Upstream-Downstream Water Analyst , International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development

Terms of Reference

Title      : Upstream-Downstream Water Analyst (Project Position)

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 Upstream-Downstream Water Analyst. 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 guidance of Theme Leader – Water and Air, the Analyst will work with relevant professionals; and will undertake the following tasks:

• Carry out literature review related to upstream-downstream linkages in the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra river basins including relevant policies and regulations;
• Document relevant policies, acts, regulations (related to land and water management) of the respective countries to address the upstream-downstream linkages;
• Communicate with relevant stakeholders to identify their priorities and needs to address different linkages through surveys and case studies;
• Support other activities of upstream-downstream linkages (such as hydro-meteorological data analysis) and framework preparation;
• Support project relevant activities such as workshops and trainings;
• Report on stakeholder perception and priority on upstream-downstream linkages through case studies;
• Support the development of upstream-downstream linkages framework; and,
• Carry out any other work assigned from time to time.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Environmental Science\Engineering\Water Resources Management or related field;
• 1- 2 years of experience in research on socio-technical aspect of upstream-downstream issues in South Asia or the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region with at least one publication related to the same in any peer review journal; 
• 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

• Content Knowledge:Sound knowledge and experience (both field and policy level) of socio -technical issues in the HKH, or South Asia;
• Research and Analytical Skills: Strong research and analytical skills; Demonstrable experience in using research methods or applications of the analysis of upstream-downstream issues;
• Communication and Outreach: Excellent writing and verbal communication skills in Nepali, Hindi, and English; able to take notes and write analytically;
• Social/Team Competency: Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to work effectively across multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams;
• Impact and Result Orientation: Proactive approach within and outside organization to generate concrete results on output levels;
• Motivation: Motivated to travel long distances with long-term stay at hilly and remote areas of the HKH region.

Duty Station

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

Duration

• The position will be till 31 December 2017 of which the first six months are probation.

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

Applicants are requested to apply online before 07 Feb 2016 through ICIMOD's onlineapplication system.

 

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.