Thematic Area:              Livelihoods
Project:                          Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative

Background
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is a regional intergovernmental learning and knowledge sharing centre serving the eight regional member countries of the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. Mountains are important global ecosystems facing especially rapid socioeconomic and environmental changes, particularly the impacts of climate change. Our aim is to influence policy and practices to meet environmental and livelihood challenges emerging in the HKH region. To do this we bring together 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 collaboration. ICIMOD delivers impact through its six Regional Programmes of Adaptation to Change, Transboundary Landscapes, River Basins, Cryosphere and Atmosphere, Mountain Environment Regional Information System, and Himalayan University Consortium. These regional programmes are supported by the four thematic areas of Livelihoods, Ecosystem Services, Water and Air, and Geospatial Solutions and underpinned by Knowledge Management and Communication. ICIMOD seeks to improve the lives and livelihoods of mountain women and men, now and for the future.
The Kailash Sacred Landscape includes remote portions of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and contiguous areas of Nepal and India. The Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative (KSLCDI) is a transboundary programme to help preserve the landscape’s unique biological diversity, many ecosystem goods and services, and value-based cultural heritage while developing the livelihoods of local communities in the landscape. The KSLCDI has the following broad objectives:

• Strengthen transboundary regional cooperation by institutionalizing elements of a regional cooperation framework
• Establish sustainable ecosystem management approaches and practices at all levels and mainstream them into national policies and plans in the context of climate change adaptation
• Integrate concepts of access to genetic resources and benefit sharing (ABS) in overall ecosystem management and livelihoods diversification at the landscape level 
• Build the capacity of key institutions for long-term environmental monitoring and socioeconomic research for better planning and decision making
• Contribute to the establishment of a regional knowledge sharing platform and to support evidence-based decision making at regional and national levels

The components of KSLCDI are 1) Innovative livelihoods; 2) Ecosystem management for sustaining services; 3) Access and benefit sharing towards development of resilient communities; 4) Long-term conservation and socio-ecological monitoring, and 5) Regional cooperation, enabling policies and knowledge management. 
The Innovative livelihoods component aims to develop livelihood-enhancing activities from both farm and non-farm sectors while integrating ecosystem management and the efficient use of natural resources including water and energy. The promotion of value chains and tourism have been identified as key innovative strategies for livelihoods improvement. At the same time, the component on ABS aims to support partners and member countries in mainstreaming ABS in overall ecosystem management approaches and livelihood diversification. 

Responsibilities and Specific Tasks
The Livelihoods Research Associate will contribute 75% of their time to Component 1 (Innovative livelihoods) and 25% of their time to Component 3 (Access and benefit sharing towards development of resilient communities) as detailed below. 

Support to Component 1 (Innovative livelihoods – 75%)     

In order to support the implementation of Component 1 of KSLCDI, the incumbent will work as a member of the Livelihoods Theme with the following responsibilities:

• Assist the Livelihoods Specialist in providing technical support and backstopping to local and regional implementing partners to contribute to strengthening value chains (from production to marketing) and environmental conservation
• Assist in regular review, planning, and backstopping of KSLCDI component activities with country partners
• Contribute to knowledge development by assisting in:
  • Designing and preparing workshop summaries, concept papers, and synthesis reports for relevant target audiences across the region
  • Undertaking action research and analysing and reporting on case studies;
• Support the organization of local, national, and regional workshops and other kinds of events in terms of planning, communications, logistics, and any other support required
• Support in building and strengthening local networks with line agencies, local governing bodies and management councils, business sector, and other relevant stakeholders
• Provide general office and administrative support to ensure smooth running of project activities
• Assist in other tasks related to an integrated set of outputs expected from KSLCDI together with other team members. 

Support to Component 3 (Access and benefit sharing towards development of resilient communities – 25%) 

In close coordination and guidance from the Component 3 Lead, the Research Associate will; 

• Assist the Component Lead in executing ABS-related activities, formation of biodiversity management councils (BMCs), and developing biodiversity registers and bicultural protocols 
• Contribute to documenting traditional knowledge on ecosystems and biodiversity in the Kailash Sacred Landscape 
• Support capacity building of partners and stakeholders on ABS issues 

Minimum Requirements

• Post-graduate degree in forestry, natural resources management, agro-business
• At least 3 years of proven work experience relating to livelihoods research, development, and/or management. Work experience with communities in remote, highland/mountain areas will be an advantage
• Extensive knowledge about NTFPs/high-value crops/micro-enterprises as alternative livelihood and adaptation strategies, and about good practices and lessons learned in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region
• Experience and skills in project planning, effective communication, and networking with stakeholders and partners on different levels
• Willingness to travel to remote field locations often with minimum support
• Ability to prepare and contribute to progress reports for a diverse range of stakeholders
• Proven experience in participatory methodologies and excellent communication skills
• Good oral and written English communication skills; ability to speak and understand Nepali and Hindi will be an advantage.

Competencies 

• Communication skills: Ability to effectively present, explain, and discuss ideas and listen to others. Excellent English spoken and written communication skills. 
• Networking/stakeholder management: Ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders on different levels and through different means, including telephone, email, and face-to-face, and particularly with national and regional agencies.
• Results/impact orientation: Ability to take a proactive approach for the smooth organization of internal processes and to work independently with a strong sense of initiative and self-motivation.
• Research skills: Experience in desk and field research and the ability to provide technical field support. 
• Social/team competency: Ability to work effectively and smoothly in a multi-disciplinary team of different national, gender, and cultural backgrounds to contribute constructive ideas that meet team objectives.

Duration : This is a project position (KSLCDI) with an initial contract duration of one year, the first three months of which will be probation.  There is a possibility of extension until April 2017 depending on performance. 

Starting date: As early as possible. 

Remuneration
Salaries and benefits of ICIMOD are competitive compared to 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 implements a gender equity policy and is supportive of working women. It operates a day-care centre at the campus and is committed to the integration of gender issues at organizational and programmatic levels. 

Method of application
Applicants are requested to apply online before 17 November 2015 through ICIMOD's online application system.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.