Thematic area
Livelihoods
Background
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) seeks to enable sustainable and resilient mountain development for improved and equitable livelihoods through knowledge and regional cooperation.
ICIMOD is a regional intergovernmental learning and knowledge sharing centre serving the eight regional member countries of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. Working in partnership with regional and international organizations, ICIMOD aims to influence policy and practices to meet environmental and livelihood challenges emerging in the HKH. ICIMOD provides a platform for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers from the region and around the globe to generate and share knowledge, support evidence-based decision making, and encourage regional cooperation.
ICIMOD works through its six regional programmes: 1) Adaptation and Resilience Building, 2) Transboundary Landscapes, 3) River Basins and Cryosphere, 4) Atmosphere, 5) Mountain Environment Regional Information System, and 6) Mountain Knowledge and Action Networks. These regional programmes are supported by four thematic areas – Livelihoods, Ecosystem Services, Water and Air, and Geospatial Solutions – and underpinned by the Knowledge Management and Communication Unit. ICIMOD seeks to contribute to reducing poverty and vulnerability and improving the lives and livelihoods of mountain women, men, and children, now and in the future.
ICIMOD–DFID relations
ICIMOD is known for its integrated and holistic approaches to address multifaceted challenges of development. Even greater and more effective integration, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary work are needed to address the complex issues facing the region. ICIMOD’s regional programmes provide platforms for more effective and integrative research, policy-relevant advice, and promotion of sustainable development practices.
ICIMOD and the Department for International Development (DFID), United Kingdom, have a close working relationship, both working on climate and environment issues in the HKH region. The Climate and Environment Specialist will strengthen the collaboration between ICIMOD and DFID. The Specialist will report to ICIMOD’s Theme Leader on Livelihoods and will work closely with DFID Nepal’s Team Leader of the Resilience and Inclusion Team.
Responsibilities and task
- Working closely with the Government of Nepal on climate policy issues, including developing a Green New Deal for Nepal
- Engaging with Nepal-based climate programmes (including DFID Nepal’s) to learn lessons and develop common climate frameworks
- Supporting Nepal to access substantially increased climate investment
- Ensuring strong links to ICIMOD’s and DFID’s regional initiatives
- In particular supporting advocacy and regional diplomacy activities associated with the HKH Call to Action and a Himalayan “Green Deal”
Minimum qualifications
- A postgraduate degree in climate- or environment-related subjects, with experience in interdisciplinary work and at least 5 years of experience (or equivalent) in a climate-related field, of which part has preferably been in the HKH. A bachelors’ degree in combination with seven years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the more advanced university degree.
- It is preferable if the candidate has experience in (1) international and national climate governance; (2) climate economics and finance; and (3) communicating and influencing high-level negotiations.
- A proven track record in promoting and supporting gender equity
- Experience in writing successful proposals and writing and coordinating complex reports
Competencies
- Cross-cultural impact: Effectively manages the complexity of working in a multi-cultural environment by integrating best practices from different cultures in workplace relationships
- Result-oriented: Helps the organization achieve its strategic short- and long-term goals leading to increased outcome and impact
- Team work and cooperation: Provides information to and shares resources with other units; leads teams comprising people with different skill sets at various institutional levels through collaborative decision-making processes
- Behavioural flexibility and managing change: Leads by example, adapting to changing situations while creating an environment in which people can adapt to changing situations
- Networking/stakeholder management: Identifies relevant stakeholders and partners and engages with them at the strategic level
- Developing others: Fosters a continuous learning culture while setting an example for others to follow; provides feedback to support the professional development of others
- Strategic thinking: Evaluates issues from a multi-functional perspectives to formulate plans and strategies to achieve long-term goals
- Continuous improvement: Takes an innovative approach to implementing new technology to inform ideas and working methods, and is focused on continuous improvement
- Impactful communication: Is an active listener and able to tailor convincing messages for different audiences, ensuring effective communication within and outside the organization
Duty station
The duty station is Kathmandu. Frequent travel in the HKH region and beyond may be required.
Duration
3 years, with a probation period of 6 months, starting as early as possible, with a possibility of extension subject to performance and ICIMOD’s future funding levels.
Renumeration
Salaries and benefits of ICIMOD are competitive compared with other regional organizations; remuneration is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Gender and equity policy
Qualified and eligible women candidates and those from disadvantaged backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply. ICIMOD upholds a gender equity policy and is supportive of women professionals. It operates a day-care centre at the campus and is committed to the integration of gender equity at organizational and programmatic levels.
Method of application
Applicants are requested to apply online before 16 Mar 2020 through ICIMOD’s online application system.
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
