Terms of Reference

Title: Research Officer

Thematic Area : Water

Programme: Adaptation to Change

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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 the associated challenges emerging in the greater Himalayan region. To do this we bring together top researchers from the region and around the globe to generate and disseminate state-of-the-art knowledge in the physical and social sciences, including traditional knowledge, for evidence-based decision making; and we provide a neutral meeting point for transboundary research, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. Working to deliver impacts in five Regional Programmes across four Thematic Areas – Water; Ecosystem Management; Livelihoods; and Geospatial Solutions – supported by integrated knowledge management, we seek to improve the lives and livelihoods of mountain women and men, now and for the future.

The Himalayan Climate Change Adaptation Programme (HICAP) is an integrated 5-year programme aimed at strengthening the resilience to change, particularly climate change, of mountain communities in the HKH, with a special focus on women. The programme contributes to enhanced resilience through improved understanding of vulnerabilities, opportunities, and potentials for adaptation, and the development of strategies and policies in the HKH based on scientific evidence-based knowledge. The present position will support the Vulnerability and Adaptation component of HICAP.

Responsibilities and tasks

In close collaboration with the Adaptation to Change Regional Programme, the Water Thematic Area, and other units, the incumbent will carry out the following tasks:
  1. Provide inputs for identifying and documenting issues related to water induced disaster risk reduction, hazard preparedness, and community adaptation in the HKH. 
  2. Provide support to the implementation of the research activities of the HICAP Vulnerability and Adaptation component in the priority basins.
  3. Facilitate coordination with regional member country partners to support HICAP research in the respective countries.
  4. Assist in synthesizing the research findings and developing knowledge sharing products in consultation with local partners. 
  5. Support organization of internal meetings and workshops, seminars, etc. on disaster risk reduction and community resilience issues, involving partners and other experts.
  6. Work as a team player within ICIMOD, seeking support from other relevant units as well as providing inputs to other activities in order to promote interdisciplinary cooperation.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Master’s degree (or its equivalent) in environmental sciences, geography, water resources management, or a related field
  • At least three years of experience working on environment, climate, or water related issues; in-depth knowledge of the development context, disaster risk reduction, and adaptation in the HKH region 
  • Experience in conducting in-depth environment and adaptation related research, ideally in mountain regions

Competencies

  • Proven ability to think analytically and critically, and ability to translate ideas, insights, and learning into action through a coherent programme of work
  • Demonstrated capacity to network and cooperate with partner organizations in the region on issues regarding the impact of climate change on local communities, water hazards, and disaster risk reduction
  • Demonstrated capacity to work in teams with colleagues and collaborators of different disciplines and sociocultural backgrounds
  • Good interpersonal communication and coordination skills 
  • Excellent written and spoken English
  • Strong commitment to ICIMOD’s mission and core values of equity, fairness, and diversity

Duration

One year of which the first three months are probation with possible extension subject to ICIMOD’s future funding levels and project requirements

Remuneration

Salaries and benefits at ICIMOD are highly competitive compared to those of 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 is committed to gender mainstreaming at the organisational and programmatic levels.


Method of application

Applicants are requested to apply online before 9 July 2012 through ICIMOD's online application system.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.