Theme: Geospatial Solutions

Initiative: SERVIR-HKH

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, the Centre 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. ICIMOD is consequently 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; the 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-HKH Initiative

The SERVIR-HKH Initiative works as the regional hub of SERVIR, 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. SERVIR-HKH aims to enhance the capacity of analysts and decision-makers both within and outside of governmental agencies in the use of geospatial technologies and data to inform important management, policy, and planning decisions. 

Responsibilities and tasks:

Under the direct guidance and supervision of the Food Security and Climate Services Group Lead and the overall guidance of the Theme Leader of Geospatial Solutions, the Remote Sensing and Geoinformation Associate will support studies on agriculture, food security, disaster risk reduction, and ecosystem services. 

Specific duties and responsibilities:

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

Qualifications and experience:

• 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 experience in developing scripts in python, java script, and R
• Ability to contribute to the preparation and consolidation of reports and publications

Skills and 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
• Networking, stakeholder management: Effectively communicates with stakeholders and partners
• Analytical thinking: Seeks out information and does research to understand problems
• 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

Duty station:

• The duty station is Kathmandu. Frequent travel in the HKH region may be required.

Duration:

• This is a project position for SERVIR-HKH, initially for one year, with possibility for extension with one more year subject to performance, programme activities, and ICIMOD’s future funding levels. The entire contract period will not exceed a maximum of two years. The probation period will be for three months.

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.