ICIMOD Vacancy Announcement: Gender and Natural Resource Management Specialist, Deadline: 2 March 2015

ICIMOD is looking for a gender expert with substantive conceptual and theoretical knowledge and understanding of gender issues in natural resource management, climate change, and social systems; who is capable of providing technical expertise integrating social and gender dimensions, perspectives and approaches into ICIMOD’s regional programmes, initiatives and thematic areas; and who has substantial experience conducting research and policy advocacy and ensuring gender-positive impacts. 

Responsibilities and tasks

Under the overall supervision of the Livelihoods Theme Leader and in direct coordination with the Gender Strategic Institutional Function (SIF), the Gender and NRM Specialist will be responsible for integrating gender perspectives, concepts, methodologies, and action plans into the regional programmes, especially the Transboundary Landscapes and River Basins Regional Programmes, and supporting the implementation of the programmes of the Gender SIF. 

The Gender and NRM Specialist will perform the following functions:

Research:

• Collaborate with ICIMOD’s thematic areas and regional programmes and initiatives to integrate gender issues and analysis in the context of natural resource management into programme activities and thematic research
• Develop and integrate gender-sensitive research methodologies, tools, and activities into the programmes and initiatives
• Undertake field research and visits as required by programme activities
• Provide inputs for project and programme development and monitoring and evaluation in order to integrate gender analysis and outcomes into regional programmes and initiatives
• Promote and scale out relevant gender concepts, approaches, and analytical frameworks for application in the context of the Hindu Kush Himalayas
• Produce and support the production of high-quality knowledge products on the gender dimensions of natural resource management and sustainable livelihoods and participate in advocacy initiatives
• Participate in the annual review and planning process

Training and Capacity Development:

• Organize, conduct, and contribute to internal and external training events, workshops, and seminars on gender issues to strengthen the capacity of ICIMOD and its partners to integrate gender dimensions in their work and to share knowledge
• Identify capacity building/strengthening needs required for partners and design specific training programmes on gender and NRM for researchers involved in initiative activities
• Support partners to include gender perspectives and dimensions in their work

Coordination: 

• Organize regional training events and workshops and coordinate with partners
• Organize, actively participate in, and provide inputs to internal ICIMOD meetings concerning gender issues, research, and activities
• Coordinate with and assist the Gender SIF to identify and implement gender-focused institutional programmes and work as a team player in ICIMOD to promote gender equality and support activities that promote institutional goals

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in social sciences or related field (e.g., sociology, anthropology, development studies, gender and women’s studies, geography, environmental studies)
• At least 3-5 years of post- qualification experience in applying gender concepts, analysis, and approaches in development programmes, particularly in the fields of gender, forestry, water, and other natural resource management and rural livelihoods
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative gender research methods as well as the development and implementation of gender analysis and conceptual research frameworks
• Experience in and knowledge of mountain development and gender issues, preferably in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative gender research methods and the development and implementation of gender analysis and conceptual research frameworks in relation to gender-based research and policy initiatives

Competencies

• Sound knowledge and understanding of gender, natural resource management, and development concepts, theories, analytical tools, approaches, and frameworks
• Strong planning and organizing skills
• Excellent conceptual and strategic research design skills and strong analytical skills
• Proven track record of high-quality writing skills and publications on development, natural resource management, and gender issues
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to work effectively across multicultural and multidisciplinary teams
• Experience (at both the field and policy levels) and knowledge of gender issues in the HKH
• Proven ability to think analytically and critically and to translate ideas, insights, and learning into action by promoting synergy and cooperation among programme teams
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills in English
• Strong commitment to ICIMOD’s vision and mission and core values of equity, fairness, diversity, and empowerment of marginalized social groups
• Motivated to travel to remote areas of the HKH region as required

Duty Station

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

Duration

Three years, of which the first six months is probation.

Starting Date

Starting date is as early as possible, preferably by 1 May 2015.

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 is committed to gender mainstreaming at the organisational and programmatic levels.

Method of application

Applicants are requested to apply online before 02 Mar 2015 through ICIMOD's Online Application System.
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.