Jul 2025 – Jul 2025 · 0 mo · Hybrid

• Provided senior advisory input to Dalberg on the development and refinement of a circular water economy framework, focusing on conceptual soundness, internal coherence, and applicability to real-world water systems.
• The role involved reviewing and strengthening the framework logic, testing assumptions against operational, institutional, and financing conditions, and ensuring alignment with established water security and resilience principles.
• Engagement supported the credibility and decision relevance of the final analytical work by grounding circular economy concepts in practical governance and implementation realities.

Jun 2025 – Present · 10 mos

• ElT Food is part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (ElT), a body of the European Union.
• Supporting the governance and quality assurance of ElT Food's Learning & Assessment Services, contributing expert insight into sustainability, digital innovation, and the water-food-climate nexus to strengthen future-focused learning frameworks across Europe's agri-food innovation ecosystem.

Jan 2023 – Dec 2025 · 2 yrs 11 mos

• Founder and lead architect of the Water–Food Nexus professional development programme delivered under a dedicated EIT Food Knowledge and Innovation Activity (KIA) within the EIT Business Plan 2023–2025 cycle.
• Over three years, I led the design, management, and delivery of a systems-oriented programme combining expert-led webinars, applied workshops, and a final hybrid international forum, focused on water security, food systems, circular economy, and climate resilience.
• The programme attracted a highly international and cross-sectoral participant cohort, with professionals and advanced students from 20+ countries across Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. Participants represented academia, public institutions, consultancies, NGOs, and technology-driven organisations, creating a strong environment for interdisciplinary exchange and peer learning.
• Responsibilities included programme architecture, curriculum development, delivery coordination, stakeholder engagement, and full technical and KPI reporting across the contract period. Delivery prioritised applied learning, systems thinking, and co-creation over academic accreditation.
• The programme concluded with the successful completion of the EIT Food Business Plan 2023–2025 cycle.

Feb 2022 – Dec 2022 · 10 mos

• As a consultant for EIT Food, I worked on the development of a policy-oriented training course focusing on the circularity of food and water systems. This work aimed to enhance understanding and implementation of sustainable food and water management practices.

Feb 2025 – Present · 1 yr 2 mos

• Our Future Water Intelligence produces independent analytical reports on water systems, infrastructure, and climate-related risk. Outputs are structured for professional use in policy development, investment analysis, regulatory review, and climate finance preparation.
• Current report areas include urban and utility water security, supply–demand risk, infrastructure and capital alignment, financial and investment exposure, digital and operational risk, and governance and transition pathways under climate stress.
• OFW Intelligence publishes written analytical reports only and does not provide implementation services or advisory retainers.
• OFW Intelligence was founded and is led by Robert C. Brears. He is the author of Financing Water Security and Green Growth (Oxford University Press), Editor of The Circular Economy and Liveable Cities (Cambridge University Press), and founder of Our Future Water and Global Climate Solutions.
• Robert serves on the UN Green Climate Fund (GCF) Roster of Experts (Water), contributing to the review and development of climate finance proposals. His recent work includes final-stage technical input to a USD 391.4 million UNFCCC GCF Full Proposal spanning Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Suriname, supporting Independent Technical Advisory Panel and Board consideration.

Jan 2025 – Present · 1 yr 3 mos

• As Editor-in-Chief, I lead this comprehensive resource, uniting researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to explore governance, policies, and technologies for scaling Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). The Handbook highlights innovative strategies, financing mechanisms, and real-world applications to address climate change, urbanization, and disaster resilience, ensuring high-quality, interdisciplinary content.

Jan 2025 – Present · 1 yr 3 mos

• As Editor-in-Chief, I am leading the development of this vital resource on urban resilience, climate adaptation, and disaster risk reduction. This Handbook provides policy insights, governance models, and infrastructure solutions, showcasing how cities worldwide are enhancing resilience to acute shocks and chronic stresses through adaptive strategies and innovative planning.

Jan 2025 – Present · 1 yr 3 mos

• As Co-Editor-in-Chief, I co-lead this Handbook with Dr. Darina Saliba Abi Chedid, exploring how science, innovation, and education drive societal change. It covers AI, sustainability, digital education, and ethical tech, providing expert insights into their global impact.

