Cultural Services Analyst
Terms of Reference
Title: Cultural Services Analyst
Thematic Area : Livelihoods
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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 that
are facing 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 Hindu Kush 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 through six Regional
Programmesacross four Thematic Areas – Livelihoods; Ecosystem Services; Water and Air;
and Geospatial Solutions – supported by knowledge management and communications, we
seek to improve the lives and livelihoods of mountain women and men, now and for the future.
Livelihood Thematic Area focuses on promoting diversified and sustainable livelihood options
in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. It seeks to enhance understanding of the
human-environment interface, rural-urban linkages, driving forces of change, and their
underlying causes. The Livelihood Thematic Area also provides expertise on strategic
institutional functions such as governance, gender, poverty and inclusive development to
promote ICIMOD’s goals. Cultural services are one of the important ecosystem services,
especially in the culturally rich and diverse landscapes in the Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH),
across national boundaries.
ICIMOD is looking for a qualified professional for the post of Cultural Services Analyst. The
selected candidate will work on the assessment of cultural services provided by various
landscapes within the HKH region, especially the cultural services associated with the notion
of the ‘sacred’. He or she will and also be involved in field testing the available methods for
assessing these ‘sacred’ cultural values of the landscape.
Responsibilities and tasks
Under the direct supervision of the Senior Governance Specialist and the overall guidance of
the Livelihood Theme Leader and in close collaboration with the Transboundary Landscapes
Regional Programme Manager, the Cultural Services Analyst will be responsible for the
following tasks:

Develop a basic framework and selection criteria to identify key sacred and other
cultural sites along the different routes in transboundary landscapes;

Assess sacred sites to build an understanding of the local socio-ecological context
and its linkages to cultural, natural and biological diversity;

Develop a basic applied methodology and instrument for the valuation of bio-cultural
services that can be mainstreamed in the existing ecosystem assessment
frameworks;

Prepare an interactive map of the sacred-cultural geography in transboundary
landscapes working alongside ICIMOD’s partners and bring out a high-quality
publication in collaboration with academics/experts in folklore, sacred geography, and
historic-cultural heritage and transitions;

Analyse local institutions at the sacred sites to understand their role and functions (e.g.
who runs these institutions, why, and how, as well as the scope of preserving and
increasing their socio-cultural value);

Identify and compile key data needed from India-Nepal site to support nomination of
the KSL landscape as a World Heritage Site of UNESCO (as per the existing Draft
Road Map for ICIMOD);

Coordinate and build partnerships among institutions, researchers and stakeholders
for developing a good knowledge base on cultural and natural sites in the HKH.
Minimum Qualifications

Advanced post-graduate academic degree, preferably in ethnology, natural resources
management, sociology, socio-ecology, environmental studies, or any other field
linked to local development;

Experience in working with regional and international organizations. Experience in the
HKH region will be an advantage.
Competencies

Good analytical, communication and writing skills;

Good team player with ability to contribute innovatively to the team’s performance;

Experience in working in the field areas, multi-disciplinary teams, and skills in working
with collaborators in the HKH region;

Willingness to travel to remote regions in the KSL part of India and Nepal
Duty Station
The duty station is Kathmandu; frequent travel and field work in the region will be required.
Duration
This is a fixed term position for two years.
Starting Date
As early as possible.
Remuneration
Salary 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 is committed to gender
mainstreaming at the organisational and programmatic levels.
Method of application
Applicants are requested to apply online before 12 Apr 2015 through ICIMOD's Online
Application System.
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.