Watershed Management Analyst

Watershed Management Analyst | UNDP - United Nations Development Programme

Watershed Management Analyst

UNDP - United Nations Development Programme Kathmandu National NPSA-8, National Personnel Services Agreement level Speaks English, Nepali

Application deadline: March 26, 2026

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Summary by Impactpool

The Watershed Management Analyst will provide technical oversight for restoration and Eco-Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) interventions in Nepal's high-risk glacial lake areas. This role involves ensuring compliance with technical specifications, building community capacity, and documenting best practices. The Analyst will work closely with local communities and institutions to implement sustainable watershed management practices and contribute to the overall project management. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders to mitigate the impacts of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and enhance resilience in vulnerable communities.

Candidate Requirements:

Advanced degree in Forestry, Watershed Management, or related field

2 years of relevant experience for candidates with a bachelor's degree

Experience in Eco-DRR and integrated watershed management

Strong technical expertise in watershed management

Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PPT

Experience in community engagement and training

Fluency in English and Nepali

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

Tier 0 : UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.

Tier 1 : Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments

Tier 2 : UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers

Tier 3 or no tier indicated : All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

While climate change is observed across Nepal, the rate of temperature increase is more pronounced at higher altitudes. This temperature rise accelerates the rate of glacial retreat, increasing the size of glacial lakes located in these high-altitude areas and, in turn, their likelihood of breaching in the form of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) which cause severe flooding, landslides and mudflows that damage infrastructure and private assets, and disrupt transportation networks, agricultural production, power supplies from hydropower plants and tourism activities. Damages from GLOFs are often irreparable for decades, with considerable economic costs, particularly to downstream populations. The risk of GLOFs is further exacerbated by increasing temperatures which increase the rate of snow and ice melt and the proportion of precipitation falling as rain, which increases the volume of the lakes, thereby reducing the amount of ‘freeboard’, which increases the likelihood of overflow and the intensity of resulting floods.

The Thulagi, Lower Barun, Lumding Tsho and Hongu 2 Lakes are at exceptionally high risk of breaching having already exhibited considerable increases in volume, accelerated degradation of their ice-cored moraines, and a reduced amount of ‘freeboard’ as a result of climate change. Combined, these factors have destabilized the lakes, exposing the Gandaki Basin and the Dudhkoshi and Arun Sub-basins to the threat of a GLOF event. Without intervention, these glacial lakes could breach at any given moment, adversely impacting vulnerable Nepalese communities. 

In response to this risk, USD36 millions of GCF funds, alongside USD14 million in cofinance, will be directed to reduce the risk and impacts of GLOFs at the four priority glacial lakes by shifting towards a proactive approach to GLOF risk reduction in Nepal. The proposed project presents an integrated approach to GLOF risk management in Nepal by addressing institutional and technical capacities, physical protection (both grey and green infrastructure approaches), hazard monitoring and early warning. This integrated approach will utilise GCF funds to: i) lower the water levels of four glacial lakes to reduce their risk of breaching; ii) implement Eco-Disaster Risk Reduction interventions in mountain ecosystems to mitigate the residual flood impacts from a GLOF; iii) establish and implement early warning systems to alleviate damages and prevent the loss of lives from GLOFs; and iv) strengthen the technical and institutional capacity of Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology to plan for and respond to GLOFs and floods. These interventions will catalyse a shift from a need- and project-based approach towards proactive and pre-emptive approaches, engendered through strengthened capacity among institutions and communities. 

The project will be implemented following UNDP’s support to National Implementation Modality (NIM), with Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) under Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI) of Nepal serving as the Implementing Partner. Under this modality, UNDP is supporting DHM in recruiting key positions for the establishment of a Project Management Unit, which will be based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Members of the PMU will collectively be responsible for overall planning and budgeting, collaborating with other ministries, sectors and government entities to implement the project performance management system; bidding for the provision of project consultancy services; coordination with the responsible parties in terms of bidding of goods and services; disbursement and implementation of project audits, operation of accounts, monitoring and preparation of overall project reports (annual), and safeguards policy monitoring reports.

Duties and Responsibilities

The PMU will be headed by the Project Coordination Specialist (PCS). The Watershed Management Analyst will report directly to the Project Coordination Specialist. The PMU will operate under the overall guidance of the National Project Director (NPD) — as assigned by MoEWRI. 

The Watershed Management Analyst will provide technical oversight of restoration and Eco-DRR interventions in the entire project areaWhile service providers or beneficiary communities will implement field work, the Analyst will ensure compliance with approved technical specifications, safeguards, quality standards, and integration of local soil conservation and watershed management practices. The role will also strengthen capacity of communities and institutions to sustain interventions.

1. Provide oversight of watershed and restoration activities:

Validate and refine site selection for Eco-DRR and restoration interventions, accounting for water induced disasters such as flood and landslide, land degradation, erosion, ensuring proper vegetative cover, and water flow in priority watersheds. 

Technically support the refinement of slope stabilization, reforestation, and bioengineering works.

Review technical proposals and designs from service providers for the implementation of EcoDRR measures in vulnerable target catchments.

