Air Quality Analyst – Data and Modelling

About ICIMOD

The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region stretches 3,500km across Asia, spanning eight countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. Encompassing high-altitude mountain ranges, mid-hills, and plains, the zone is vital for the food, water, and energy security of up to two billion people and is a habitat for countless irreplaceable species. It is also acutely fragile and vulnerable to the impacts of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), based in Kathmandu, Nepal, is an international knowledge organisation focused on the HKH region, working since 1983 to deliver greener, more inclusive, and climate-resilient development. Our work is guided by our Strategy 2030, Medium-Term Action Plan V (2023–2026) and the associated Results Framework, and our various policies. Learn more on our website.

Position overview

The Air Quality Analyst – Data and Modelling will be part of the Intervention 1: Air Quality Monitoring, under the Action Area: Air of the Strategic Group: Climate and Environmental Risks. The Action Area: Air team focuses on understanding and mitigating the impacts of air pollution on human health, climate, economic development, and the environment. Air pollution levels in the HKH are high, transboundary, and often exceed regional and international targets. Significant gaps remain in monitoring systems, data integration, and the translation of scientific evidence into policy-relevant insights.

This role aims to bridge those gaps by supporting the analysis and integration of diverse air quality (AQ) datasets, contributing to the operationalisation and enhancement of AQ dashboards, and supporting the generation of evidence to inform policy and intervention planning at national and regional levels.

The Action Area: Air is configured around two interrelated work areas, which in ICIMOD are called Interventions:

1. Strengthening institutional capabilities for policymaking, air pollution monitoring, and targeting the most polluting activity sectors to improve AQ.
2. Encouraging the adoption of cleaner and socially responsible solutions and investments for the effective reduction of air pollutants, including short-lived climate forcers (SLCFs) and greenhouse gases.

The analyst will primarily contribute to Intervention 1: Air Quality Monitoring. The selected candidate will support the operationalisation, maintenance, and application of AQ Dashboards that integrate ground-based measurements, satellite products, and model outputs of air pollutants. The role will also contribute to support for evidence-based policy and planning.

Responsibilities

The analyst will support the delivery of results in line with the commitments we have made in our Strategy 2030: Moving Mountains and our Medium-Term Action Plan V (2023–2026): Embracing Change and Accelerating Impact.

The analyst will assist the Intervention Manager (IM) – Air Quality Monitoring, primarily in activities related to analysis, integration, and application of the AQ data, along with other related tasks as needed. The analyst will work in close collaboration with the Action Area Air Lead. The analyst will be responsible for the following activities:

1. Support specialists, analysts, and consultants in the operationalisation, maintenance, and enhancement of user-friendly and analytical regional and national AQ dashboards integrating ground-based measurements, satellite products, and model outputs for internal and external stakeholders, including scenario analysis for cost and AQ improvements.
2. Assist in retrieving, cleaning, and analysing large AQ datasets from multiple sources, including regional ground-based monitoring stations, satellite observations, and chemical transport models, including key pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM), gaseous pollutants, and SLCFs.
3. Support in operating and maintaining automated program scripts to clean, process, and visualise field and AQ monitoring data for regular reporting and analysis. Assist in conducting time-series, spatial, and statistical analyses, including hotspot identification and source patterns.
4. Support integration of geospatial and remote sensing data for visualisation and decision-making, in collaboration with other Action Areas and Strategic Groups.
5. Support in developing proposals aligned with the Action Area and ICIMOD mandates.
6. Support in preparation of technical documentation, user manuals, standard operating procedures, scientific publications, policy documents, and presentations related to AQ insights. Assist in providing technical support and training to internal staff and partners in data interpretation.
7. Maintain regular engagements with the designated government partners to build strong working relationships and ensure continuous use of AQ dashboards.
8. Perform any other official tasks assigned by the IM, Action Area Air Lead or Head of Climate & Environmental Risks.

Work as a team player within ICIMOD to support other activities and promote institutional goals aligned with the results framework.

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL

• Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, GIS, Atmospheric Science or related fields.
• Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience in AQ data analysis and visualisation with a proven publication record.
• Proficiency in programming languages for AQ data processing, analysis, and visualisation.
• Demonstrated experience in analysing air pollutants such as PM, gaseous pollutants, and short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) like black carbon using ground-based, satellite, or model datasets.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative team environment.

PREFERRED

• Experience in SLCP/black carbon pollutant analysis
• Experience in AQ dashboards and AQ tools or environmental applications, and familiarity with AQ modelling frameworks and in integrating satellite-based AQ data with ground/model data.
• Experience of working in cross-cultural, multi-country environments, preferably in the HKH region.

Reporting and supervising

The analyst will report to the Intervention Manager – Air Quality Monitoring and work under the overall guidance of the Action Area Air Lead.

Location

You will be working in a cross-cultural, impact-oriented environment at ICIMOD’s head office in Kathmandu, Nepal. Occasional travel in the HKH region will be required.

Kathmandu is a lively and exciting place to live. People are friendly, living costs are comparatively inexpensive, food is delicious (with a range of local and international cuisines), and there are good local and international schools and a low crime rate. Nepal offers amazing trekking trails, white-water rafting, and safaris, combined with a rich culture and charming yet lively nightlife.

Duration

Two years fixed term, with a six-month probation period. There is a possibility of extension, subject to performance and ICIMOD’s future funding levels.

Remuneration

This is an international position at ICIMOD. The starting annual gross salary for this position is USD 22,006/- (negotiable based on experience and qualifications). Gross salary comprises of basic salary, provident fund, and family/post adjustment allowance. Salaries and benefits at ICIMOD are competitive compared with other international organisations. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes child/dependency allowances, insurances (medical, life and accidental), children’s education grant for maximum 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 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.

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.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and safeguarding

ICIMOD’s human resource selection process is based on applicants' qualifications and competence. 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.

How to apply

Method of application

Applicants are requested to apply online before 19 May 2026 (11:59 PM, Nepal Standard Time, UTC+05:45) through the ICIMOD Vacancy Application Portal.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

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