned with the ADF14 Thematic Window, as well the preparation of financial, social, environmental safeguards deliverables to ensure alignment with ADB’s Due Diligence framework. The goal is to ensure that all project outputs are implemented effectively, on schedule, and in strict compliance with Asian Development Bank (ADB) criteria and the requirements of potential co-financing partners (GCF, EU, DFAT). This is a unique opportunity to lead a transformative programme with a significant national impact on climate resilience in the Pacific.

We are currently seeking an experienced Climate Change Expert (International) with a minimum of 10 years' post-graduate experience to join our team for the delivery of these services. The ideal candidate will bring proven leadership in climate risk assessment and adaptation planning, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and disaster-prone contexts.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Leading all climate change–related analyses and ensuring integration throughout the project preparation phases.
• Conducting climate risk screening and detailed climate risk and adaptation assessments (CRVA).
• Identifying, prioritizing, and costing adaptation options and resilience measures for all project outputs.
• Undertaking greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting and assessing project alignment with the Paris Agreement.
• Guiding the incorporation of climate-resilient design standards and nature-based or ecosystem-based solutions into project investments.
• Preparing technical documentation to support eligibility under the ADF 14 thematic window on Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
• Leading climate scenario analysis and modelling to inform design parameters and ensure alignment with national adaptation priorities (NDCs, NAPs).
• Coordinating with national and state-level agencies to ensure project alignment with FSM’s national resilience strategy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required

• Advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Climate Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years’ professional experience in climate risk assessment and adaptation planning for infrastructure investments.
• Essential experience in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and disaster-prone contexts.
• Strong familiarity with ADB or other Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) climate assessment and reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated expertise in greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting and Paris Agreement alignment assessments.
• Proven track record in integrating nature-based solutions (NbS) and ecosystem-based adaptation into infrastructure design.
• Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English combined with superior communication, reporting, and leadership skills.