COORDINATOR - UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSITY (UNU) HUB [FIXED-TERM PROJECT POSITION]

Position overview

ICIMOD is seeking a Hub Coordinator for its newly established United Nations University (UNU) Hub at ICIMOD.

The UNU Hub at ICIMOD is a newly established collaborative platform that advances research, education, and partnerships to strengthen the resilience of mountain communities in the HKH region facing climate and socio-economic change. Building on the long-standing collaboration between ICIMOD; United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS); Eurac Research, Italy; and the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC), the Hub supports the sustainable management of mountain social–ecological systems, particularly in the HKH. It aims to generate knowledge, foster innovation, and develop a new generation of mountain researchers, practitioners, and leaders. Through research, capacity building, outreach, and advocacy, the Hub promotes evidence-based solutions and regional cooperation for sustainable and climate-resilient mountain development. The focus topics of the first years will be designed as:

• mountain climate risk and adaptation,

• sustainable management of natural resources in mountains, and

• mountain habitability, local knowledge systems and intangible heritage.

The Hub Coordinator will be responsible for the strategic, programmatic, research, and financial coordination of the UNU Hub at ICIMOD. The role includes developing and implementing the Hub’s strategy, leading fundraising efforts and project proposal development, and ensuring sustainable funding. The coordinator will supervise the Hub team; coordinate the Hub steering board, advisory board, and management board meetings; manage technical and financial reporting to partner institutions; and serve as the primary liaison among ICIMOD, UNU-EHS, Eurac Research, and HUC to ensure effective collaboration and the delivery of the Hub’s objectives.

Person specification/competencies

[Experience, knowledge, and skills]

ESSENTIAL

• A Master's degree, preferably a PhD, in a relevant field.

• At least 5 years of project/programme/hub management experience.

• At least 3 years of experience in leading and coordinating large and complex research programmes, including managing partnerships, leading multisectoral coordination, project development, donor liaison, managing interdisciplinary teams, monitoring and reporting, and complex budget management.

• Excellent interpersonal, teamworking and communication skills, both written and spoken, comfortable working with and to all levels, internal and external.

• Excellent communication and report writing skills (in English) and analytical skills with an ability to understand and contextualise research.

• Respect for ICIMOD’s and UN core values

PREFERRED

• Prior work experience with the UN or any international organisation.

• Familiarity with HKH, its social, economic, and ecological context

• Ability to travel within and outside the HKH region.

Duration

Three-year fixed-term project contract, with a six-month probation period. There is a possibility of an extension, subject to performance, need for the position, and the Hub’s future funding levels.

Remuneration

This is a Specialist/Senior Officer position at ICIMOD with a competitive salary and benefits. Salary comprises basic salary, provident fund, and family/post adjustment allowance. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes insurances (medical, life and accidental), children allowance and children’s education grant for a maximum of 2 children below 18 years of age, severance pay, paid leave (30 holidays and 10 public holidays per year) and day care facility.

For expatriates, there is a tax exemption in Nepal; they are responsible for paying their home country’s taxes. Expatriate staff are entitled to housing allowance, annual home leave ticket, shipment of personal effects, and an installation and repatriation allowance.

ICIMOD’s core values

Our core values are integrity, neutrality, relevance, inclusiveness, openness, and ambition. These values express our culture and are central to the guiding beliefs and principles of our work and behaviour. Our core values will lie at the heart of ICIMOD operations and delivery. They will underpin everything we do and frame how we work with our partners. They reflect our founding intentions and the balances we seek to hold, while equipping ourselves for the future.

UN Core Values and Behaviours

Values:

• Inclusion - Take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity.

• Integrity - Act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards.

• Humility - Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others.

• Humanity - Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.

Behaviours:

• Connect and Collaborate - Build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN

• Analyse and Plan - Seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action

• Deliver Results with Positive Impact - Hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves

• Learn and Develop - Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others

• Adapt and Innovate - Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and safeguarding

ICIMOD’s human resource selection process is based on the qualifications and competence of the applicants. As an employer, ICIMOD is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and offers equal opportunities to applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, including but not limited to gender, age, national origin, religion, race, caste, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or social status. ICIMOD strongly encourages applications from all eligible applicants, especially women, from all parts of the HKH region.

ICIMOD is dedicated to establishing and upholding a safe and nurturing work environment, where all its employees can participate fully and meaningfully without fear of violence, harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. Any type of abuse or harassment, including sexual misconduct [including child abuse], by our staff, representatives, or stakeholders is not condoned or tolerated.