GN-SEC ⤬ ICIMOD: Young Professional Programme

About the Programme

The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region stretches 3,500 km across Asia, spanning eight countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan.

Encompassing high-altitude mountain ranges, mid-hills and plains, the region is vital for the food, water and energy security of up to two billion people and is home to countless irreplaceable species. At the same time, it is highly 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 dedicated to the sustainable development of the HKH region. Since 1983, ICIMOD has worked to promote greener, more inclusive and climate-resilient development, guided by its Strategy 2030 and Medium-Term Action Plan V (2023–2026).

To address energy challenges in mountain regions, ICIMOD partnered with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with financial support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), to establish the Regional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Centre for the Hindu Kush Himalaya (REEECH) in November 2018.

As a regional centre of excellence on Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL), REEECH promotes sustainable, reliable and affordable energy solutions that strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods, enhance energy security and support inclusive green economic development across the region.

About the GN-SEC Young Professional Programme

Under the supervision and procedures of the host centre, the GN-SEC Young Professional Programme provides emerging professionals with hands-on experience in sustainable energy and climate resilience.

Young Professionals (YPs) become part of the daily activities of the host institution and contribute to:

• Programme implementation
• Research and analysis
• Communications
• Stakeholder engagement
• Knowledge management

Particular emphasis is placed on South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) activities involving multiple GN-SEC centres.

In addition to their placement, participants join a common GN-SEC Young Professional cohort, promoting:

• Peer learning
• Regional and interregional collaboration
• South-South and Triangular Cooperation

• Knowledge exchange across the GN-SEC network

   

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen the operational and technical capacities of participating GN-SEC centres.
• Provide practical learning opportunities in sustainable energy and climate resilience.
• Foster regional and interregional collaboration through a shared cohort.
• Support knowledge exchange, innovation, and South-South and Triangular Cooperation across the GN-SEC network.

• Enhance youth engagement in sustainable energy and climate action initiatives.

   

Minimum Requirements

Age

Applicants must be between 20 and 30 years old on the first day of the contract.

Education

A university degree in Energy or a related field.

Fields of Specialization

Candidates should have a background in one or more of the following areas:

• Low-carbon and climate-resilient technologies
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation
• Development studies
• Climate finance
• Economics

• Other relevant technical or social science disciplines

   

Languages

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

   

Additional Skills

• Basic knowledge of climate change technologies and project development is considered an asset.

   

Diversity and Inclusion

Applications from women and underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged.

Application Deadline

30 August 2026

Apply Here