Nov 2024 – Present · 1 yr 5 mos

• Serving as Co-Editor-in-Chief, I lead the development of an authoritative resource exploring technologies, policies, business models, and societal impacts driving the energy transition and renewable energy systems, collaborating with global experts to produce high-quality, interdisciplinary content.

Feb 2023 – Present · 3 yrs 2 mos

• As the Editor-in-Chief of this encyclopedia, Robert ensures the accuracy and relevance of its 300 chapters and 1.5 million words. The work provides practitioners and researchers with a comprehensive resource on green growth strategies that value ecosystems and promote sustainable development policies.

Feb 2023 – Present · 3 yrs 2 mos

• In this role, Robert oversees the editing and developing of the 50-chapter, 500,000-word handbook. It offers interdisciplinary insights on mitigating environmental degradation and enhancing resilience at local, national, regional, and global scales.

Feb 2023 – Present · 3 yrs 2 mos

• Robert's leadership in this handbook project entails assuring the precision and pertinence of its 50 chapters and 500,000 words. It provides readers with an analysis of environmental policies and laws from various climates, governance structures, and development levels, and scrutinizes enforcement challenges, alternative legal mechanisms, and market-based instruments for environmental issues.

Feb 2023 – Present · 3 yrs 2 mos

• As Editor-in-Chief, Robert ensures the integrity and appropriateness of this 50-chapter, 500,000-word handbook. It equips readers with knowledge of urban centres' resilience strategies against climate change and disaster impacts.

Sep 2024 – Present · 1 yr 7 mos · Hybrid

• Providing strategic advisory support on the development of Green Climate Fund Full Proposals related to water security and climate resilience.
• The role focuses on strengthening proposal robustness and board-level readiness by reviewing and refining:
• climate rationale and adaptation logic
• theory of change and impact pathways
• risk framing and resilience outcomes
• alignment with GCF investment criteria
• Advisory support ensures internal coherence across technical, financial, and institutional sections of proposals, helping position complex water security investments within the Green Climate Fund decision framework and improving readiness for Independent Technical Advisory Panel and Board scrutiny.

Feb 2024 – Present · 2 yrs 2 mos · Remote

• As the founder of Global Climate Solutions, Robert Brears leads initiatives that explore cutting-edge ideas and actionable insights on sustainability. The platform focuses on advancing knowledge and solutions across various domains such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and resilient urban development. Through Global Climate Solutions, Robert engages with a global network of experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to drive forward innovative and practical approaches that enhance sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Sep 2023 – Feb 2024 · 5 mos

• I designed and implemented the COP28 Climate Insight Solutions series. As the Editor for the series, I was responsible for curating and presenting the most innovative and impactful solutions to address climate change. I worked closely with global experts and thought leaders to bring forward their insights and ideas. Our platform is a hub for knowledge exchange and collaboration, aiming to inspire action and drive progress towards a sustainable future.

Jul 2023 – Jun 2025 · 1 yr 11 mos · Canterbury, New Zealand · Remote

• The Conservation Boards of New Zealand are involved in the review and monitoring of these statutory plans for their regions:
• Conservation management strategies
• National park management plans, and
• Conservation management plans.

Jun 2022 – Oct 2022 · 4 mos

• Oversaw the development of a Green Climate Fund Concept Note titled “Strengthening and Improving Climate Resilient WASH Service Delivery in Drought-Prone Districts of the Karamoja Subregion, Uganda.”
• Provided technical leadership on the proposal’s climate rationale, adaptation strategy, and water security outcomes, supporting the design of climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems in drought-vulnerable communities.
• The work focused on strengthening the programme’s adaptation logic, investment alignment, and resilience outcomes in preparation for submission to the Green Climate Fund pipeline.

Dec 2021 – May 2022 · 5 mos

• In my role as a short-term consultant with The World Bank, I focused on policy development and authored a concept note on urban water security. My work contributed to shaping strategies in Asia, Pacific, Africa, South America, and Eastern Europe, with the aim to enhance water security policies in urban settings across these regions.

