A marine scientist by training with 20 years’ experience in projects-programme management in the fields of marine coastal habitat-species conservation and environment sustainability, not for profit fundraising targeting community resilience building initiatives and climate change adaptation-disaster risk reduction planning and practice. As a practitioner with multidisciplinary skillset and experiential knowledge deduced from a Pacific perspective through the provision of technical support and coordination; peer learning and capacity building; applied research in aspects of tropical island biodiversity and conservation, community-based fisheries, livelihoods and ecosystem-based management approaches; communications and knowledge management of project impact results; climate change advocacy, and policy advice. This brings with it an established Pacific network that furthered meaningful connections to other sector work in agriculture, community based inshore fisheries, coastal protection and water resources management. Experience working in culturally diverse settings at an international (WWF Pacific, National Geographic Pristine Seas), regional (SPREP, FAO), national (Rotary Pacific Water Foundation/ WWF) as well as with community-based organisation (LäjeRotuma Initiative) and engaging with other indigenous groups.
Dr Robert Kay helps bring people together to solve complex climate change adaptation challenges through data-driven, collaborative action. He is a sought-after technical analyst, strategist and facilitator. His strengths are delivering innovative climate projects to deliver meaningful change as a Team Leader or Technical Expert. He has 30+ years of experience in climate change risk assessment, adaptation, climate financing and strategy in the Pacific. He has worked on risk assessment and adaptation projects in the Pacific for the ADB, World Bank, multiple United Nations, USAID and AusAid. He is a respected and trusted advisor in the Asia-Pacific with a network developed over decades of purpose-driven project delivery. Dr Kay advised Pacific Island delegations to COPs, including being part of the climate adaptation financing team at COP21 in Paris. His private sector advisory experience developed through working with businesses to undertake holistic climate risk assessments and tailoring practical measures for adaptation strategy implementation to mainstream climate policy. His mission is to drive innovative solutions that equitably accelerate climate action, especially for our most vulnerable people, as well as accelerate the adoption of innovative adaptation business solutions.
Project Manager with more than 8 years of experience in the education sector as a secondary school teacher, more than 2 years of experience in the business development sector as a business manager in development banking and more than 10 years in the field of environment, climate change and disaster risks management and resilience building working with donors, development partners and stakeholders. I have over 10 years experience in project management working in 15 countries in the Pacific region. These experiences includes capacity building, business developments, disaster risk management/reduction and climate change adaptation, mitigation and finance, climate science information, biodiversity and land degradation.
I have represented Nauru, Fiji and SPREP at the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP) and familiar with the UNFCCC processes and procedures in coordination, monitoring and reporting to the UNFCCC secretariat. In addition, I was the development of the Third National Communication Coordinator for Fiji and experience with building capacity by mainstreaming multilateral environment agreement (UNFCCC, UNCBD and UNCCD) into inter-ministerial structures and mechanisms across Fiji Government and non-government organizations.