The Climate Change Research Volunteering Project is designed to investigate the impact of global warming and climate change. Climate Change has already begun to negatively affect the lives of a significant number of the population in Nepal. Millions of Nepalese projected to be at threat from the impacts of climate change. Climate change is already increasing the rate at which snow and glaciers in the Himalaya are melting. Thereby affecting the long-term availability of water resources, and is projected to decrease agricultural production, increase food insecurity, destroy settlements, and contribute to the loss of forestry and biodiversity.
Nepal’s 6,000 rivers and rivulets cause flooding in the southern part of the country when they overflow in the monsoon. Flash floods and glacial outburst remain the most significant events. Many people in Nepal depend on woodlands and subsistence agriculture for food and streams or brooks for water supplies. This dependency is endangered by growing climate unpredictability. Combined with increased temperatures these fluctuations lower crop yields and increase new diseases and pests.
The goal of the Climate Change Research Project is to study the impact of climate change in farming and educate people about the impacts of climate change and possible solutions. There has been very limited research done in the field of Climate Change and its impact. The issue is directly related to our holistic approach of sustainable development programs.
We are looking for experienced researchers to work to gather more data, exploring Nepal’s fragile ecosystems against the backdrop of the Himalayas. With the support of VIN, you will carry out research using various tools in different locations across Nepal, assessing the impacts of climate change. As part of the work, the volunteer will conduct awareness raising education to the people of disadvantaged communities. During your placement, you will have the opportunity to live with a Nepali family within the working community. This will allow volunteer to immerse in the day-to-day Nepalese culture.
Depending on your experience, the volunteer/ intern will be engaged in more of the following activities:
- Design research proposal, tools for assessing the Climate Change impacts.
- Research to learn climate change and its relations with human and environmental system.
- Establish baseline to strengthen local government capacity in mobilizing resources for climate initiatives.
- Present research results to the concerned stakeholders and discuss the implementation plans.
- Encourage farmers to adopt new agricultural practices to tackle reduced yield.
- Analyze approaches for evaluating the economic, social, and environmental benefits and consequences of steps taken in reaction to climate change.
- Assist local community groups in developing local adaptation planning and tools.
- Empowering the most vulnerable people to ensure they practice nature friendly.
- Spread awareness regarding the use of renewable energy such as solar energy or wind energy.
- Conduct studies to restore natural connectivity along climate alteration.
Project Specific Skills
- Background or experience in Climate Change
- Proficient in conducting workshops and training
- Survey and Interview skills
- Knowledge of Research methodologies
- Ability to work with data and records
- Experience in statistical analysis will be an added asset
Desirable/ Common Skills
- Excellent communicator with good interpersonal skills
- A team player with good workethics
- Time management and leadership qualities
- Adaptable, flexible and able to work under pressure
- Accepting of different ideas and culture
- Problem solving: always be part of solutions than part of a problem
- Creative
- Positive attitude
Requirements
- Gender: Female / Male
- Minimum Age: 18+ years (16-17 years old person can volunteer but need to present parents’/ guardian’s consent letter)
- Language:English (Intermediate)
- Educational:High School Graduate
Your Experience/ Setting
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will receive a warm welcome and be transported to your hotel or hostel. If you are already in Nepal before the start of your placement, we can make alternative arrangements for you. You will undergo a comprehensive two- to three-day induction program after arrival. This induction will provide valuable information about your project and general information about the Nepalese language, culture, health, safety, and security. It is also an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers and interns who can become your companions for sightseeing and a source of support throughout your volunteer placement.
During the induction period, you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel arranged by VIN. However, most of the VIN experience involves living with a Nepalese host family. While this immersion is essential for a complete experience, we understand that it can be challenging as you adapt to a new culture and adjust to facilities that may be more basic than you are accustomed to. Don’t worry; all our host families have experience accommodating volunteers, although their English-speaking abilities may vary. Also, you will have 24-hour access to our staff members for support and assistance throughout your placement.
Volunteers will be assigned to one of VIN’s working areas, which include Tarakeshor Municipality in Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap, and Bhadaure in Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa and Kaule in the Nuwakot district. While at the working site, volunteers are requested to bring their lunch box, water bottle, safety gear, face mask, and any other essential belongings. We advise volunteers to dress comfortably and modestly, preferably with long sleeves. Please get in touch with us for guidance and support if you want to raise project funds or collect project-specific resources. This will help the community a lot.
Schedule and Commitment
You will work five to six days a week, up to six hours per day. You may propose your preferred time and hours; however, the working time period will be dependent on the institution you have been placed. A minimum of 2 weeks’ time commitment is expected of a volunteer. The longer you commit; the better impact you can make. You should be willing to commit a certain amount of your free time and energy, show a lot of commitment and be a good listener. You are expected to work constructively and co-operatively maintaining good reputation and standards at all times. Volunteer should abide by relevant security concerns and access procedures. Moreover, you should be receptive and positive to performance appraisal, advice and feedback. Throughout your placement, you will have the full support of VIN. Your safety is our highest priority.
Your typical day might look like this:
| 07:00-08:00 | Tea/Leisure Time |
| 08:00-09:00 | Breakfast/Brunch (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
| 09:00-10:00 | Preparation for sessions |
| 10:00-13:00 | Conduct Research |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch (Packed lunch) |
| 15:00-17:00 | Conduct Research and Surveys |
| 17:00-20:00 | Preparation for next day/Leisure time |
| 20:00-21:00 | Dinner (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
You will receive a clear and concise on-the-job instructions, course of action, context of work and policies/strategies before your placement begins. You will be provided with ample of guidance and support throughout the placement with trainings / onboarding sessions incase necessary. You will be in a constant communication and regular check-in with the VIN volunteer coordinator. VIN aims to maintain a culture of continuous feedback between the volunteer supervisor at the placement to monitor the performance of the volunteer and ensure the project delivers desired outcomes.
In case of an emergency, you may contact one of our Volunteer Coordinators who will be available anytime for your assistance and support.
Click here to Learn more on how volunteering works
Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
2 weeks minimum stay- € 350
3 weeks – 450€
4 weeks – 550€ (after 4th week, for each additional week €85)
University Internships:
4 weeks minimum stay- € 650 (for each additional week – €95
Click here to Learn what’s included and excluded in our Fees Section
Click here to Learn recruitment process on how volunteering works
Our projects are open year-round, and our inductions begin on the first and third Mondays of each month. We would like to ask that volunteers arrive one day before the start of the induction. You can choose the duration of your participation based on your available time. However, so that you know, our volunteering placements are limited. We highly recommend booking your placement in advance to secure your placement. Click here to apply.
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