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 Responsibilitiesa. 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 MatrixThe Specialist – Adaptation & Resilience (A&R) will report to the Partner.Originally posted on Himalayas