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
Dr. Jason Hui Hong Yapp is an expert in climate finance, renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable development with over 25 years of experience in consultancy services for high-profile international organizations, including UN agencies (UNDP, UNEP, UNIDO, WFP), the Green Climate Fund, ADB, EU Commission, USAID, GIZ, GGGI, IUCN, IISD, and the Commonwealth Secretariat. His extensive expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of areas critical to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development:
1. Climate Finance Leadership: Dr. Yapp excels in climate finance, demonstrated through his significant contributions to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) readiness projects, capacity building, and the development of funding proposals. His work includes supporting NDAs in Asia, developing GCF proposals for countries like Malaysia, and crafting country programs for nations across the globe.
2. Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: Dr Yapp possesses deep technical knowledge in renewable energy and energy efficiency, contributing to the scaling up of renewable initiatives and improving energy sustainability in various sectors.
3. Sustainable Agriculture Expertise: With a Ph.D. in crop genetics and physiology, Dr. Yapp brings a unique perspective to sustainable agriculture and land-use practices, focusing on climate-smart solutions and conservation agriculture to enhance agricultural competitiveness and sustainability.
4. Carbon Pricing Project Development: As Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Business Development Expert, Dr Yapp had supported AES (US Utility Corp) to develop carbon offset projects to generate carbon credits in Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam for sale at the Carbon Trading system. Dr Yapp is familiar with the Emission Trading System and the UNFCCC approved methodologies to calculate carbon credits based on the ex-ante (baseline) and ex-post GHG (project) emissions.
5. Project Management and Implementation: His role in managing and implementing multi-country climate-related projects showcases his adept project management skills, including leading international and national teams, and overseeing the execution of complex projects.
6. Policy and Strategy Development: Dr. Yapp has been instrumental in developing climate-related policies, strategies, and frameworks at national and regional levels, contributing to National Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) and climate National Adaptation Plan. In Malaysia.
7. Capacity Building and Technical Training: His commitment to capacity building is evident in his role in conducting training workshops and capacity-building activities across various technical areas, thereby enhancing the skills of stakeholders in climate finance and sustainable practices.
8. International and Cross-cultural Experience: Dr. Yapp's work spans diverse geographic regions including Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Pacific, and the Caribbean, highlighting his adaptability and ability to navigate diverse cultural and environmental contexts.
9. Engagement with Multiple Sectors: His expertise in fostering collaboration among public and private sectors, civil society organizations, and international financial institutions underscores his ability to build partnerships and engage a wide range of stakeholders in the climate finance domain.
10. Innovation in Climate Solutions: As the founder of Eden Environmental Consulting Ltd, Dr. Yapp continues to provide cutting-edge technical and financial consultancy, driving innovation in demand driven climate adaptation and mitigation solutions that are sustainable, scalable and replicable.
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)
Anna Deinhard has over 13 years of experience in the field of climate change adaptation and climate finance.
Anna focuses on advising on international climate policy and finance, building capacity to access climate finance and supporting the elaboration of funding proposals for climate-related initiatives. She offers advisory services to ministries and implementing organizations on climate policy and finance matters. Additionally, she contributes to various research and analytical activities.
Anna has supported SIDS globally, including Belize, Jamaica, St.Kitts & Nevis, Trinidad & Tobago, Haiti, Maldives, Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Niue, Vanuatu and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
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.
Hailing from the Pacific Island of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, Joshua is a climate finance practitioner focused on Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He specializes broadly in climate finance transparency, sustainable finance taxonomies, and the blue economy, focusing on providing strategic policy and program implementation. In his previous work experiences, Joshua worked with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to develop regional country profiles of 6 Pacific Island nations and provide recommendations on blue economy sectors for the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. In addition, he delivered a stock take report on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, NDCs, and energy subsidies across the following countries of Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, FSM, Nauru, Palau, Tonga, and Tuvalu. He has also served as a climate negotiator for the FSM at COP28 and COP29 to cover topics on oceans and climate finance and is a UNFCCC Nominated Expert for Micronesia.
Joshua currently serves as the Oceania Regional Representative for the Sustainable Ocean Alliance working on implementing the Blue Prosperity Entrepreneurship Fellowship (BPEF) in FSM and Tonga and is supporting Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in the region. Additionally, he works full-time as a Climate Finance Specialist for the Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP), where he directly supported the development of the recently launched Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT) Climate Finance Transparency Guide. Subsequently, Joshua has contributed extensively to the research and analysis of sustainable finance (green) taxonomies across 52+ jurisdictions, which has led to pr
His current affiliations include serving as an Expert Reviewer for the seventh edition of the Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7) UN Environment Programme (UNEP), a researcher UNFCCC YOUNGO Finance & Markets Working Group on establishing Loss and Damage and the NCQG for SIDS, and a affiliate of the Resilient and Sustainable Islands Initiative (ODI-RESI) on debt distress and access to climate finance, further demonstrating his rooted understanding of the Pacific.
Krishneil Narayan is the Executive Director and Principal Consultant at Sustainable Future Consultancy in Fiji.
As a development professional with 18 years of experience, he specializes in sustainability and climate policy formulation, translating the policies into activities that benefit communities and accessing climate finance for Pacific Island countries.
As an advisor, Krishneil provides his expertise in climate and disaster-resilient development project design, implementation, and evaluations to various governments, NGOs, development organizations, and the private sector.
Krishneil previously worked as a climate change negotiator at the United Nations for over a decade, prioritizing the needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and contributing to the adoption of the 2013 Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage, as well as the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015.
Previous clients have included: Oxfam Australia, Bread for the World (Germany), Pacific Islands Climate Action Network, UNDP, UN Environment, the Pacific Community (SPC), UK Government (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office), New Zealand Government (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade), Fiji Government (Ministry of Women), International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
