Division: MENRIS
Background
ICIMOD is a regional knowledge development and learning centre serving the eight member countries of the Hindu Kush-Himalayas – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. Together with its partners and member countries, ICIMOD is committed to securing a better future for the people of the Hindu Kush-Himalayas through the development of an economically and environmentally sound mountain ecosystem.
ICIMOD promotes integrated and innovative geospatial solutions for mountain development through the Mountain Environment and Natural Resources Information Systems (MENRIS) Programme. MENRIS programme focuses on technology innovation, capacity building and training, development of mountain-specific applications and decision support systems. With the overarching goal of climate change adaptation, the current areas of applications include cryosphere, biodiversity, forestry/REDD+, disaster and transboundary air pollution.
The MENRIS programme is working on several new and exciting developments to promote geo-information and earth observation for the benefit of mountain communities in the region. Recently, ICIMOD joined hands with USAID and NASA to establish SERVIR-Himalaya, a programme aiming to provide linkage from “space to village” and apply the best in science and technology for improved environmental decision-making in the region.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the MENRIS Division Head, the incumbent will carry out the following tasks together with the MENRIS team and in close collaboration with other ICIMOD programme teams:
- Lead the development of geospatial solutions in ICIMOD work areas in collaboration with different Integrated Programmes and Partners; contribute to systematic design and development of spatial databases in different thematic areas adhering to international standardisation; develop integrated and innovative geo-based solutions (GIS/RS applications) in different thematic areas of ICIMOD’s strategic priority areas;
- Lead and/or supervise the systematic development of geospatial applications at national and regional levels, focusing on various applications pertinent to integrated mountain development; lead system analysis of thematic applications and coordinate design and development of decision support systems;
- Contribute to knowledge generation and management of the centre on innovative geospatial solutions through research and project based activities; organise trainings/workshops as needed and coordinate systematic web presence of geospatial applications;
- Develop concept papers and project proposals in the field of geospatial applications in societal beneficial areas of mountain communities;
- Develop partnership initiatives to foster south-south collaboration to share and learn experiences in the region and where relevant beyond; establish and maintain a network of institutions and alumni with a particular focus on connectivity between institutions in the HKH region and where relevant beyond;
- Provide advisory services in the field of geospatial application development though correspondence, direct contact with visitors to ICIMOD, visits to HKH countries, and identifying qualified professionals from network institutions;
- Coordinate with team members for the effective implementation and management of divisional activities and assist in planning and resource allocation; progress reporting and monitoring;
- Carry out other activities in his/her field of competence at the request of the Head of MENRIS.
- Work as a team player within ICIMOD to support other programme activities and promote institutional goals; work closely with colleagues within the programme and other ICIMOD programmes to contribute to a constructive and professional working environment and to the further development of ICIMOD as centre of excellence for integrated mountain development.
Minimum qualifications and work experience
- Advanced University degree (Masters Degree or equivalent) preferably in natural resources and environmental science or remote sensing and geographic information systems or computer science or other relevant fields;
- Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible relevant, professional experience on geospatial application development of which part preferably gained in the HKH region;
- Practical background and in-depth knowledge in one or more areas of application development in the field of natural resources and environment monitoring such as climate change, cryosphere, disaster, biodiversity, forestry/ REDD, air pollution etc.;
- Practical knowledge in emerging GIS/RS technology, knowledge of related latest software systems and geospatial application development cycle.
Additional competencies and skills
- Excellent analytical skills and ability to work systematically;
- Good communication and networking skills;
- Team-oriented interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural organisation;
- Good coordination and leadership skills.
The duty station is Kathmandu; frequent travelling in the region may be required.
Remuneration
Salaries and benefits of ICIMOD are highly competitive compared to other regional organisations; remuneration is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Duration
3 years, of which the first six months on probation and subject to future funding levels of ICIMOD. Starting date is as early as possible, preferably 1 June 2011.
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 gender mainstreaming at the organisational and programmatic levels.
Applicants are requested to apply before 31 March 2011 through ICIMOD’s online application system.
Only short- listed candidates will be notified.