Cryosphere Research Associate

Cryosphere Research Associate (open for Nepali nationals only)

Application deadline: 18 Jan 2023
ICIMOD is seeking applications for the position, Cryosphere Research Associate (open for Nepali nationals only).

Strategic Group

Strategic Group 1: Reducing Climate and Environmental Risks

Action Area

Action Area A: Managing Cryosphere and Water Risks

Background

About ICIMOD

We are ICIMOD – a unique regional intergovernmental learning and knowledge centre based in Kathmandu, Nepal. We are a dynamic diverse group of people focused on our work towards a shared vision of a greener, more inclusive, and climate-resilient HKH. We work on behalf of our eight Regional Member Countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
We aim to influence policy and practice by bringing researchers, practitioners, and policymakers together to identify better ways of helping the people and communities of the HKH meet the increasing climate and environmental challenges while encouraging regional cooperation and collaboration for more sustainable mountain development.

Position overview

We are looking for someone who is passionate about understanding the cryosphere better, is results-driven, enjoys working at pace, and is motivated to make a difference. Under ICIMOD’s focus on risks in the cryosphere and water, the Cryosphere Research Associate will investigate the changing high mountain environment considering its potential impacts on people, livelihoods, infrastructures, and ecosystems in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH).
This position suits applicants who possess analytical and research skills in examining cryospheric change and who are keen to build the capacity of HKH institutions to monitor, analyse, and communicate the risks of cryospheric change.
We have just developed a new Strategy 2030: Moving Mountains, which will frame our next two Medium Term Action Plans – MTAP V (2023–2026) and MTAP VI (2027–2030) – while building on, and taking further forwards, our very solid foundations. We are now proceeding through a transition towards a new structure that will be constituted of three Strategic Groups (SGs) housing six Action Areas (AAs).
This will be an exciting period replete with opportunity on all matters surrounding the cryosphere, including supporting the delivery of ambitious new results commitments for ICIMOD on the cryosphere and cryospheric change, that will enable a better understanding and response to cryospheric change and their impacts on society and ecosystems in the HKH.

About Strategic Group 1 and Action Area A

SG 1: Reducing Climate and Environmental Risks focuses on managing risks, including those that are transboundary, relating to water, cryosphere, land, and air. It will focus on improving the understanding and communication of risks and their implications for mountain peoples’ health, livelihoods, and safety, as well as on what they mean for policy responses and for future-proofing development investment. In addition to the testing and piloting of solutions to reduce these risks, in close collaboration with our Regional Member Countries and partners, a key feature of this SG is to build more regionally consistent and coherent enabling environments for risk management, whether through dialogues or networking, or national and regional policy solutions.
Within SG 1, AA A: Managing Cryosphere and Water Risks will address cryosphere- (glaciers, snow, and permafrost) and water-related risks, which are increasing in intensity and complexity. These risks heavily impact some of the most vulnerable mountain and downstream communities – particularly women, children, the elderly, and the differently-abled – and regularly wipe out infrastructure and other development investments, resulting in thousands of lives and millions of dollars lost. This AA is configured around three inter-related work areas: (1) supporting effective global, regional, and national responses to the changing cryosphere; (2) promoting innovative and inclusive approaches to disaster risk reduction in policies, plans, and investments; and (3) improving integrated river basin management for regional benefit sharing and disaster risk reduction in shared river basins.

Responsibilities and task

The Research Associate will be expected to support relevant workstreams within AA A: Managing Cryosphere and Water Risks to support delivery of ICIMOD’s objectives as expressed in its MTAP V. This may include contributing to the following:

• Building capabilities of our HKH institutions to monitor the cryosphere and analyse data in systematic and effective ways for better risk management
• Effective sharing of cryosphere data and knowledge across the HKH by supporting and promoting the use of common databases and ICIMOD’s CryoHub with regional partners and other users
•  Strengthening regional capacity and understanding of appropriate responses to cryospheric change impacts on society and development
• Developing strong coordination and communication mechanisms for sharing of research insights across the HKH and beyond

Minimum qualifications

•  A master’s degree in glaciology, earth science, geoscience, cryosphere, environmental sciences, or related subjects with two years 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.
• Knowledge of cryosphere concepts, data monitoring, and/or analytical techniques
• Be willing to undertake field missions with other team members
• Physical fitness to work in demanding conditions at high altitudes; mountaineering experience desirable
• Excellent English communication and report writing skills (in English and Nepali) and analytical skills with an ability to understand and contextualise research
• Knowledge on using standard software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as good working understanding of statistical and programming software such as R and MATLAB

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 organisational processes
• Cross-cultural impact: Adjusts to cultural differences to ensure broad participation
• Continuous improvement and innovation: Seeks to improve work processes by implementing new practices and technologies
• Analytical thinking: Seeks out information and does research to understand problems
• Self-development: Positive attitude towards learning and professional development
• Developing others: Provides feedback on the performance or output of others to smoothen working relations and operational workflow

Duty station

The duty station is Kathmandu. Frequent travel and fieldwork (including visits to sites above 3,500 masl) will be required.

Duration

One year, with a probation period of three months, starting as early as possible. Possibility of extension subject to performance and ICIMOD’s future funding levels.

Renumeration

Salaries and benefits of ICIMOD are competitive compared with other regional organisations; 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 organisational and programmatic levels.

Method of application

Applicants are requested to apply online before 18 Jan 2023 through ICIMOD’s online application system.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Tagged as: Kathmandu, NGO INGO, Research Associate