Aus4Adaptation

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 4,000 employees operating in 90-plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies, and, most importantly, people's lives.

Aus4Adaptation (the program) is a partnership between the governments of Australia and Vietnam to work together in responding to the challenges of climate change facing the Mekong Delta. It complements other investments that Australia has already made in climate change adaptation.  The program is organised into three pillars to support a comprehensive response to climate change:

1. Supporting policy implementation: Working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment’s Department of Climate Change (DCC), the program strengthens implementation of the adaptation component of Vietnam’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). 
2. Scaling solutions: Focused on priority provinces in the Mekong Delta, Aus4Adaptation brings together government, private sector and communities to amplify impact from tested climate adaptation models and practices in areas such as climate resilient livelihoods, disaster risk reduction, and natural resource management. 
3. Knowledge and technology: In partnership with Can Tho University, the program promotes research, knowledge sharing, and innovation through a Knowledge Hub that links Vietnamese and Australian universities and research institutes.

Purpose of Position 

The Climate Adaptation Specialist will provide technical expertise to support the design, development, implementation, quality assurance and learning of climate change adaptation initiatives under Aus4Adaptation.

The Specialist will work with Program staff and partners to deliver high-quality technical inputs, strengthen climate adaptation outcomes, and support the achievement of Program objectives in line with DFAT and Palladium requirements.

Primary Responsibilities 

We are seeking experienced Climate adaptation professionals (Vietnamese nationals) with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Climate change adaptation and resilience
• Climate risk assessment and climate-informed planning
• Climate information services 
• Nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation
• Adaptation policy and governance
• Climate finance and adaptation investment
• Community-based and locally led adaptation
• Climate-resilient infrastructure and services
• Water resources management and climate resilience
• Agriculture and food systems adaptation
• Coastal and delta resilience
• Monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) for climate adaptation
• Climate knowledge management and applied research
• Private and public sector engagement in climate adaptation
• Capacity development and institutional strengthening
• Design, scoping and feasibility studies related to climate adaptation
• Experience in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta will be highly regarded.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing technical advice on climate adaptation and resilience issues relevant to Aus4Adaptation.
• Supporting the identification, design and development of Program activities.
• Contributing technical inputs to concept notes, activity designs and implementation plans.
• Undertaking reviews of technical reports, studies and other deliverables.
• Supporting monitoring, evaluation, learning and adaptive management processes.
• Participating in technical discussions, workshops, consultations and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Supporting partnership development with government agencies, research institutions, private sector organisations and development partners.
• Contributing to knowledge products, briefing notes, presentations and technical papers.
• Identifying emerging opportunities and innovative approaches that can strengthen climate adaptation outcomes.

Other Responsibilities

• Travel within Vietnam as required.
• Undertake other duties consistent with the level of the position as directed by the Deputy Team Leader.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative and learning-oriented program culture. 

Due to the evolving nature of the program, the incumbent may be required where appropriate to undertake additional duties outside the original scope of this Terms of Reference and aligned with their skills and experience.

Engagement Arrangements

Successful applicants may be engaged as independent consultants on a short-term, intermittent basis. Specific assignments, level of effort, timelines, deliverables and remuneration will be agreed separately for each engagement.

Inclusion in the consultant roster does not guarantee work but enables Aus4Adaptation to access specialist expertise as Program needs arise.

Minimum Education and Experience Required

Qualifications

• Relevant qualifications in climate change, environmental management, natural resources, agriculture, water resources, engineering, economics, public policy or related fields.

Experience 

• Strong technical expertise and professional experience in climate adaptation and resilience.
• Experience working on international development programs.
• Experience working with government, development partners, research institutions and/or private sector stakeholders.

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent analytical, report writing and communication skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
• Understanding of gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion principles.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timelines.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit the following to A4A.Application@thepalladiumgroup.com:

• a current CV.
• a brief cover letter outlining their relevant expertise and experience, availability, and daily rate in Australian Dollar (AUD).
• examples of relevant assignments or technical areas of specialisation (optional).

Applications will be assessed based on qualifications, technical expertise, relevant experience, and suitability for anticipated Program requirements.

Applications must be submitted by Sunday 15 November 2026. Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible, as applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Equal opportunity employer

Palladium is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to a selection process due to disability or any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will endeavour to make any reasonable adjustments to our process.