Background

The Communications Officer is being hired under the Integrated Climate Adaptation Solutions for the Hindu Kush Himalaya Region (HI-CAS) project at ICIMOD, funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) – Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD). The project aims to improve climate-resilient, nature-positive livelihoods while strengthening the leadership and agency of rural women and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) in Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.

The project is housed under Strategy Group Resilient Economies and Landscapes which focuses on delivering environmentally sustainable, but economically viable and socially inclusive solutions for some of the world’s most marginalised and vulnerable people. With a focus at both local and landscape levels, it builds understanding of the implications of rapid socio-economic, climate and environmental changes on mountain livelihoods and economies that are challenged by their remote, fragile, and hazard-prone settings. The project itself will be implemented through the adoption of gender-responsive and locally tailored climate adaptation solutions – grounded in feminist and human rights-based methodologies – that place the rights, agency, and leadership of IPLCs at the centre. These evidence-informed Integrated Adaptation Solution Packages (IASPs) will combine springshed management, renewable energy technologies to power irrigation systems, and agrobiodiversity practices. They will be complemented by capacity building and knowledge sharing to drive institutional policy and action. These initiatives will also help to attract sustainable investments in climate action and development – particularly in the water, energy, and agrobiodiversity sectors – with a strong focus on women’s and IPLCs’ leadership.

The HI-CAS project will be implemented in two upazilas (sub-districts) in Bandarban and Khagrachari districts in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh; two gewogs (blocks) in Paro and Punakha dzongkhags in Bhutan; and two municipalities, Roshi and Dhankuta, in Nepal. Over its four-year duration, the project aims to benefit approximately 40,000 IPLCs and other vulnerable groups by reducing their exposure and sensitivity to climate change impacts while fostering ecosystem health and climate mitigation outcomes.

Position Overview

The Communications Officer will be responsible for boosting awareness of the outcomes and impact of the HI-CAS project by supporting the documentation and communication of the project results in line with the commitments ICIMOD has made in the HI-CAS Project Performance Measurement Framework, which is nested within our Strategy 2030: Moving Mountains and our Medium-Term Action Plan V (2023–2026): Embracing Change and Accelerating Impact and related Results Framework 2023-2026. It will also contribute to the wider communications efforts of ICIMOD’s Strategic Group: Resilient Economies and Landscapes, where the position sits.

ICIMOD’s Communications Officers are creative, result-driven and motivated professionals who are passionate about the power of amplifying impact and driving policy and practice change through strategic communications, influencing and engagement. Working under the direct supervision of the Senior Project Coordinator HI-CAS, and co-supervised by the Head of Communications, the post holder will work closely with communication staff in the Strategic Group (and its respective Action Areas and Interventions) teams, and with the ICIMOD central Communications Unit, to deliver communication and knowledge products for the HI-CAS project. The role holder will ensure communications facilitate access to knowledge and the ability for ICIMOD to use evidence-based advocacy and influencing messaging in policy dialogues. All efforts will be guided by a strong GESI commitment, rooted in a feminist approach that challenges power imbalances, promotes women’s leadership, and centres the rights, voices, and knowledge of IPLCs.

You will be focused on working directly with communities, partners, and ICIMOD staff to tell the story of HI-CAS through a variety of media. You will be tasked with amplifying community experiences and evidence generated by the project to inform wider advocacy efforts and drive the uptake of approaches used in the project. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who values delivering impact through written, oral, and visual communication and engagement approaches and methods, is passionate and experienced in feminist solutions for mountains and people, and is committed to helping build a greener, more inclusive, climate-resilient Hindu Kush Himalaya as ICIMOD moves into its next Strategy 2030 period. It will require very close teamwork and strong collaboration skills. The ideal candidate should have knowledge of feminist methodologies, GESI-responsive communication strategies, and experience working with IPLCs.

Requirements

Person Specification/Competencies  

Essential

·         Master’s degree in journalism, marketing, research for development approaches, communications, or other relevant field with a minimum of 3 years of experience in a similar Communications role or bachelor’s degree in combination with four years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of a master’s degree. 

·         Understanding and experience of GESI-related issues and activities and how these can be effectively communicated. Awareness of indigenous people-centric communication methods and approaches.

·         Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. 

·         Demonstrated ability to produce and edit various forms of content. 

·         Proficiency in using digital and social media platforms. 

·         Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. 

·         Proficiency in MS Office Suite, content management systems, and basic graphic design software. 

PREFERRED

·         Knowledge of the languages and cultures of the HKH region

·         Experience working on multi-cultural, multi-country communication tasks

·         Excellent interpersonal and time-management skills 

Benefits

Remuneration

This is an international position at ICIMOD. The starting annual gross salary for this position is USD 21,419/- (negotiable based on experience and qualifications). Gross salary comprises basic salary, provident fund, family/post adjustment allowance, and child/dependency allowances. Salaries and benefits at ICIMOD are competitive compared with other international organisations. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes insurances (medical, life and accidental), children’s education grant for a maximum of two children below 18 years of age, severance pay, paid leave (30 holidays and 10 public holidays per year) and a daycare facility.

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

Method of application

Applicants are requested to apply online before August 04, 2026 (11:59 PM Nepal Standard Time) through International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development - Current Openings.               

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Detailed TOR Link: ToR Communications Officer HI-CAS_July2026.pdf