Theme:                                  Water and Air
Regional Programme:           Cryosphere and Atmosphere

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 Cryosphere and Atmosphere Regional Programme generates new knowledge about the cryosphere, the atmosphere, and mitigation options for short-lived climate pollutants, as well as facilitates the exchange of information and data, and builds the capacity of the partners from ICIMOD’s regional member countries. The programme is divided into a Cryosphere Initiative and an Atmosphere Initiative and includes a special project on permafrost. The goal of the Cryosphere Initiative is to assess the status and understand processes of the cryosphere, and is implemented through the Cryosphere Monitoring Project (CMP) and other smaller projects. The CMP uses a multilevel and integrative approach and consists of five components – field-based glacier monitoring, assessment of current and future water resources with modelling, remote sensing based glacier and snow monitoring, establishing a regional cryosphere knowledge hub, and capacity building. Our work includes research on directly and geodetically measured mass balance, glacier geometry changes, snow cover, glacier inventories, and the assessment of glacio-hydrological water resources. 

Responsibilities and Specific Tasks
In the framework of the Cryosphere Monitoring Project, the Research Associate Glaciologist will support glacier expeditions, analysis of data, trainings, and outreach efforts. Under the direct supervision of the Water and Air Theme Leader, the overall guidance of the Programme Coordinator of Cryosphere Initiative, and in coordination with the Senior Glaciologist, the Research Associate Glaciologist will be responsible for the following:

• Assist in the organization of expeditions to collect glacier mass balance and geometry measurements, often in collaboration with regional and national partners as and when necessary.
• Support field data management and analysis, and assist in internal quality control in ICIMOD’s implementation and delivery of glaciological data, services, and knowledge products.
• Maintain field equipment and instruments and support administrative processes.
• Assist in writing reports, news articles, and scientific publications resulting from glaciological work.
• Assist in the implementation of regional and national training courses, workshops, and seminars related to the project.
• Assist in conducting dialogue with regional and national stakeholders in connection with the implementation of project activities.
• Assist in studies on changes in the cryosphere and the development of new project and programme components related to the cryosphere.
• Actively participate and contribute to ICIMOD activities and discussions related to climate change, cryosphere, and hydrology.
• Work as a team player within ICIMOD and support related activities and promote institutional goals.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

• A post-graduate academic degree (MSc) with a research focus on glaciology and knowledge about glacier mass balance research.
• Experience in surveying and maintaining glacier mass balance measurements. 
• Experience and the ability to conduct glacier fieldwork at high altitudes, including mountaineering experience and knowledge on how to conduct safe glacier measurements.
• Experience managing and analysing field data and working with databases. 
• Knowledge of GIS and remote sensing techniques.
• Ability to work independently with a strong sense of professionalism and self-discipline, as well as an ability to take initiatives when needed.
• Ability to write reports and prepare scientific articles. 
• Comfortable working with multidisciplinary teams, particularly with international and regional agencies, and working with colleagues and collaborators of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Skills and Competencies

• Mountaineering skills and physical fitness: Experience in mountaineering techniques, as well as a high level of physical fitness to conduct glacier and snow measurements under demanding conditions at high altitudes.
• Communication and outreach: Good written and oral English communication skills and the ability to present, explain, and discuss complex ideas; to listen to others; and to integrate ideas from different people and sources.
• Research skills: Knowledge on and experience of using relevant research methodologies and analysis to create credible scientific evidence.
• Impact and results orientation: Ability to work independently, while drawing on in-house and long-distance support from the global community, with a strong sense of initiative, discipline, and self-motivation.
• Flexibility/innovation: Continuous learning attitude, ability to proactively adapt to and stay abreast of changing contexts, technologies, and approaches; ability to come up with innovations and make improvements in own work area. 
• Social/team competency: Ability to work effectively and smoothly across teams taking into account intercultural sensitivities; ability to manage minor conflicts and to contribute to establishing commitment among work group members.

Duration : This is a project position (Cryosphere Monitoring Project) with an initial contract duration of one year, the first three months of which will be probation. There is a possibility of extension till 31 December 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 18 November 2015 through ICIMOD's online application system.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.