Are you a passionate young professional from a Himalayan region country eager to contribute to sustainable mountain development? The Young ICIMOD Professionals Programme 2025-26 offers you the opportunity to work with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in Kathmandu, Nepal. This is your chance to build real-world experience in environmental science, sustainable development, policy, and innovation—while getting paid and mentored in a multicultural setting.

About ICIMOD

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is a prominent intergovernmental knowledge-sharing hub that supports eight regional member countries in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. Headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal, ICIMOD works to improve the lives and livelihoods of mountain communities through evidence-based policy, scientific innovation, and sustainable solutions.

Young ICIMOD Professionals Programme 2025-26 Overview

Fellowship Name	Young ICIMOD Professionals Programme (YIPP) 2025–2026
Host Organization	International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)
Location	Kathmandu, Nepal
Total Duration	Up to 18 months
Eligibility	Master’s degree holders from ICIMOD member countries
Total Positions	10
Application Deadline	31 July 2025 (11:59 PM NST)
Annual Salary	USD 16,487 plus housing, insurance, and other benefits

Key Benefits of the YIPP 2025-26

• Competitive annual salary of USD 16,487
• Housing allowance, insurance, and other benefits
• Tax exemption in Nepal for non-Nepali nationals
• Work-based mentorship by senior ICIMOD professionals
• Training, workshops, and capacity-building sessions
• Regional travel opportunities within the HKH region
• Contribution to globally recognized research and policy development
• Cross-cultural, interdisciplinary work environment
• Opportunity to align with ICIMOD Strategy 2030 and Medium-Term Action Plan V (2023–2026)

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the YIPP 2025–2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as environmental science, climate studies, policy, sustainable development, management, or social sciences
• Be a citizen of one of ICIMOD’s Regional Member Countries (RMCs): Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, or Pakistan
• In exceptional cases, applicants from non-RMCs may be considered if closely associated with ICIMOD’s mission
• Possess 2–3 years of relevant professional experience (preferred but not mandatory)
• Be proficient in English (spoken and written)
• Demonstrate strong analytical, research, and communication skills
• Show understanding of regional challenges in the Hindu Kush Himalaya
• Knowledge of local HKH languages is an added advantage
• Be willing to work in Kathmandu and occasionally travel regionally

YIPP Placement Streams (10 Positions)

The program is offering one position per stream listed below. Applicants can express interest in multiple streams:

Action Areas:

• Cryosphere and Water
• Air
• Livelihoods and Enterprises
• Landscapes
• Regional Action
• Global Advocacy

Support Units:

• Human Resources & Organisational Development
• Communications
• Strategic Results, Partnerships and Business Development
• Living Mountain Lab

Roles & Responsibilities

YIPP Fellows will be expected to:

• Contribute to research and field activities in their designated Action Area or Unit
• Support project design, data analysis, and technical reporting
• Assist in operational tasks and stakeholder coordination
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and workshops
• Integrate cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, biodiversity, and climate resilience in their work
• Engage in policy brief development, public awareness campaigns, and collaborative project implementation
• Collaborate with regional and international partners
• Contribute innovative ideas for improving work efficiency and program impact

Application Process

Interested applicants should follow the steps below:

• Prepare a cover letter clearly mentioning the Action Area(s) or Unit(s) of your interest
• Register and complete the application through the ICIMOD Vacancy Application Portal
• Upload the required documents:
  • Updated CV
  • Cover Letter (with stream selection)
  • Academic transcripts and degree certificates
  • Any relevant certifications or publications
• Complete your application and then submit it before the deadline hits  Standard Time
• You’ll be contacted only in case if you get shortlisted for the next round.

Comparison of YIPP 2025 vs Similar Programs

Program	Location	Duration	Stipend	Eligibility
Young ICIMOD Professionals (YIPP)	Nepal	Up to 18 mo.	USD 16,487/year + benefits	Master’s holders from HKH
UN Junior Professional Officer (JPO)	Global	1–2 years	USD 32,000–60,000	Varies by UN donor country
DAAD EPOS Scholarship	Germany	1–2 years	~€850/month	Professionals from Global South
World Bank YPP	USA/DC	2 years	USD 60,000–100,000	PhD/MA holders under age 32

FAQs About Young ICIMOD Professionals Programme 2025

1. Who can apply for ICIMOD YIPP 2025?
   Citizens of ICIMOD’s member countries with a Master’s degree in a relevant field can apply. In some cases, non-member country applicants who have a very close association with ICIMOD may also be considered.
2. Is prior work experience mandatory for ICIMOD YIPP 2025?
   No, but 2–3 years of experience is preferred.
3. What’s the duration of the fellowship?
   The program duration is up to 18 months.
4. Do I need to choose a specific stream when applying?
   Yes, mention your preferred Action Area or Unit in your cover letter.
5. Is this a paid opportunity?
   Yes, fellows receive USD 16,487 annually, plus housing, insurance, and other allowances.
6. Where is the placement?
   You will be based at ICIMOD headquarters in Kathmandu, Nepal.
7. Will I receive mentorship?
   Yes, you’ll be assigned a mentor/supervisor for personalized professional growth.
8. Are travel opportunities part of the program?
   Yes, you may require regional travel across the HKH region depending on placement.
9. Do I need to be fluent in English for YIPP 2025?
   Yes, English proficiency is mandatory.
10. What are cross-cutting themes I need to integrate?
    Focus on gender equality, biodiversity, and climate change in all activities.

If you are a passionate young professional ready to engage in sustainable development, climate resilience, and policy innovation in the Himalayas, the Young ICIMOD Professionals Programme 2025–2026 is your gateway. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to work with regional experts, contribute meaningfully, and grow professionally. APPLY NOW. For more details, please visit the official website of ICIMOD.

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