Exciting 5 Career Opportunities at the Global Center on Adaptation

We are thrilled to announce four incredible career opportunities within Global Center on Adaptation, based in dynamic global locations including Rotterdam, Netherlands, and Dhaka, Bangladesh. These positions offer unique chances for personal growth, professional development, and the ability to make a lasting impact in areas such as finance, policy, urban resilience, and international development.
Whether you’re looking to start your career, take the next step in your professional journey, or apply your expertise in meaningful ways, we have roles that cater to different interests and experience levels. Here’s a closer look at the exciting positions currently available:
1. Finance Intern – Rotterdam, Netherlands
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Role Type: Internship
This Finance Intern position is designed for students or early-career professionals who are looking to gain hands-on experience in the financial sector. Based in the vibrant city of Rotterdam, the intern will play an essential role in assisting the finance team with tasks such as financial analysis, reporting, and budgeting. The position provides the opportunity to understand the intricacies of financial management in a global organization while learning from seasoned financial professionals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with the preparation and analysis of financial reports and budgets
- Conduct financial research to support decision-making processes
- Aid in tracking and reporting on financial performance
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement financial strategies
- Provide administrative support to the finance team
Ideal Candidate:
- Pursuing or recently completed a degree in finance, economics, or related fields
- Strong analytical skills with attention to detail
- Proficiency in Excel and financial modeling
- Good communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving
- Passionate about gaining experience in a fast-paced, dynamic finance environment
This internship offers an excellent opportunity to kick-start your career in finance and make valuable connections in the international business world.
2. Internship, External Affairs & Policy – Rotterdam, Netherlands
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Role Type: Internship
The External Affairs & Policy Internship offers an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in public policy, international relations, and communications. This position is ideal for those who are passionate about influencing global policy and working within the intersection of government affairs, advocacy, and social impact. The role is located in Rotterdam, a major hub for international relations and policy, where you’ll be working closely with the External Affairs team to research, draft reports, and support various policy initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with policy research and analysis on key global issues
- Support advocacy campaigns and initiatives aimed at influencing policy decisions
- Draft policy briefs, reports, and presentations for senior stakeholders
- Engage with external partners, governmental bodies, and other relevant institutions
- Help coordinate events, webinars, and conferences related to policy matters
Ideal Candidate:
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in political science, international relations, public policy, or related fields
- Excellent writing and research skills
- Strong interest in public policy and global affairs
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively within a team
This internship will provide you with the chance to work at the forefront of global policy discussions and develop the skills needed for a successful career in external affairs and policy.
3. (Senior) Specialist, Urban Resilience – Rotterdam, Netherlands
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Role Type: Full-Time
As a Senior Specialist in Urban Resilience, this role focuses on addressing some of the most critical challenges facing modern cities: resilience to climate change, sustainability, and disaster preparedness. The successful candidate will lead projects aimed at building climate-resilient urban infrastructures and work closely with governments, local communities, and organizations to create long-term, sustainable solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead projects aimed at strengthening urban resilience through climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction
- Conduct in-depth analysis of urban systems to identify vulnerabilities and opportunities for improvement
- Collaborate with stakeholders, including policymakers, urban planners, and community leaders, to develop practical solutions
- Design and implement strategies for sustainable urban development
- Stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in urban resilience and environmental sustainability
Ideal Candidate:
- Extensive experience in urban planning, climate change adaptation, or environmental policy
- Strong understanding of urban resilience frameworks and strategies
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and the private sector
- Ability to lead and manage large-scale projects
- Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
This role is perfect for someone who is deeply committed to addressing urban challenges through innovative, sustainable solutions, and is ready to take on leadership responsibilities in a global context.
4. Country Representative – Dhaka, Bangladesh
Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Role Type: Full-Time
The Country Representative for Bangladesh will lead the organization’s operations and represent its interests within the country. Based in Dhaka, this high-profile role involves managing country programs, coordinating with local and international stakeholders, and advocating for key development priorities. The Country Representative will also ensure that all projects align with the organization’s strategic objectives while maintaining strong relationships with donors, government agencies, and partner organizations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee and manage all aspects of the organization’s programs in Bangladesh
- Act as the primary liaison with government bodies, donors, and other stakeholders
- Develop and implement strategic plans for the country’s initiatives
- Ensure the successful delivery of programs and projects, in line with organizational goals
- Represent the organization at public events, conferences, and policy meetings
Ideal Candidate:
- Proven experience in international development, project management, and leadership
- Strong knowledge of Bangladesh’s political, social, and economic landscape
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across cultures
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex programs and lead teams
- A track record of building partnerships and securing funding from donors and government agencies
This role provides an exceptional opportunity to have a direct impact on development projects in one of the world’s most vibrant and rapidly changing countries. The Country Representative will play a crucial part in shaping the future of Bangladesh through sustainable and impactful initiatives.
Join the GCA in Making a Difference
Whether you’re an aspiring finance professional, a passionate policy advocate, an expert in urban resilience, or a leader in international development, these roles offer an exciting chance to contribute to meaningful global change.
Apply today and become part of a team dedicated to creating sustainable, equitable, and resilient futures for all.
These expanded descriptions not only provide clarity about each role but also emphasize the opportunities for growth and impact, making them more compelling to potential applicants.