Theme:      Water and Air 

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. 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 reduce poverty and vulnerability and improve the lives and livelihoods of mountain women and men, now and for the future.  

The conservation and sustainable management of water are of paramount importance for the people living in the Hindu Kush Himalayas and have ramifications for the prosperity and stability of the entire region and beyond. Water is not only the single most important resource and source of wealth, but also the source of catastrophic hazards. ICIMOD’s integrated approach is aimed at contributing to the management and sustainable use of water as part of the greater mountain ecosystem. ICIMOD works to monitor and assess ice and water resources, promote community resilience and preparedness for disaster risk reduction, ensure the sharing of upstream-downstream benefits, and provide information and tools for better risk management.  
ICIMOD is looking for a Research Associate- Field Research and Pilot.  The incumbent will work for the Himalayan Adaptation, Water and Resilience (HI-AWARE) Research Initiative which aims to develop climate change adaptation approaches and increase the resilience of the poorest and most vulnerable women, men, and children in the mountains and plains of the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region.

Responsibilities and Tasks 

• Under the overall supervision of Theme Leader – Water and Air, the Research Associate will work with researchers working on conducting field research and implementing pilots; and will perform the following duties: 
• Coordinate and organise research visits, conduct field work as part of the team, undertake independent data collection as and when required under different Research Components in between Nepal and India;
• Review literature on related issues including water and vulnerability issues; write research papers; 
• Conduct field level multi-stakeholder consultations; 
• Record and transcribe field notes and synthesize information collected by researchers of the team and prepare research reports; 
• Organize and actively participate and provide inputs to internal ICIMOD meetings; 
• Design, implement, and document field pilots in Nepal and India. 

Minimum Qualifications  

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Water Resource Management Environmental Science or interdisciplinary studies with strong focus on climate change and water issues. Prior research assistant experience would be desirable;
• At least one year experience in water and adaptation-related research and field work in South Asia or the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region;
• This position requires extensive and long-term research in the field. The incumbent should be able to spend long and extended spells in the field. 

Additional Skills and Competencies 

• Knowledge: Experience and knowledge of gender, water and adaptation issues in the HKH regions;
• Communication and Outreach: Ability to present and discuss ideas effectively within the team; ability to listen to others; Excellent writing and verbal communication skills in Nepali and English;
• Impact and Result Orientation: Proactive approach for the smooth organization of internal processes; work with strong sense of initiative, discipline and self-motivation;
• Social/Team Competency: Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to work effectively across multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams;
• Research and Analytical Skills: Strong research and analytical skills. Ability to conduct field research and provide technical/clerical field support.  Ability to analyze to create credible scientific evidence; 
• Motivation to Travel: Motivated to travel to and stay for long periods in the remote areas of the HKH region as required. 

Duty Station 
The duty station is Kathmandu; frequent travel and field work in the region will be required.

Duration      
One year, of which the first three months are probation, with a possibility of extension up to December 2017 subject to performance.

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-fair policy and is supportive of working women. It operates a Day Care centre at the campus and a Gender Resource Centre and is committed to integrating gender issues at the organizational and programme levels.

Method of application 
This position is only open to Nepali candidates. 

Applicants are requested to apply online before January 31, 2016 through ICIMOD's online application system

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.