Thematic Area: Ecosystems

Programme: Transboundary Landscapes

Division: Regional REDD+ Initiative

Duty Station: Kathmandu, Nepal

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 delivers impact 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 of Livelihoods, Ecosystem Services, Water and Air, and Geospatial Solutions, and underpinned by Knowledge Management and Communication. ICIMOD seeks to contribute to reduce poverty and vulnerability and improve the lives and livelihoods of mountain women and men, now and in the future.

The Regional REDD+ Initiative under the Transboundary Landscapes Regional Programme works directly with the REDD+ focal points of Bhutan, India, Myanmar, and Nepal, helping build their capacity and undertake research. With the initiative in its final year, the focus will be on developing State REDD+ Action Plans and conducting trainings for implementing the Biodiversity Monitoring Protocol.

Responsibilities and Tasks:

Under the overall supervision of the Group Lead of the Ecosystems Theme and under direct guidance of the REDD+ Programme Coordinator, the Research Associate will work as a team member in the Ecosystems theme. He/she will have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Provide overall guidance in the preparation of Sub-national REDD+ Action Plans in India and Myanmar
• Assist in the overall implementation of German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUB)-funded projects
• Support the REDD+ Programme Coordinator in the timely collection, review, and compilation of partners' progress reports and financial statements
• Coordinate events, conferences, and workshops
• Undertake all related work in project sites 
• Prepare reports as per the project needs
• Assist/conduct planning meetings in Bhutan, India, Myanmar, and Nepal
• Coordinate workshops for national- and district-level stakeholders
• Assist in the preparation of annual operational planning for the REDD+ programme
• Liaise with the REDD+ Implementation Centre, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Forest Research Institute (FRI), and Department of Forest and Park Services (DFPS) – Government of Bhutan

Specific Tasks:

• Prepare Sub-national REDD+ Action Plans for India and Myanmar
• Provide training to partner countries on developing Sub-national REDD+ Action Plans 
• Provide technical support to partner countries to prepare the Biodiversity Monitoring Protocol for REDD+
• Publish at least one journal paper on drivers of deforestation and forest degradation

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Environment Sciences or any related field with a minimum three years of relevant work experience in natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, involvement in community-based conservation planning, or development studies
• Experience working on transboundary landscape issues in the HKH 
• Excellent English communication and writing skills

Competencies:

• Teamwork and Cooperation: Works collaboratively in a team, seeking opinions and feedback to find solutions and meet team objectives
• Results Orientation: Takes responsibility of fulfilling challenging goals set in line with organizational processes
• Cross-Cultural Impact: Adjusts to cultural differences to ensure broad participation
• Analytical Thinking: Seeks out information that will support decision making and help achieve objectives
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Seeks to improve work processes by implementing new practices and technologies
• Self-Development: Displays a positive attitude towards learning and professional development
• Developing Others: Provides feedback on the performance or output of others to smoothen working relations and operational workflow
• Duration: This is a project position till 31 July 2020 with a probation period of three months.
• Starting Date: As soon as possible.

Remuneration:  

• Salaries and benefits of ICIMOD are competitive compared to other regional organizations; remuneration is commensurate with experience and qualifications.