The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is a regional knowledge development and learning centre serving the eight regional member countries of the Hindu Kush-Himalayas (HKH) – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. Mountains are one of the global ecosystems facing the most rapid socioeconomic and environmental changes. Our aim is to influence policy and practices to meet the associated challenges in the HKH region. To do this we bring together top researchers from the region and around the globe to generate and disseminate state-of-the-art science (physical and social) for evidence-based decision making; and we provide a neutral meeting point for transboundary research and collaboration. Working across three main programme areas – integrated water and hazard management; environmental change and ecosystem services; andsustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction – we seek to improve the lives of mountain women and men, now and for the future.

The Integrated Knowledge Management Programme aims to strengthen and improve the human and institutional capacity within and outside ICIMOD. Its objective is to capture, share, package, and disseminate applicable knowledge and information to inform and influence policy makers and practitioners in the HKH region and beyond, using effective communication methods and tools. The IKM Programme Manager is responsible for realising ICIMOD’s role as a regional knowledge, learning, and enabling centre.

Responsibilities and tasks

The incumbent will be a senior knowledge management and communications professional with strategic vision, managerial and operational experience, and skills spanning a range of knowledge and media domains and strategies. S/he will implement ICIMOD’s strategies on knowledge management and communication, and will design tools, processes, and practices for knowledge sharing and regional and global networking. In this regard the leadership quality, vision, and managerial skills of the Programme Manager are crucial. The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the Director General. The IKM team comprises a Head of Publishing and Communication as well as unit coordinators for Information Technology, Public Relations, and Library. Moreover, the Programme Manager supervises several external networks, in particular the Asia Pacific Mountain Network and the Himalayan University Consortium.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the IKM Programme – including activities in knowledge management, publishing and communications, public relations, library/knowledge centre, IT, and Knowledge Park at Godavari – and manage the programme’s human and financial resources. 
• Promote knowledge sharing through improved management of the organisation's operational processes and systems by, among others, strengthening development and integration of practices and procedures for information and knowledge capturing, packaging, sharing, and learning
• Provide strategic advice on knowledge sharing and corporate communications to the Directorate and Programme Managers
• Promote regular sharing of experiences across programmes and divisions; facilitate seamless sharing of ideas, knowledge, and experiences among ICIMOD staff and partners 
• Improve and implement collaborative processes and tools for pooling and consolidating internal knowledge; promote innovative approaches in sharing knowledge and best practices 
• Provide support for the establishment and nurturing of communities of practice through such means as web platforms, workshops, and guidance Monitor and evaluate the impact of ICIMOD’s knowledge sharing activities, including through external benchmarking
• Provide support to ICIMOD programme teams and partners in planning, organising, and implementing interactive learning and information sessions, e.g., workshops, training, field visits
• Organise knowledge forums in which invited knowledge leaders and eminent scholars speak on a broad range of issues in support of ICIMOD programme activities 
• Design and implement knowledge management strategies and promote virtual sharing, social networks, and use of the latest information and communication technologies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced degree in information science, knowledge management, or communication science; additional training in adult education, environmental science, and/or natural resource management are an advantage 
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in the areas of knowledge management and/or communications, preferably within a knowledge-based organisation with a mandate similar to ICIMOD’s
• Minimum 5 years of senior management experience 
• Experience in developing and delivering knowledge sharing programmes with and for different stakeholders and partner organisations
• Work experience in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region is desirable

Competencies

Management and Leadership

• Ability and experience in managing a programme, including strategy development;  managing people and resources; and planning, monitoring, and evaluation 
• High standards of personal integrity and professional working skills

Cross-Organisational Teamwork

• Ability to collaborate and to establish straightforward, productive and professional relationships among peers and staff: treating all colleagues with fairness and respect; demonstrating sensitivity for cultural and gender differences; acknowledging others’ contributions; showing great drive and commitment to ICIMOD’s vision, mission, and mandate; and inspiring others
• Ability to influence others and to resolve differences across the organisation: gaining support and commitment from others; resolving differences by determining needs and fostering cooperation; devising solutions that benefit all parties; promoting collaboration and facilitating teamwork across organisational boundaries 
• Willingness to seek help as needed

Communication Skills

• Ability to communicate with all levels of management and programme staff: ability to get consensus across different programmes and divisions; ability to generate enthusiasm and energy
• Ability to explain complex concepts in simple language
• Ability to establish and maintain effective networks and partnerships within and outside the organisation

Learning and Knowledge Sharing

• Ability to build partnerships for learning and knowledge sharing: welcoming new ideas; allowing free and frank discussions; sharing own knowledge; and applying new insights and knowledge in daily work

Analytical Thinking and Decisive Judgment

• Ability to analyse issues and problems systematically for sound decision making: gathering broad and balanced input, drawing sound conclusions, and translating conclusions into timely decisions and actions

Language Skills

• Excellent skill and fluency in oral and written English
• Public speaking expertise

Duration:

An initial 3 years, of which the first 6 months are probation, with opportunities for extension. Starting date is as early as possible, preferably before 1 April 2012.

Remuneration

Salaries and benefits of ICIMOD are highly competitive compared to other regional organisations; remuneration is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Method of application

Applicants are requested to apply online before 11 March 2012 through ICIMOD's online application system. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.