Expertise: Coastal Erosion and Flood Management Specialist
Expertise Group: Engineering
Consultant Source: International
TOR Keywords: Coastal Erosion and Flood Management Specialist
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
The TA will support the project concept note development for two proposed coastal climate resilience
investment projects in Karnataka and Kerala states. The TA will undertake upstream work to determine the
final scope of activities to be included in the ensuing project preparatory TA that will prepare the two
investment projects (tentatively programmed in 2025). Specifically, the TA will (i) assess the
institutional capacity of the state agencies, identify capacity building requirements, and propose a
tentative project implementation structure; (ii) conduct a preliminary environmental and social
safeguards assessment; (iii) identify coastal erosion and flood risk hotspots for current and future
climate scenarios and assess the suitability of potential adaptation interventions; and (iv) coordinate
with relevant state and central-level government agencies to facilitate government approval of the
preliminary project report.
Four international and three national individual consultants will be recruited under this TA to support
institutional, technical, financial, and safeguards due diligence for the proposed Coastal Climate
Resilience projects in Karnataka and Kerala states.
Scope of Work
The team of consultants will conduct a preliminary assessment of coastal erosion and flooding hotspots
for current and future climate scenarios. The assessment will be done for the coastal districts of
Karnataka and Kerala states. The team will also assess vulnerability to climate change and potential
adaptation options such as hybrid engineering design and opportunities for enhancing inclusive and
sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities, and assess the institutional capacity of the state
governments for efficient project implementation. It will also undertake preliminary environmental and
social safeguards assessments of coastal protection and climate resilience interventions identified by
the relevant state governments.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
The specialist will undertake the following tasks for both Karnataka and Kerala projects:
(i) Collect and review all relevant coastal and maritime sector related information and data (e.g.,
shoreline management plan, remote sensed data, and modeling data),
and gather all additionally required information and prepare comprehensive sector assessment;
(ii) Undertake preliminary data analysis and interpretation in relation to proposed project
interventions and identified sites/adaptation options;
(iii) Identify the project concept, key sector development constraints, and opportunities to design and
implement sustainable coastal management systems and interventions;
(iv) Propose the most optimum solutions for robust project design and cost efficiency based on available
preliminary project scope of activities;
(v) Consult with other experts, the executing agencies and implementing agencies, and support them to
prepare project documents as required, and address information gaps, if any;
(vi) Review due diligence and feasibility studies prepared for the project as well as review proposed
plans and provide alternative solutions incorporating international best practices and value addition;
(vii) Provide strategic context on how the preliminary interventions have been identified and how they
will support the respective shoreline management plans;
(viii) Identify benefits from the proposed interventions with emphasis on sustainable community-based
livelihood and economic development, and inclusive gender development opportunities;
(ix) Review and incorporate the relevant coastal management policies, regulations, and strategies into
project preparation documents, especially on inputs to project rationale and sector assessment;
(x) Prepare and submit the required reports and presentations and provide input to improve documents to
be submitted for project design and discussions with state and central governments on behalf of ADB; and
(xi) Coordinate with the key stakeholders and other experts, especially the relevant departments in
Karnataka and Kerala states for data, field visits, discussions, and presentations related to project
preparation.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
The specialist will preferably have a postgraduate degree in engineering with specialization in coastal
management and planning, or related fields. He/she will preferably have
at least 15 years of work experience and demonstrated expertise in sustainable coastal and marine
ecosystem planning and management projects, implementing innovative solutions including nature-based
approaches and hybrid solutions where appropriate. He/she should have experience in coastal management
policies, regulation, and strategies including strengthening of institutions associated with coastal
management. Experience in implementing similar sector projects funded by Multilateral Development Banks
(MDBs) (e.g., ADB, World Bank, UNDP, and JICA) in India/South Asian countries will be preferred.
Minimum General Experience: 15 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 15 Years