Support field level staffs for explaination of planned interventions to the local community and beneficial users, 

Supervise implementation in line with ESMPs, safeguards and climate-resilient practices.

In collaboration with the ICT Associate, oversee the development and implementation of a climate-resilient agricultural management and information system.

Support the development of integrated, climate- and gender-responsive watershed and national park management plans, including the integration of these plans into local and national level plans and budgets.

2. Build community and institutional capacity:

Train local user committees and institutions in implementation of Integrated watershed management, including on the understanding and implementation of multi-hazard risk assessments, use of climate-resilient agricultural management and information system, 

Provide technical assistance and capacity development support to government agencies to integrate Eco-DRR into government budgets.

Support the development of participatory monitoring tools for long-term sustainability of implemented interventions

Develop knowledge and awareness material on EcoDRR practices.

3. Document and share lessons/knowledge:

Compile case studies and best practices on Eco-DRR.

Contribute technical inputs to donor reports and knowledge platforms.

Document good practices and lessons for replication.

4. Oversight, monitoring and reporting:

Conduct field visits to oversee contractors’or beneficiary user groups’ performance.

Based on the annual progress, assist respective RP for planning of next years’ program with fruitfull recommendations, 

Analyse annually the gaps between target program and progress thereby recommendng the essential measures for effective and efficient implementation of next years’ program.

Certify completion and quality of works related to the EcoDRR measure, ensuring documentation is in place for payments, handovers, and audit requirements.

Maintain equipment records, compile periodic technical reports, and provide updates to PMU/PIU in line with UNDP/GoN/GCF standards.

Ensure that all project data and information on physical and financial progress related to EcoDRR measures are duly maintained with transparently, expediently, and effectively in line with UNDP as well and GON rules and regulations.

Contribute to annual workplans and budgeting within the PMU as related to EcoDRR, applying adaptive management principles. 

Monitor the progress of EcoDRR interventions according to annual work plan, ensuring that targets are fully met and the reporting requirements are fulfilled, and provide technical inputs to donor reports and evaluations.

Contribute to the inclusion of EcoDRR measures in Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs).

5. Mainstream Gender and Social inclusion in the project:

Ensure that watershed management planning and implementation integrate gender equality and social inclusion principles, promoting equitable participation and benefits for women, men, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups.

Facilitate inclusive community consultations and decision-making processes, ensuring representation of diverse social groups in identifying watershed priorities and management practices.

Promote women’s leadership and capacity building in natural resource management, climate-resilient livelihood activities, and community-based watershed governance structures.

Coordinate with GESI and environmental experts to monitor social and gender impacts of watershed interventions and document lessons learned, success stories, and best practices that highlight inclusive and sustainable watershed management.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Achieve Results: Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 

Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 

Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Digital     

Geospatial analysis: Skilled in techniques which study entities using their topological, geometric, or geographic properties.

Business Management    

Partnerships Management: Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies 

Risk Management: Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks 

Procurement    

Strategic sourcing: Knowledge of strategic sourcing concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations

2030 Agenda: Planet    

Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery: Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Risk Management

2030 Agenda: Peace    

Governance: Inclusion and participation of marginalized groups

2030 Agenda: People    

Gender: Innovation for Gender Equality

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Forestry, Watershed Management, Disaster Risk Management, Water Resource Engineering/ Management, Environmental Sciences, or other relevant discipline is required. Or

A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above-mentioned fields in combination with additional 2 years of relevant experience will be given due consideration in lieu of master’s degree. 

Experience:

Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. 

Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in 

EcoDRR, integrated watershed management, and ecosystem restoration. 

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

Experience in the field of watershed management.

Proficiency in computer applications like MS Word, Excel and PPT.

Strong technical expertise in watershed management, land restoration, or Eco-DRR.

Experience in supervising field-based interventions.

Experience to engage and train communities.

Proven experience to develop operational protocols and training.

Experience with NbS for climate adaptation and DRR.

Experience in the Hindu Kush Himalayan context and the mountain ecosystems in Nepal.

Experience working with GON, UNDP, GCF, or other donor-funded projects, particularly in climate change adaptation or disaster risk reduction.

Experience and knowledge of environmental and climate change issues in Nepal, including GLOFs, Eco-DRR, and early warning systems.

Required Languages:

Fluency in English and Nepali is required.

Knowledge of any other national language will be an asset.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, , exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

Summary by Impactpool

The Watershed Management Analyst will provide technical oversight for restoration and Eco-Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) interventions in Nepal's high-risk glacial lake areas. This role involves ensuring compliance with technical specifications, building community capacity, and documenting best practices. The Analyst will work closely with local communities and institutions to implement sustainable watershed management practices and contribute to the overall project management. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders to mitigate the impacts of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and enhance resilience in vulnerable communities.

Candidate Requirements:

Advanced degree in Forestry, Watershed Management, or related field

2 years of relevant experience for candidates with a bachelor's degree

Experience in Eco-DRR and integrated watershed management

Strong technical expertise in watershed management

Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PPT

Experience in community engagement and training

Fluency in English and Nepali

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