Aug 2021 – Aug 2024 · 3 yrs · Remote

• Served as an International Sectoral Expert providing technical expertise on water security and climate resilience across Green Climate Fund operations.
• Contributed to the development, review, and appraisal of water-related climate investment proposals, including Concept Notes and project documentation submitted by accredited entities.
• Provided technical input on projects addressing water supply, sanitation, flood risk management, drought resilience, and watershed management in developing countries across Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and Latin America.
• Contributed to the development of key GCF knowledge products, including:
• Water Security Sector Guide
• Sponge Cities and Blue-Green Infrastructure Technical Annex
• Debt-for-Climate Swaps and Water Security
• These resources support the design and evaluation of climate investments that strengthen water security, ecosystem resilience, and climate adaptation outcomes.

Aug 2020 – Aug 2022 · 2 yrs

• Discover Water is a broad, open access journal publishing research from across all fields relevant to the science and technology of water research and management.

Jul 2020 – Present · 5 yrs 9 mos

• Robert's role involves validating and guiding the content of this 300-chapter, 1.5 million-word encyclopedia. The work provides interdisciplinary insights on how urban centers and regions are developing towards resilience, resource-efficiency, environmental friendliness, social equity, and technological integration.

Aug 2019 – Present · 6 yrs 8 mos

• As the Editor-in-Chief, Robert ensures accuracy and relevance across the Handbook's extensive content. It offers readers an in-depth look into environmental policies and laws, enforcement challenges, and innovative legal and market-based solutions to environmental issues globally.

Feb 2018 – Feb 2020 · 2 yrs

• Guest-Editor for special issue on water security with the Springer journal Energy, Ecology and Environment.

Apr 2019 – Apr 2022 · 3 yrs

• At the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Robert contributes as a Guest Lecturer for the Executive Education course on Environmental Governance & Policy-Making. He imparts his expertise on urban water security policy to a diverse student body comprised of individuals from various multilateral agencies and global regions.

Mar 2019 – May 2020 · 1 yr 2 mos

• The Dresden Nexus Conference (DNC), initiated in 2015, is an international forum designed to promote the Nexus Approach to resource management. Spearheaded by the United Nations University Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and Resources (UNU-FLORES), Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden), and the Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER), the DNC focuses on policy advancement for sustainable and integrated management of water, soil, and waste resources.

May 2018 – Present · 7 yrs 11 mos

• The WaterEnergyNEXUS Conference, organized by the Sanitary Environmental Engineering Division of the University of Salerno, Advanced Institute of Water Industry at Kyungpook National University, and The Energy and Resources Institute, is a crucial event focusing on the intersection of water and energy. Held annually, it provides a platform for international discussion on water issues, nature-based solutions, advanced technologies, and best practices. The event, supported by UNESCO's World Water Association Programme and the International Water Association, aims to promote policy cooperation, integration, and sustainable development in the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Sep 2017 – Present · 8 yrs 7 mos

• As an Editorial Board Member of the Water-Energy Nexus Journal with KeAi Publishing Services, Robert contributes his expertise to a publication that focuses on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of water and energy. The journal's policy-oriented content addresses energy efficiency in water and wastewater treatment and distribution, the role of energy in water transmission and treatment, and the use of water in energy extraction and production. This position demonstrates Robert's commitment to shaping the discourse around policies that can promote sustainable practices in the crucial sectors of water and energy.

Aug 2017 – Present · 8 yrs 8 mos · Remote

• Our Future Water Experience:
• Strategic reviewer of Green Climate Fund Full Proposals
• Invited Guest Speaker, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Communities of Learning and Practice on Drought.
• Hosted Urban Water Security side event at COP29 Danish Pavilion, Blue Zone
• Moderated European Investment Bank event on climate resilience and infrastructure (COP29).
• Sydney Water's Thought Leadership Day: Delivered a keynote address, showcasing expertise in water management strategies.
• UN FAO Investment Centre's Investment Days: Keynote on the water-food nexus.
• EIT Food Course Development: Developing a course on the water-food nexus.
• World Bank Publication: Authored a paper on urban water security and demand management.
• Stockholm World Water Week: Co-hosted a session with the World Bank on urban water security.
• Partnership with Denmark's State of Green: Co-authored a paper and co-hosted a webinar on urban water management, sharing sustainable solutions.
• Training Sessions with Tokyo Development Learning Center-World Bank: Leads training on urban water management and climate-resilient strategies, educating on enhancing urban water resilience.
• Keynote at COP28 Invited by Spanish Presidency: Delivered a keynote on urban water management, recognized for leadership and expertise in the field.
• Affiliations and Partnerships:
• UNFCCC Paris Committee on Capacity-building (PCCB) Network: Contributes to global capacity-building efforts under the UNFCCC framework.
• World Bank's Connect4Climate Initiative: Partners to promote climate awareness and action through water security.
• Green Growth Knowledge Platform: Serves as a Knowledge Partner, fostering sustainable growth alongside international organizations.
• Media Partner for Water-Related Events: IWA's Digital World Water Congress and Stockholm World Water Week.
• Knowledge Partner of AIM Congress: Contributing expertise and insights to the AIM Congress, Abu Dhabi.

