Relevant experience summary
Working across the private and public sector, Amanda has over 23 years’ experience in program/project design and implementation across climate change, disaster risk reduction, environment and energy projects across the Pacific and Asian region.
As ClimateABILITY’s Director, Amanda is responsible for overseeing the delivery of climate change adaptation, migitation, climate finance and disaster risk reduction projects. As GHD’s APAC lead for Climate Risk and Resilience, Amanda had responsibility for designing and implementing projects on sustainability and climate change. Through her work she focussed on climate change risk assessments, emissions reduction frameworks, climate scenario analysis, electrification, decarbonisation, monitoring and evaluation.
While at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology she managed teams undertaking oceanographic and climatological capacity building work through developing, implementing and managing scientific/technical tools and applications for Australian and Pacific National Meteorology services. She has also led engineering teams responsible for weather equipment procurement, complex repair, and overhaul.
As a private consultant she has led teams in the Pacific on projects focussed on climate science, services, adaptation and mitigation. This includes national and regional policy work like the Pacific Islands Meteorological Strategy, Pacific Island Enhanced Roadmap for Climate Services, the Tuvalu national drought policy, the Pacific’s first forecast-based financing roadmap, training on climate science and climate information services. She has provided technical advice on climate, weather and oceanography and undertaken significant amounts of GCF proposal development and stakeholder engagement for UN and regional funding bodies including the World Meteorological Organization, UNDP, SPREP and UNEP.
Professional experience
Director
ClimateABILITY Pty Ltd | December 2021 - Present
As ClimateABILITY’s Director, Amanda has responsibility for managing projects spanning a wider range of services including climate science, design and feasibility studies, climate responsive infrastructure, locally led design, capacity development etc.
GCF Team Leader (PNG Agriculture and Forest Ecosystems) – Abt Associates (2024-2025)
As ABT’s team leader, Amanda represents ABT to internal and external stakeholder and manages the day to day running of the ABT-led consortium and provides technical assistance services to SPREP and partners across a broad spectrum of activities to produce a full funding proposal for the GCF. This includes facilitating national and provincial stakeholder engagement, analyses for climate science, GEDSI, MERLA, Equipment Operation and Maintenance etc.
Pacific Climate Adaptation SME for Coral Reef Pacific decision support tool scoping -Adaptus (2025)
Amanda is supporting the integration of climate adaptation principles into the development of the Pacific decision support tool, ensuring that it aligns with local knowledge, stakeholder needs, and emerging climate risks to support evidence based reef conservation and restoration in the Pacific.
Climate Risk and Resilience Lead - APAC
GHD Pty Ltd | November 2021 – August 2024
As GHD’s APAC lead for Climate Risk and Resilience, Amanda has responsibility for managing projects with sustainability and climate change services such as climate change risk assessments, emissions reduction frameworks, climate scenario analysis, and decarbonisation.
Tuvalu National Adaptation Plan development – SPREP (2024-2023)
To strengthen climate and disaster resilience, the Government of Tuvalu is currently undertaking a national adaptation planning process and developing a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in partnership with the Green Climate Fund, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and GHD. Amanda is the climate change technical director and is leading the climate elements of the NAP development process.
Papua New Guinea Electrification Partnership Project Management – Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade (2022-2024)
In support of MFAT’s multi-million projects on rural electrification in Papua New Guinea, Amanda led a team to provide project management services. This included responsibility for electrification across provinces in PNG, supporting MFAT in business casing renewable energy generation projects. Proposing capacity uplift for PNG Power limited and stakeholders as well as designing a monitoring and evaluation programme in support of MFAT’s reporting requirements.
Climate resilient WASH advisory - Water for Women (2023-2022)
Amanda was an advisor for Water for Women, reviewing proposals for work on inclusive, climate resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) which focuses on embedding climate resilience in WASH projects. The Water for Women Fund is the Australian Government’s flagship $118.9 million (2018-2022) WASH program. The fund has explored a focus on climate resilient WASH to better address SDG 6 by building stronger connections between WASH, water security and water resource management. Amanda’s advisory role reviewing the climate resilience aspect of concept and research proposals aids Water for Women in their quest to pivot their program to one with a climate change focus. Her work aided in the design of the next phase of Water for Women.
Assessments for Maritime Connectivity, Vulnerability and Strategic Needs in Pacific Island Countries - World Bank (2022)
Amanda provided technical directorship towards the Regional Maritime Vulnerability Assessment; one of three deliverables associated with the World Bank Groups’ study on Blue Transformation for Maritime Transport in the Pacific. The assessment aimed to support 12 Pacific Island countries to better understand their vulnerability to geophysical and climate induced hazards over time as they relate to regional maritime connectivity and determined potential options to mitigate impacts on the maritime sector. Amanda provided leadership on the analysis and research for the Country Case Studies vulnerability assessment which evaluated the hazard exposure, and sensitivity and adaptive capacity ratings for 36 ports – 15 in Fiji, 11 in Kiribati, and 10 in the Solomon Islands. The case studies provide context on how sensitivity of infrastructure and adaptive capacity considerations at a port contribute to vulnerability to hazards, now and in the future.
