Assessing the potentials and limits of transformational adaptation in atoll island countries
2. SUMMARY OF JOB DESCRIPTION
The four atoll nations of Kiribati, Maldives, Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu with their low-lying topography, in average two meters above sea level, and fragile ecosystems, are particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change.
Sea-level rise in combination with an increased frequency of extreme weather events and ocean acidification poses an existential threat, submerging land, contaminating freshwater sources, and disrupting the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems.
At present, sea-levels are tracking towards the upper level of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projections, potentially 1 meter (m) or more by 2,100 and will continue to rise beyond this date.
As the impacts of climate change and disasters triggered by natural hazards continue to escalate, so will the need to invest in adaptation for building resilience.
Conventional approaches to adaptation such as providing climate-proofing of infrastructure, or ad-hoc construction of seawalls and other coastal defenses may seem adequate in the short-term. However, as sea levels continue to rise, and coastal inundation increases, a shift to more transformational adaptation measures will be needed in the medium- to long-term (i.e.
roughly mid-21st century and beyond). This could potentially include a combination of measures, as for example: improved land use and settlement planning, land reclamation, resilient infrastructures, strengthening building designs, relocation policies, improved disaster preparedness, nature-based solutions.
The objective of this internship is to carry out a review of past and on-going investments in transformational adaptation in atoll island countries and to understand enablers and limiting factors, as well as costs and benefits towards the implementation of these measures.
3.
PERIOD OF ASSIGNMENT
• Duration: 11 weeks
• Timing: January 2025 onwards
4. LOCATION
ADB Headquarters, Manila, Philippines
5. EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Long-term transformational adaptation priorities for Atolls developed
Qualifications
6. EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
• Post-graduate Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
• Intern must be enrolled in a Master’s- or PhD-level program at a school in one of the ADB member countries for the entire duration of the internship.
7. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Experience with climate change adaptation is required.
8.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Upload the following documents in the “Attachments” section of your application
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Proof of enrollment to a Master’s or PhD program. Inclusive dates should confirm that you will be enrolled during the intended period of assignment (January to March 2025)