Aug 2017 – Present · 8 yrs 8 mos

• As Editor-in-Chief of the Palgrave Studies in Climate Resilient Societies, Robert exercises thorough oversight on manuscripts while nurturing contributing authors. The series enlightens readers on climate resilience policies, illustrating best practices from global governments. It discusses the balance between slow transitions and rapid transformations and guides how governments can innovate policies to create climate-resilient societies that endorse sustainable practices and ensure economic growth.

Nov 2016 – Present · 9 yrs 5 mos

• Provide expertise on how society can enhance human health and quality of life in global urban environments by promoting green water infrastructure research, education and outreach programs.

Aug 2016 – Present · 9 yrs 8 mos

• As the Founder of the Urban Water Security Center, Robert is addressing the global challenge of ensuring water security in rapidly urbanizing environments. Given projections that urban population growth will create 41 mega-cities by 2030 and outstrip water supply by 40% in the same year, Robert's center focuses on devising effective policies to avert water insecurity. The center offers expertise on transitioning from supply-side to demand-side water management, a crucial strategy to ensure sustainable access to quality water in the face of climate change and urbanization impacts.

Dec 2015 – Present · 10 yrs 4 mos

Mar 2015 – Feb 2016 · 11 mos

• As a Visiting Scholar at the Center for Conflict Studies, Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, I focused on policy research. My work investigated how river basin organizations navigate water management issues amidst the complexities of rapid population and economic growth, emphasizing on cooperative strategies for effective water resource distribution.

Feb 2015 – Present · 11 yrs 2 mos · Remote

• In his role as Editor-in-Chief, Robert directs the editorial process by ensuring accuracy, assessing content relevance, and mentoring contributing writers. This role requires effective interpersonal skills, meticulous attention to detail, and strong leadership. The contributors, drawn from prestigious organizations including the European Commission, International Water Association, Central Region of Denmark, and various private sector entities, enrich the content with their diverse policy perspectives.

Feb 2015 – Present · 11 yrs 2 mos · Remote

• Robert C. Brears is the Founder of Rowan House Publisher, a pioneering platform dedicated to advancing knowledge on sustainability and resilience. At Rowan House, Robert oversees the publication of insightful literature aimed at addressing global environmental challenges and fostering actionable solutions. He leads a team committed to curating a diverse array of content that spans policy analysis, innovative strategies, and practical applications in climate resilience and sustainable water management. Through his leadership, Rowan House Publisher strives to empower professionals, policymakers, and communities to build a more sustainable and resilient future.

Dec 2013 – Feb 2015 · 1 yr 2 mos

• Researching climate change adaptation, water-energy-food nexus and circular economy innovations in Europe and the potential transfer of best practices to the Asia-Pacific region.

Oct 2013 – Dec 2013 · 2 mos

• Publishing a working paper on Urban Water Security and co-presenting a seminar on Water Security in the Asia-Pacific: A macro and micro-level analysis with a focus on transboundary water and urban water management in the region.

Nov 2011 – Aug 2012 · 9 mos · Berlin Area, Germany

Aug 2012 – Nov 2012 · 3 mos · Lund, Sweden

Oct 2010 – Present · 15 yrs 6 mos · Remote

• As the Founder of Mitidaption, Robert has dedicated over 15 years to advising businesses, governance structures, and society on climate change and environmental risks. Mitidaption's action-oriented approach emphasizes developing and implementing innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. In addition to providing strategic communication services on climate-related issues, Mitidaption offers educational workshops designed to empower stakeholders with practical knowledge on critical topics such as water security, climate risk management, sustainable business practices, and corporate water risk management. Through these efforts, Robert demonstrates his commitment to equipping individuals and organizations with the tools and strategies needed to effectively address climate change and environmental challenges.