Climate change literature review and scenario scan - Melbourne Water (2022)
Amanda technically directed work delivered to Melbourne Water on a climate change literature review and a climate scenario scan. Work package 1 involved a review of existing Melbourne Water background material and external resources. The outputs of the review are a first step towards establishment of baseline knowledge on climate change impacts across various business functions across Melbourne Water for their stakeholders. Work package 2 saw the delivery of a best practice approach to climate scenario analysis, with a focus on asset management. It was undertaken to identify insights that can be leveraged by Melbourne Water in taking their next steps with a climate focus.
Technical Review of CCRA for Australian infrastructure projects (2021-2023)
As a technical reviewer, Amanda utilizes her wide range of expertise to evaluate the robustness and accuracy of climate change risk assessments. She has completed technical reviews of several CCRAs for Australian infrastructure projects, ensuring the most up-to-date information is relayed to the client, following best practice methodologies.
Director
Pacific Science Solutions (PSS) | July 2016 – November 2021
As a Director of Pacific Science Solutions, Amanda has undertaken the following consultancies:
Australian Pacific Climate Partnership Support Unit (APCP)
November 2020 – June 2021
Palladium International funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) engagement to be part of the APCP Expert Panel for Science Communications. PSS worked on identifying climate change volunteer (Australian Volunteers Program) placements in 14 Pacific countries which required the identification of Pacific organisations (government, private and NGOs) that would welcome and benefit from the placement of a qualified volunteers.
Intra-ACP Assessments – Consultancy for the Pacific SIDS region
October 2020 – April 2021:
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) engagement to identify SIDS priorities (in terms of climate affected sectors and impacts, key stakeholder groups, and relevant products, services or data) common to countries within each sub-region of the Pacific. The task involved building on the findings of the regional assessments, assessing the availability of regional platforms for dialogue, collaboration and knowledge exchange in the Pacific that could form the basis of a regional User Interface Platform (UIP) and identifying appropriate platforms that could support regional UIPs.
Green Climate Fund (GCF) Niue Concept Note redevelopment - UNDP
November 2019 – June 2020:
Increasing the Resilience of Niue through a comprehensive approach to Climate Information Services and Early Warning Systems – UNDP engagement to review and update the Niue GCF SAP Concept Note through stakeholder engagement and specialist technical input.
GCF RMI Country Programme and Project Development - Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP)
July 2019–February 2020
Engagement to develop RMI GCF Country Programme and Pipeline Concepts for submission to the GCF. Amanda’s company engaged a local consultant in RMI to carry out the required activities to support developing and finalising for approval, the RMI GCF Country Programme, two concept proposals based on key priorities (renewable energy and health) endorsed by the RMI Government.
Enhancing Early Warning Systems to build greater resilience to Hydro-Meteorological Hazards in Timor Leste – UN Environment Programme
August 2019– January 2021
Engagement to complete a funding proposal for the Green Climate Fund addressing the obstacles to provision of end-to-end warnings of extreme events in Timor Leste (initially started in 2017). The proposal was designed to integrate the operations of the agencies in each Timor Leste who forecast extreme weather and climate events, prepare for disasters and manage disaster response, and broadcast warnings and advice. The proposal was successful and accepted by the GCF in June 2021.
Enhancing Climate Information and Knowledge Services for resilience in 5 Pacific Island Countries Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Niue, Palau and Tuvalu– UN Environment Programme
January 2019 – February 2020
Engagement to complete a funding proposal for the Green Climate Fund addressing enhancement of climate information services and early warning systems for 5 PICs. The proposal developed climate science and information services that are essential for sustainable development, environmental management, disaster risk reduction, food security, health services, water resource management and energy efficiency. The proposal was successful and accepted by the GCF in November 2020.
Climate Information Services (CIS) Policy Review, Sector Action and Communication Plans (Vanuatu)
September 2018 – December 2019
Support to Lead International Consultant World Meteorological Organization (WMO) (5 PICS)
July 2017 – September 2018
Pacific Management of Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific for the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. (14 PICS)
September 2016 – June 2018
Fiji, Develop Fiji’s National Framework for Climate Services and Action Plan for the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP).
February 2018 – April 2018:
Develop Drought Response Plans for Solomon Islands and Tuvalu,
June 2017 – May 2018:
National (Fiji) Consultant for Green Climate Fund
July – December 2017:
Forecast-based Financing (FbF) for drought in the Solomon Islands for the Australian Red Cross.
June – December 2017
Mid Term Review of the Pacific Island Meteorological Strategy for SPREP.
