Research Intern

Job Description

Position: Research Intern
Location: Kathmandu

Description

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is seeking applications from enthusiastic, results-oriented professionals who are interested in developing a career in scaling agrifood and water innovations, and are passionate about applying private–public–community partnership (PPCP) models to scale water solutions for equitable development.

Scope of internship

The intern will be part of the CGIAR Scaling for Impact (S4I) Program and will contribute to the CGIAR Country Strategic Framework (CSF) co-design with partners and stakeholders, organize scaling science and practice learning activities, and strategic dialogues on water solutions. The internship will provide practical learning opportunities in research, coordination, stakeholder engagement, documentation, communication, and knowledge products development. The role will particularly support IWMI’s efforts to strengthen collaboration and partnership among CGIAR centers, government agencies, development partners, research institutions, civil society organizations, financial institutions, and private sector actors in Nepal in scaling.

The person will work closely with the Country Representative and researchers to support ongoing projects, especially the CGIAR Scaling for Impact Program, and contribute to research processes, stakeholder- and partner-engagement, and research delivery.

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

•  Support to co-design and finalize the CGIAR CSF for Nepal in collaboration with the Government of Nepal, CGIAR Center representatives, and partners; and assist in convening strategic meetings related to the CSF co-design processes.

•  Support to gather data and information on CGIAR’s 2026 activities, outputs, and results in Nepal, and prepare annual report.

•  Support the documentation of scaling opportunities, partnership models, and lessons; assist in coordinating meetings, roundtable consultations, and follow-ups with partners.

• Assist in gathering, archiving scientific papers and policy documents, maintaining bibliographies/reference databases, reviewing literature, and preliminary synthesis on a need basis.

• Support the research team in the preparation of project-related knowledge products (technical reports and blogs), and where possible, interns can also lead some knowledge products (such as a blog, impact story) based on their interest and experiences in close coordination with the project leader and researchers.

Requirements

Qualifications, knowledge, and experience:

•  Undergraduates or fresh graduates in agriculture, food system technology, agribusiness, agricultural engineering, natural resources management, social science, development studies, or relevant fields.

•  Knowledge and experience in the field of food systems, agriculture, water resources management, climate change, and stakeholder engagement will be an added advantage.

•  Hands-on experience with MS Office, data collection, and analysis tools.

•  Strong interest in equitable development, with a focus on the water and food security nexus, climate change, and applied development research and impact.

•  Willingness to learn, take initiative, and manage assigned tasks responsibly.

•  Strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and Nepali.

• Good self-organization and planning skills.

•  Networking and partnership skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment.

•  Willingness and interest to learn and apply basic concepts of gender equality and social inclusion.

Benefits

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

The duration of the initial internship contract will be for 06 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 12:00 (NPT) on May 26, 2026 (Tuesday).

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 17 countries and a global network of scientists operating in more than 55 countries.

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.
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