Research Intern



The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is seeking applications from enthusiastic students who are interested in exploring the social aspects of mixed farming systems and contributing to the activities of the CGIAR Research Initiative on Sustainable Intensification of Mixed Faring Systems (SI-MFS).

Project description and scope of internship

Like in many developing countries, mixed farming systems are prevalent in Nepal, where livestock production is often mixed with the cereal cropping system to provide an alternative source of income as well as a buffer against food shortages. This allows farmers to diversify the risk as well as use labor efficiently and add value to the agriculture and livestock products. However, these farming systems are under constant intense pressure from climate change, population growth, urbanization, water scarcity, changing diets, and volatile food prices. The SI-MFS initiative aims to provide equitable, transformative pathways for improved livelihoods of actors in mixed farming systems through sustainable intensification within target agroecologies and socioeconomic settings.

The intern will have the opportunity to develop her/his research skills and enhance knowledge on SI-MFS in Nepal. The study will be imple-mented in the mid-hills of Surkhet district in Karnali Province and Khotang district in Province 1.

During this internship, the intern will assist in the following areas:

• Conduct a literature review on IWMI's research related to the social, economic, and gender equality and social inclusion aspects of water management, farming, and agri-mechanization.
• Conduct field surveys, in-depth interviews, and stakeholder consultations, and use other data collection tools.
• Carry out data analysis and prepare research reports.
• Provide support to the various activities of the SI-MFS initiative.
• Interact with stakeholders and partners, prepare meeting notes, and plan research and fieldwork in coordination with local partners.
• Coordinate with provincial and local stakeholders in conducting research and fieldwork.
• Participate in relevant workshops and conferences and provide support to the preparation of workshop reports when required.

Qualifications, knowledge and experience:

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in agriculture, development studies or any relevant field.
• Experience in conducting in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and field surveys.
• Ability to communicate with farmers and institutional representatives.
• Good written and oral communication skills in English and Nepali.

IWMI will provide a monthly stipend to the selected candidate during the internship period.

The duration of the initial internship contract will be for 3 months with the possibility of extension based on performance, requirements of IWMI, and availability of funds. This is a nationally recruited internship and only citizens of Nepal are eligible to apply.

To apply, visit www.iwmi.org/jobs. Applications must be submitted by 24:00 (IST) on October 14, 2022 (Friday).

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is an international, research-for-development organization that works with governments, civil society and the private sector to solve water problems in developing countries and scale up solutions. Through partnership, IWMI combines research on the sustainable use of water and land resources, knowledge services and products with capacity strengthening, dialogue and policy analysis to support implementation of water management solutions for agriculture, ecosystems, climate change and inclusive economic growth. Headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, IWMI is a CGIAR Research Center with offices in 13 countries and a global network of scientists operating in more than 30 countries. www.iwmi.org

IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.