October 2016 – June 2017
The Development of the Pacific Roadmap for Strengthened Climate Services for SPREP.
October 2016 – June 2017
National Manager & Technical Officer
Australian Bureau of Meteorology | 2001 - 2016
– Manager, Observing, Infrastructure & Equipment, Infrastructure Management Branch 2014 – 2016
– Manger Climate and Ocean Monitoring & Prediction, Climate and Ocean Support Program in the Pacific 2012 – 2014
– National Manager, Ocean Climate Services 2010 – 2012
– National Manager, Oceanographic Services 2008 – 2010
– Technical Expert, Various Branches 2001 – 2008
Emma is an environmental scientist with demonstrated experience in providing outcomes-focused sociotechnical advice to support decision makers across the Pacific Region. Emma applies her technical leadership in integrated water management and environmental science, climate change resilience and adaptation, behavioural studies, and strategic communications. Supporting her role, is extensive practical, managerial, and business relationship expertise, built through experience working across 14 Pacific Island Countries for over 15 years. She has coordinated partnership and collaboration with governments, businesses, community groups, service providers and NGO’s to generate compelling outcomes. Emma is of Fijian & South African heritage, born in New Zealand and living in Suva, Fiji.
Work experience:
- Integrated Water Management; Water Security Assessment and Project Design
- Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist (infrastructure and conservation)
- Community engagement and development
- Climate Resilient Infrastructure assessment and project design
- Project Management; Proposal writing, technical reporting, team management
- Mindfulness Mentor and Yoga Teacher (RYT500)
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.
I am a climate scientist with a background in meteorology and weather/climate prediction. My main area of expertise is in seasonal to interannual climate variations, including teleconnections and Southern Hemisphere mid-latitude circulation variability. I have over 40 years' experience in the area and have been involved in writing the last three IPCC Working Group 1 Assessment Reports (AR4, AR6, AR6). I have four years' experience as a Commissioner on the NZ CLimate Change Commission and have worked on shaping climate change policy for several years. I am also an experienced science communicator, winning the NZ Prime Minister's Science Communication Prize in 2018.
Perth based, dual national environmental executive with specializing in environmental impact assessment. Rean has lived in the Pacific where she lived and worked in Samoa while she undertook a waste management project in collaboration with SPREP.
Rean has a demonstrated track record in marine, coastal and land based marine science, leadership and management in Australia and the Pacific Islands.
Rean has worked both in private industry and State and Federal government agencies as an environmental professional /regulator as well as operating a sole trader consultancy business specializing in marine pollution, waste management issues, environmental impact problem solving and management.
Rean has also worked as the regulator in Marine Park Management for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, regulation of shipping, regulation of airspace and regulation of the oil and gas industry offshore and onshore.
Rean is an adaptable, self-motivated, positive and a reliable leader with well-developed interpersonal skills, high emotional intelligence, client liaison and negotiation skills.
Dr George Carter is a Research Fellow at the Department of Pacific Affairs at the Australian National University (ANU). He is also the Director for the ANU Pacific Institute a large network hub of scholars in the university - connecting and promoting Pacific research, teaching and training at the university.
The broad focus of George’s research interest explores Pacific island peoples’ and states influence and agency in international and regional politics. His research interests explore international politics of (negotiations, security, gender, finance, justice, science and traditional knowledge) climate change, geopolitics and regionalism(s), as well as the foreign policy and diplomacies of small island states in the Pacific. Furthermore, he is interested in indigenous philosophy and non-western international relations that focus on the longstanding history, practices, protocols and principles of Pacific political communities, contributing to Oceanic Diplomacy.
He has undertaken research in multilateral forums including climate change, security, ocean, sustainable development negotiations, as well as in regional organisations and national governments across the Pacific. George teaches university and executive courses in international relations, diplomacy, security, environment and climate change, policy, cultural communication, and Pacific studies.
His research and teaching interests are informed by his education, work experience in the Pacific and upbringing through his proud Samoan Tuvaluan, i-Kiribati, Chinese, British ancestry. He serves his family and communities in Samoa, where he holds the matai/chiefly title of Salā.
David Wratt retired as Chief Scientist, Climate at NIWA in September 2014. He was responsible for oversight, strategic direction, planning and leadership of NIWA's work on climate, climate change, and climate services. He is still available to assist with climate and climate change related tasks in the Pacific. David has contributed extensively to the work of the IPCC, first as a Working Group 2 Coordinating Lead Author, and then as a Vice-Chair of IPCC Working Group 1. He placed particular importance on information exchange and outreach events in Pacific Island and South-East Asian countries. From his work on development and applications of weather and climate knowledge David has published papers, book chapters and client reports on: climate change assessment, projections, scenarios and impacts; agricultural applications including detailed climate mapping; mountain meteorology; linked rainfall and hydrology modelling; air pollution meteorology.
