AI Research Intern for Climate and Disaster Risk Analytics

About the Information Technology Department

The Information Technology Department (ITD) at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) plays a crucial role in advancing digital solutions for development. This internship is specifically within the Digital for Development Operations Division (ITOP).

AI Research Intern for Climate and Disaster Risk Analytics

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Period of Assignment

• Duration: 11 weeks
• Timing: June 2026

Location

ADB Headquarters, Manila, Philippines

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).

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.

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.

Key skills/competency

• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Data Analytics
• Climate Change
• Disaster Risk Management
• Geospatial AI
• Predictive Modeling
• Computer Vision
• Natural Language Processing
• Responsible AI