Associate Principal - Resilience and Adaptation - Open to location across South East Asia

Joining Arup

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

As Climate Risk & Resilience Associate Principal, you will shape the future of climate resilience across Southeast Asia by leading our Climate Risk, Adaptation and Resilience services. This strategic role combines visionary leadership, technical excellence and market insight to help governments, cities and organisations turn climate science into practical, resilient solutions.

Based in Kuala Lumpur, Manila or Bangkok, you will have the opportunity to develop and grow our advisory capability with a strong focus on resilience and adaptation, build trusted partnerships and lead initiatives that create meaningful impact across the APAC region.

You will bring deep expertise in climate risk assessments, infrastructure and building adaptation strategies, and innovative interventions. Just as importantly, you will inspire confidence with clients, shape opportunities and champion business development to deliver change at scale.

The Opportunity

•    Lead and grow Arup’s Climate Adaptation and Resilience services in Southeast Asia, including team development, service offering, market visibility and client relationships.
•    Provide technical leadership on complex, multi-country climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction and resilience projects.
•    Lead climate and disaster risk, vulnerability and resilience assessments and integrate them into city, infrastructure and building projects.
•    Build and manage a strong project pipeline, shape bids and proposals, and guide go/no-go decisions and commercial outcomes.
•    Act as a trusted advisor to clients and stakeholders, representing Arup in high-level meetings, partnerships and international forums.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.

You will have the opportunity do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

Is this role right for you?

•    A Master’s degree in a relevant field and 15+ years’ experience in climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction and resilience, particularly in Asia.
•    Deep technical expertise in climate science, hazard and risk assessment, and integrating climate risk into urban and infrastructure planning.
•    Proven leadership in managing complex, multi-disciplinary, multi-country projects and developing high-performing teams.
•    Strong commercial acumen with experience in business development, proposal leadership, client management and climate finance.
•    Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels across diverse cultural contexts.

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.
Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair, and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do. 
We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling eligible members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

Different people, shared values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Arup provide an environment where you will make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process

Please apply directly through our applicant tracking system. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Talent Acquisition to discuss next steps. Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.

Holiday Season Notice

We will be observing a holiday shutdown period. Please note that responses may take longer than usual. We will resume reviewing applications and arranging interviews from mid January.

Arup does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. 

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