ICIMOD is seeking applications for the position, Remote Sensing and Geo-information Associate (Project position; open for Nepali nationals only).

Thematic area

• Geospatial Solutions

Division

• SERVIR-HKH

Background

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) seeks to enable sustainable and resilient mountain development for improved and equitable livelihoods through knowledge generation 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.

Geospatial Solutions Theme

The vastness and remoteness of much of the HKH region has often been a barrier to development and research. Over the past two decades, ICIMOD has worked to breach this barrier by developing and institutionalizing remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) as a tool to support development policies and assist science-based decision making at multiple levels. In particular, it has worked with both international and regional partners to provide access to data and information, integrate analysis and modelling, and develop interactive mapping and spatial visualization. The result is that ICIMOD is now internationally regarded as a regional resource centre for geo-information and Earth observation application with a specific mountain focus. ICIMOD is also committed to capacity building in this area. Regional Member Countries have benefited from ICIMOD’s short courses and training programmes and have gone on to establish GIS hubs in their own countries.

SERVIR-Hindu Kush Himalaya

ICIMOD implements SERVIR-Hindu Kush Himalaya (SERVIR-HKH) as an initiative under its Regional Programme on Mountain Environment Regional Information System. SERVIR-HKH works as the regional hub of the SERVIR Global programmes, which is a joint development initiative of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), working in partnership with leading regional organizations around the globe. With an overarching goal to improve environmental management and resilience to climate change, SERVIR works to integrate Earth observation and geospatial technologies for improved developmental decision making.

A major objective of SERVIR-HKH is to enhance the capacity of analysts and decision-makers both within and outside of government to use geospatial technologies and data to inform important management, policy, and planning decisions. The capacity to use information is strongly affected by gender inequalities; women may have limited opportunities and education to fully understand technical information. SERVIR-HKH considers these differences and makes special efforts to build capacity and provide benefits to all groups.

Responsibilities and tasks

• The Remote Sensing and Geoinformation Associate will work under the direct guidance and supervision of the SERVIR Land Use Land Cover and Ecosystem Service Lead and the overall guidance of the Theme Leader of Geospatial Solutions and SERVIR Program Coordinator.
• The associate will support studies on land cover mapping, wetland mapping, carbon monitoring, disaster risk reduction, and ecosystem services.

Responsibilities and task

• Support collection and integration of data from various spatial and non-spatial sources for calibration and validation of geospatial analysis
• Perform data analysis for spatial and time-series data and prepare maps, tables, and statistics
• Apply recommended methodologies for satellite image processing
• Develop scripts to extract information/analysis of satellite images
• Conduct fieldwork in study areas
• Help prepare documentation, including reports and methods of analysis
• Support training programmes

Minimum qualifications

• A master's degree in geoinformatics or related subjects with at least one year 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.
• Experience in remote sensing and image processing
• Experience using remote sensing and GIS software/platforms
• Familiar with Earth observation and geospatial information applications
• Some programing experience in python, java script, and R
• Ability to contribute to the preparation and consolidation of reports and publications

Competencies

• Teamwork and cooperation: Works collaboratively in a team, seeking opinions and feedback to find solutions and meet team objectives
• Result orientation: Takes responsibility for fulfilling challenging goals set in line with organizational processes
• Cross-cultural impact: Adjusts to cultural differences to ensure broad participation
• Continuous improvement and innovation: Continually improves work processes and questions status quo practices, traditions, and assumptions
• Analytical thinking: Seeks out information and does research to understand problems
• Behavioral flexibility and managing change: Adapts to change and adjusts to new responsibilities and circumstances
• Self-development: Positive attitude towards learning and professional development
• Developing others: Facilitates effective operational results and compliance

Duty station

• The duty station is Kathmandu, Nepal. Frequent travel within the HKH region may be required.

Duration

• This is a project position for SERVIR-HKH, initially for one year, with a probation period of three months. Yearly extensions are possible subject to performance and ICIMOD’s future funding levels, with the entire contract period not extending beyond September 2025.

Remuneration

• 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