Thematic area
Water and Air
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 (KMC) 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.
About the Water and Air Theme
Water and Air is one of ICIMOD’s four strategic thematic areas and houses competencies related to water and atmospheric issues. ICIMOD fosters regional and transboundary exchange and dialogue to promote integrated water and land management and air quality monitoring. It acts as a resource centre for information on water resources and atmosphere. These competencies are applied in ICIMOD’s six regional programmes to foster inter and transdisciplinary research and development activities, thereby delivering a positive impact in the HKH.
From physical, ecological, and social perspectives, the Water and Air Thematic Area analyses the demand and future availability of water from mountains; cryosphere dynamics; rivers, springs, groundwater, and watersheds; water-related hazards including floods and droughts; the potential impacts of climate and anthropogenic changes; hydropower development; and the role of hill and mountain irrigation in providing food security. The Thematic Area also focuses on improving quantitative understanding of atmospheric transport, chemicals and microphysical processes, emission sources within and up-wind of the region, and the impacts of atmospheric change on the health of poor communities and on the cryosphere. Water and Air focuses on developing solutions at a variety of scales, from community to national policy levels, and fostering regional cooperation. It also addresses transboundary issues, especially within the water–food–energy nexus, including benefit-sharing and building community resilience. Regional cooperation on atmospheric monitoring, data sharing, and mitigation is an important component of the thematic work.
The Research Associate will be housed in the Water and Air Theme and will mainly support the Indus Basin Initiative and Cryosphere Initiative under the Regional Programme on River Basins and Cryosphere.
Responsibilities and task
Main responsibilities
The Research Associate will work under the overall supervision and guidance of the Group Lead of Climate and Hydrology at the Water and Air Theme He/she will have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Conduct literature reviews and develop status reports on climate change, water, watershed management, mountain agriculture, and hydropower
- Support climate change impact assessments on different sectors such as water resources, disasters, and agriculture
- Support hydropower development work of different initiatives from the hydropower sustainability framework using different indicators (physical, socioeconomic, environmental, and climate change)
- Support studies related to agricultural water management in high-altitude regions
- Contribute to the production of different knowledge products, training manuals, and synthesis of pilot learnings from different ICIMOD interventions
- Support activities of different initiatives, such as events, workshops, conferences, and knowledge forums
Minimum qualifications
- A master’s degree (or equivalent) in environmental engineering, physical sciences, hydrology, climate change, geography, or related fields with a minimum of 1 year relevant experience. A first-level university degree in combination with three years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the more advanced university degree.
- Minimum of one year of experience in water resource management, hydrology, and climate change specific to the Himalayan region (specific knowledge of the Ganges and Indus basins would be preferable)
- Good knowledge of challenges and opportunities in hydropower development in the region
- Experience in writing journal papers and research and technical reports
Competencies
- Teamwork and cooperation: Works collaboratively in a team, seeking opinions and feedback to find solutions and meet team objectives
- Results orientation: Takes responsibility for fulfilling challenging goals set in line with organizational processes
- Cross-cultural impact: Adjusts to cultural differences to ensure broad participation
- Networking and Stakeholder Management: Effectively communicates with stakeholders and partners
- Analytical thinking: Uses logical thinking to solve problems, develop plans, and contribute to the decision-making process while taking different viewpoints into account
- Impactful Communication: Is a good communicator and listener, able to convey thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely
- Behavioural flexibility and managing change: Adapts to change and adjusts to new responsibilities and circumstances
- Self-development: Positive attitude towards learning and professional development with the ability to recognize his/her strengths and weaknesses
Duty station
The duty station is Kathmandu. Frequent travel and fieldwork will be required.
Duration
One year, of which the first three months are probationary, with the possibility of an extension subject to ICIMOD’s future funding levels and performance.
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 15 June 2020 through ICIMOD’s online application system.
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
