Terms of Reference
Title: Research Associate
Thematic Area : Ecosystem Services
Apply Now
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 (emerging). 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.
ICIMOD has prioritized the transboundary landscape approach in its focus on biodiversity
conservation. ICIMOD has proposed seven critical transboundary landscapes for the
development of large-scale conservation planning in the region. Biodiversity conservation at
the landscape level is possible with the cooperation of countries sharing such landscapes and
with the active involvement of local people in the process. In addition, key activities such as
capacity building of partner institutions in ecosystem management and participatory action
research for natural resource management are needed in new transboundary landscapes
such as the Brahmaputra-Salween Landscape and Kangchenjunga Landscape. To support
these activities and to assist in interdisciplinary research, ICIMOD is looking for a young and
dynamic Research Associate in the thematic area of Ecosystem Services.
Responsibilities and tasks
Under the overall guidance of the Ecosystem Services Theme Leader and under the direct
supervision of the Chief Scientist of Ecosystem Services, the Research Associate will carry out
the following tasks:

Undertake desk research on biodiversity conservation and natural resource
management practices in transboundary landscapes, especially the
Brahmaputra-Salween Landscape.

Contribute to different kinds of publications within the Ecosystem Services Theme.

Undertake technical work, including the development of baseline data on biocorridors
and ecosystem interfaces.

Assist team members in writing and publishing research results and developing
project concepts.

Contribute news and events from the Ecosystem Services Thematic Area to the
ICIMOD newsletter.

Participate in programme implementation activities and undertake field visits to
support partners in project implementation.

Provide additional support as per the requirements of the Ecosystem Services Theme.
Minimum Qualifications

Post-graduate academic degree, preferably an MSc. in Environmental Science,
Natural Resource Management, or related field.

Minimum of two years of experience in related field, preferably gained in the Hindu
Kush Himalayan region.

Experience working with regional and international organizations.
Competencies

Knowledge: Sound knowledge of issues related to biodiversity conservation and
natural resource management.

Networking/stakeholder management: Ability to effectively communicate with
stakeholders about operational issues and queries on different levels and through
different means, including telephone, email, and face-to-face.

Results/impact orientation: Ability to take a proactive approach for the smooth
organization of internal processes and to work independently with a strong sense of
initiative and self motivation.

Research skills: Experience in desk and field research and the ability to provide
technical field support.

Communication skills: Excellent spoken and written English; ability to effectively
present, explain, and discuss ideas and listen to others.

Social/team competency: Ability to work effectively and smoothly with others in a
team to establish constructive ideas that meet team objectives.
Duration
One year of which the first three months are probation, with a possibility of extension subject to
ICIMOD’s future funding levels.
Starting Date
As soon as possible.
Remuneration
The salary and benefits provided by ICIMOD are competitive with other regional organizations;
remuneration will be 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 29 Jan 2014 through ICIMOD's Online
Application System.
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.