Intern: AI Research for Climate and Disaster Risk Analytics

Job Description

Information Technology Department

Digital for Development Operations Division (ITOP)

1. Internship Topic

AI Research for Climate and Disaster Risk Analytics

2. Summary of Job Description

This internship focuses on supporting AI-driven research to strengthen climate and disaster risk analytics in the Asia and Pacific region, where timely and evidence-based decision support is increasingly critical. The intern will contribute to advancing ADB’s digital platforms, such as the Climate & Disaster Risk Explorer, by applying AI, machine learning, and advanced data analytics to large-scale climate, geospatial, and disaster datasets. The role emphasizes methodological rigor, data readiness, and Responsible AI to enhance risk-informed planning and decision-making across developing member countries.

The intern will

• Conduct research on AI and machine learning methods relevant to climate and disaster risk analytics (e.g. pattern detection, predictive modeling, computer vision, natural language processing, and geospatial AI)
• Explore how AI techniques could enhance risk analytics and decision-support capabilities within platforms such as the ADB Climate & Disaster Risk Explorer, including data integration, risk characterization, and scenario analysis
• Review and assess climate, hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and disaster impact datasets for suitability in AI-based research and modeling.
• Develop research notes, technical summaries, or proof-of-concept analyses documenting AI approaches, assumptions, limitations, and potential applications
• Examine Responsible AI considerations in climate and disaster contexts, including transparency, bias, uncertainty, data governance, and human oversight

• Support internal knowledge sharing by contributing to presentations or briefings on AI research findings

3. Period of Assignment

Duration: 11 weeks

Timing: June 2026

4. Location

ADB Headquarters, Manila, Philippines

5. Expected Outcomes

• AI research brief or technical notes outlining promising AI methods for climate and disaster risk analytics and their potential application within ADB platforms
• Supporting documentation or exploratory analyses (e.g. methodological summaries, data assessments, or conceptual models)

Qualifications

6. Education Requirements

Currently enrolled in a master’s degree or PhD program in data science, artificial intelligence, computer science, statistics, engineering, climate science, or a related quantitative discipline

7. Relevant Experience and Other Requirements

• Strong interest in applied AI research for climate change, disaster risk management, or development contexts
• Foundational knowledge of machine learning, data analytics, or statistical modeling
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly in written and presentation formats
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
• Preferably with 2-3 years relevant professional experience
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Ability to carry research tasks through published working papers

DEADLINE: March 16, 2026 11:59 p.m. (2359 Manila Time, 0800 GMT)