The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is inviting applications for the Young ICIMOD Professionals Programme (YIPP) 2025/26. This prestigious opportunity is tailored for young professionals from ICIMOD’s Regional Member Countries (RMCs)—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan—committed to sustainable development and climate resilience in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region.
In exceptional cases, applicants from non-RMCs with strong associations with ICIMOD may also be considered.
Programme Overview
YIPP is a transformative career development programme offering 12 to 18 months of immersive, hands-on experience at ICIMOD’s headquarters in Kathmandu, Nepal. Participants will contribute to ICIMOD’s Strategy 2030, engaging in multidisciplinary research, policy work, innovation, and regional collaboration.
Total Openings: 10
Application Deadline: 31 July 2025, 11:59 PM NST
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal (with regional travel as required)
Remuneration: USD 16,487 annually + benefits (housing, insurance, etc.)
Areas of Placement
YIPP professionals will be assigned to one of the following Action Areas or Support Units:
Action Areas (1 position each):
- Cryosphere and Water
- Air
- Livelihoods and Enterprises
- Landscapes
- Regional Action
- Global Advocacy
Support Units (1 position each):
- Human Resources & Organisational Development
- Communications
- Strategic Results, Partnerships and Business Development
- Living Mountain Lab
Applicants must specify their preferred Action Area(s) or Unit(s) in the cover letter, aligning with their qualifications and interests.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. environmental science, climate studies, sustainable development, social sciences, public policy, or management).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Demonstrated research, analytical, and communication skills.
- Ability to work in multicultural, interdisciplinary teams.
- Awareness of key regional issues in the HKH, such as climate change, biodiversity, and gender equality/social inclusion (GESI).
Preferred:
- 2–3 years of professional experience.
- Familiarity with languages spoken in the HKH region.
Responsibilities
YIPP participants will contribute meaningfully to ICIMOD’s strategic priorities. General responsibilities include:
- Supporting Designated Teams
Assist supervisors or mentors in achieving goals set within an Action Area or Unit. - Research and Analysis (Action Areas)
Contribute to data collection, technical reports, publications, and policy briefs. - Operational Support (Support Units)
Assist in business processes, reporting, strategic planning, and stakeholder coordination. - Capacity Building and Team Participation
Engage in knowledge-sharing workshops, trainings, and collaborative projects. - Stakeholder Engagement
Liaise with ICIMOD’s regional and global partners to promote collaborative learning and impact. - Cross-Cutting Integration
Embed themes such as GESI, biodiversity conservation, and climate action into all tasks. - Innovation
Contribute ideas and tools to improve processes and outcomes within ICIMOD.
Supervision and Reporting
YIPP professionals will report directly to an Action Area Lead or Unit Head. They are expected to:
- Submit monthly progress reports.
- Deliver a final presentation and summary report at the end of the programme.
Work Environment
Participants will work from ICIMOD’s modern and collaborative headquarters in Kathmandu, Nepal, with opportunities for regional travel. The city offers a vibrant, culturally rich lifestyle, with a low cost of living, diverse cuisine, and access to nature and outdoor adventure.
Diversity, Equity, and Safeguarding
ICIMOD is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from all backgrounds, especially women and underrepresented communities within the HKH region. The organization maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy on harassment, abuse, and exploitation.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official ICIMOD Vacancy Application Portal:
Please include a cover letter clearly stating your preferred Action Area or Unit, and explain how your qualifications and career goals align with YIPP.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
About ICIMOD
ICIMOD is a regional intergovernmental knowledge and learning centre established in 1983. Its mission is to advance a greener, more inclusive, and climate-resilient HKH region, supporting food, water, and energy security for nearly two billion people across Asia.
Download the Vacancy Announcement here.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
