Climate Adviser – PRES+

About the role

Adam Smith International is recruiting a Climate Adviser for the Pacific Regional Economic Support Plus Program (PRES+), implemented by ASI on behalf of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The adviser is a senior member of the PRES+ Core Team, providing strategic leadership and technical expertise to integrate climate change and disaster risk reduction across the program. The position is based in Australia, with up to 50 input days per year and travel to Canberra and the Pacific as required.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and periodic review of the PRES+ Climate Change Strategy, aligned with DFAT priorities and environmental safeguards.
• Embed climate and disaster risk considerations in activity designs, workplans, technical advice and program management.
• Provide climate change advice to the Core Team, DFAT, advisers and delivery partners, and carry out climate analysis and research when requested.
• Work with the MEL Adviser to integrate climate into monitoring, indicators, data collection, reporting and adaptive management.
• Support advisers, subcontractors and partners in meeting climate and environmental safeguard requirements, and build climate capability through training and coaching.
• Develop climate-related knowledge products and monitor climate risks and safeguard requirements, escalating issues as needed.
• Contribute to planning, governance and reporting, and represent PRES+ in meetings and workshops.

Required profile

• At least 10 years of professional experience in climate change, resilience, climate finance, environmental sustainability or disaster risk reduction in international development, preferably in the Pacific.
• Experience developing and implementing climate strategies and mainstreaming climate across complex programs, policies and investments.
• Strong understanding of international development programming, results-based management, MEL and donor requirements; DFAT-funded program experience highly regarded.
• Understanding of the intersection between climate change and GEDSI, safeguarding, localisation and inclusive economic development.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in climate change, environmental science, economics, public policy or international development, or equivalent professional experience.

Required skills

• Technical expertise in climate adaptation, resilience, climate risk management and sustainable development.
• Ability to turn climate analysis into practical advice for policy, programs and investment decisions.
• Strong written communication and report writing.
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary, cross-cultural teams and build relationships with government and technical stakeholders.

Applications close on 19 November 2026 and are reviewed on a rolling basis. They must include a one-page cover letter, a CV of no more than four pages and the contact details of three referees.