Location
You will be working in a cross-cultural, impact-oriented environment at ICIMOD’s head office in Kathmandu, Nepal. Frequent Travel in the HKH region will be required. Kathmandu is a lively and exciting place to live. People are friendly, living costs are comparatively inexpensive, food is delicious (with a range of local and international cuisines), and there are good local and international schools and a low crime rate. Nepal offers amazing trekking trails, white water rafting, and safaris, combined with a rich culture and charming yet lively nightlife. 

Duration 
Two years, with a probation period of six months. There is a possibility of extension subject to performance and ICIMOD’s future funding levels.

Reporting and supervising
The Hydrogeologist will report to the Intervention Manager – Sustainable Springs within Action Area D: Restoring and Regenerating Landscapes and under the overall supervision of the Action Area Coordinator. The Hydrogeologist will also work closely with other interventions of Action Area D focusing on springshed management.

Background to ICIMOD
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), based in Kathmandu, Nepal, is the leading institute for the study of the HKH. An intergovernmental knowledge and development organisation with a focus on climate and environmental risks, green economies, and sustainable collective action, we have worked in our eight regional member countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan – since our foundation.

Entering our 40th year, ICIMOD is perfectly positioned to support the transformative action required for the HKH to face the challenges of the escalating effects of climate change, pollution, water insecurity, increased disaster risk, biodiversity loss, and widespread socioeconomic changes. We seek to raise our ambition to support the required transformative action to step up our engagement through to 2030.

Position overview 
We are looking for a highly skilled Hydrogeologist with extensive experience in the field of hydrogeology. The Hydrogeologist will be working on the ‘intervention on regenerating and managing springsheds for multiple social and ecosystem benefits in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH)’, which falls under Action Area D: Restoring and Regenerating Landscapes of Strategic Group 2: Shaping Green and Resilient Mountain Economies. 

The candidate will play a crucial role in advancing ICIMOD’s springshed management approach by integrating scientific methodologies and socio-economics considerations. The candidate also work with ICIMOD’s partners to provide technical expertise in hydrogeological assessments to ensure the effective management of springsheds in the HKH region. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to environmental conservation in the HKH region. 

Responsibilities 

The Hydrogeologist will be responsible for delivering results in line with the commitments we have made in our Strategy 2030: Moving Mountains and our Medium-Term Action Plan V (2023–2026): Embracing Change and Accelerating Impact.

• Plan field work and support pilots in the field with partners, focusing on hydrogeological mapping, development of conceptual layouts and identification of recharge areas
• Ensure compliance of action research and pilots with springshed management protocol, proposals, and ethical processes
• Carry out spring-related data analyses and draft conclusions and recommendations for further implementation and customisation of gender and socially inclusive springshed management approaches
• Plan and facilitate capacity building sessions on basic concepts of hydrogeological cycling and hydrogeological assessments of springshed management for the stakeholders of various levels
• Identify stakeholders in the field and liase with partners in the field, identify needs and engage in dialogues for quality implementation and scaling of springshed management
• Provide inputs for the development of proposals and frameworks pertaining to springshed management as Nature-based Solution (NbS) for water security and resilience building
• Prepare joint research reports and publications from the pilot work with partners and contribute to their quality dissemination
• Contribute to reporting and ensure delivery of high-quality content reports from partners in related to the tasks assigned to them
• Network with regional and international organisations, be part of professional bodies, and represent ICIMOD at external events concerning springshed management

Minimum qualifications and experience 

ESSENTIAL

• A master’s degree in hydrology, hydrogeology, or related subjects with three years of relevant work experience is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Competence in hydrogeological assessments of springsheds using field based and digital methods
• Possess knowledge on collaborative and gender and socially inclusive pilots and scaling up solutions
• Experience of developing training courses pertaining to springshed management or related field
• Be willing to undertake field missions with other team members in the remote regional of HKH
• Ability to adapt to new situations and change at work
• Good English communication and report writing skills (in English and Nepali) and analytical skills with an ability to understand and contextualise research
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

PREFERRED 

• Strong orientation in interdisciplinary approaches
• Experience in the HKH region or another mountainous region
• Experience in the application of digital tools for springshed management

Remuneration
This is an international position at ICIMOD. Remuneration is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Salaries and benefits at ICIMOD are competitive compared with other international organisations. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a provident fund, health insurance, severance pay, children’s education grant, and paid leave (30 holidays and 10 public holidays per year). 

For expatriates, there is a tax exemption in Nepal; they are responsible for their home country’s tax payments. Expatriate staff are entitled to housing allowance, annual home leave ticket, shipment of personal effects, and an installation and removal allowance.

ICIMOD’s core values 
Our core values are integrity, neutrality, relevance, inclusiveness, openness, and ambition. These values are an expression of our culture and are central to the guiding beliefs and principles of our work and behaviour. Our core values will lie at the heart of ICIMOD operations and delivery. They will underpin everything we do and frame how we work with our partners. They reflect our founding intentions and the balances we seek to hold, while equipping ourselves for the future. 

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and safeguarding 
ICIMOD’s human resource selection process is based on the qualifications and competence of the applicants. As an employer, ICIMOD is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and offers equal opportunities to applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, including but not limited to gender, age, national origin, religion, race, caste, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or social status. ICIMOD strongly encourages applications from all eligible applicants, especially women, from all parts of the HKH region.

ICIMOD is dedicated to establishing and upholding a safe and nurturing work environment, where all its employees can participate fully and meaningfully without fear of violence, harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. Any type of abuse or harassment, including sexual misconduct, by our staff, representatives, or stakeholders is not condoned or tolerated.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.