Technical Expert Drought [Consultant]

Position: Technical Expert (Drought) - [Consultant]

Location: Nepal (Remote/On-site as required)

Duration: 12 working days

Institute of Himalayan Risk Reduction, together with Mercy Corps Nepal is working on the development of Khaderi Monitoring and Guidance tool , which provides more detailed assessments, taking into consideration factors such as soil moisture, vegetation health, and historical drought vulnerability utilizing the current data available from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) and the National Agriculture Research Council (NARC) Agro-met data. The system has integrated historical data and remote sensing data [regarding precipitation, temperature, vegetation]. The system provides analysis primarily based on the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI),  Standardized Precipitation  Evapotranspiration  Index (SPEI), NDVI, VCI, using observation and remote sensing data among others.

• To conduct a comprehensive trend analysis of drought patterns in Nepal.
• To review the Khaderi Monitoring and Guidance Tool and provide technical insights for its improvement.
• To support the development of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for drought monitoring and anticipation.
• To participate in Community of Practice (CoP) event in Kathmandu to share insights and collaborate with stakeholders.

• Drought Trend Analysis Report 
• Review Report on Khaderi Monitoring Tool - with practical recommendations for improvement.
• Review and Recommendations to the SOP for Drought Monitoring and Anticipation

Qualifications and Experience:

• Advanced degree (Master’s) in Digital Systems, Agriculture, Meteorology, Environmental Science, Climatology, Disaster Risk Management, or related field.
• Experience in using web-portals, monitoring system, or related domains.
• Proven experience on quantitative analysis and making the use of spatial data and remote sensing data analysis.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in GIS, remote sensing, and data visualization tools.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to present findings to diverse audiences.
• Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, and community-based projects is desirable.

Duration and Level of Effort:

Estimated Duration: 12 working days 

Work Location: Primarily remote, with visits to IHRR office as required.

Reporting: The consultant will report to the Project Manager.

Expected Date of Completion: April 25, 2025.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are requested to submit:

• A CV highlighting relevant experience. 
• A brief 2-3 pager technical proposal outlining the approach to the assignment.
• A financial proposal indicating the daily rate.
• Contact details of two references.

Please submit your application to operation.ihrr@gmail.com by 5th April, 2025. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, so it’s advisable for applicants to submit their applications as early as possible.

Confidentiality and Ethics:

The consultant must adhere to data confidentiality and ethical standards as per the project’s guidelines. The outputs shall remain the property of the implementing agency.

IHRR reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received in response to this TOR.