Blog Post

Aligning the European Recovery Plan and the European Semester with the SDGs

Andrija Erac • Oct 29, 2020

Summary and recording of the SDSN event on the sustainability of the European Recovery and the role of knowledge institutions, held on 22 October 2020

SDSN’s online event of October 22, 2020 focused on the alignment of the European Recovery Plan and the European Semester with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. The event included speakers from the European Commission , the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) , the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) , as well as representatives from the SDSN networks in Europe (Germany, Italy and Greece).


María Cortés-Puch , Vice-President of SDSN Networks , opened the webinar by evoking the historic agreement reached by the European leaders to address the consequences of the pandemic. The European Recovery Plans seeks to address the immediate crisis, but also to lay the foundations for a more resilient and more sustainable Europe. Ms. Cortés-Puch stressed that the European Recovery Plan and the European Semester would need to lead to a transformation that is aligned with the SDGs. Although the recently published Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy for 2021 recognizes this necessity in principle, there are still many questions regarding the operationalization of such transformations. In this context, Ms. Cortés-Puch referred to the Six Transformations approach proposed by SDSN, an integrated and holistic framework for action that reduces complexity, yet encompasses the 17 SDGs, their 169 targets and the Paris Agreement.
Estelle Göger , Member of the Cabinet of the European Commissioner for Economy , Paolo Gentiloni, presented the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the cornerstone of the EU Recovery Plan. Here are some of the key features of the RRF, as discussed by Ms. Göger:
  • RRF constitutes approximately 90% of the Next Generation EU;
  • National Recovery and Resilience Plans are to be submitted by April 2021;
  • Recovery and Resilience Plans made by the Member States under the RRF will be embedded in the European Semester and the Commission's assessment thereof will replace the European Semester Country Reports in 2021;
  • There will be no Country-Specific Recommendations in 2021;
  • 37% of the expenditure under the Recovery and Resilience Plans has to be related to climate;
  • 20% of expenditure has to be related to the digital transition.
While the main focus of the RRF is the digital and green transition, RRF is also expected to foster the Member States’ overall resilience. Ms. Göger further explained that the policy objectives of the RRF can be linked to the SDGs and that the national plans will be assessed, among other criteria, on whether they effectively contribute to the green and digital transitions. However, she said that more efforts were needed to align the Recovery and Resilience plans to the SDGs.

Jorge Núñez Ferrer , Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) evoked the response to the 2008 financial crisis and raised concerns regarding the rising levels of public-debt in the Member States due to the pandemic. He noted that the recovery from the 2008 financial crisis was based on the notion of economic sustainability, whereas little attention was given to the notion of social sustainability. For this reason, Mr. Núñez Ferrer underlined that Member States need to be very prudent about the way they spend the resources from the Recovery Fund. The RRF will need to appropriately prioritize public spending and the implementation of National Recovery and Resilience Plans will need to be closely monitored. In order to monitor better, greater use should be made of the big data related to the SDGs.


Eloïse Bodin , Policy Analyst at the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) , presented the five sustainability tests proposed by the IEEP together with other sustainability think tanks and which Europe’s recovery plans must pass. Ms. Bodin noted that there had been a change in semantics, putting the European Green Deal at the heart of the recovery plans. Furthermore, Ms. Bodin noted that with the 2020 Spring Package the European Semester had shifted away from a traditional growth focus. The Country-Specific Recommendations included an annex on the SDGs and recognized the interconnectedness of economic, social and environmental spheres. However, she found that, although the European Semester can be a key instrument in the EU’s progress towards the SDGs, there is an implementation gap in the Country-Specific Recommendations that needs to be closed.

IEEP proposes the following:

  • Aligning the different processes, such as the European Semester and the European Green Deal, to have coordinated recommendations and monitoring;
  • Picking the right indicators and monitoring tools;
  • Aligning funding, incentives and compliance mechanisms; Supporting greater policy coherence for sustainable development at the Member State level;
  • Enhancing democracy to promote public support; Introducing an independent assessment of green recovery plans to fuel democratic  debate.

Furthermore, Ms. Bodin said that more coordination was needed among competent authorities at EU level as well as an independent assessment of the recovery plans.

Three chairs and managers of the European SDSN Networks then provided their input, focusing on how knowledge networks can engage with the EU’s key instruments and their implementation in the Member States.

Adolf Kloke-Lesch from SDSN Germany observed a fundamental shift in the narrative that seems to have taken place after the outbreak of the pandemic. Contrary to 2019, main European documents (President Von der Leyen’s State of the Union speech, Sustainable Growth Strategy, Commission’s working papers on the Recovery Plans) make no or very little reference to the SDGs. What is more, in their wording, the CAP and the Commission’s working papers on the Recovery Plans that were discussed and released recently, do not seem to reflect the transformations and the wording of the EU Green Deal. As confusion is likely to emerge from the changing political communication, Mr. Kloke-Lesch advised the sustainable development community to limit the number of key messages that they communicate and which should correspond to the transformations envisioned by the EU Green Deal.

He further stressed that there was a risk of the stimulus package trickling away in a myriad of channels and levels of government, without creating long term impacts. The sustainable development community therefore needs to engage in the public debate on the recovery. So far, there has been only limited involvement of the knowledge institutions in the European Semester process, but, moving forward, organisations such as SDSN should engage with the process, at the Member State level, with the governments and the Commission representations.


Angelo Riccaboni and Sabina Ratti from SDSN Mediterranean and SDSN Italy reiterated that SDSN resources can be used to effectively contribute to the national and European political processes. He said that SDSN Networks have the capacity to support the integration and measurement of the SDGs in the EU Semester’s instruments, including the National Resilience and Recovery Plans (NRRP). Networks can therefore help in determining targets and indicators related to the 17 SDGs and the Six Transformations, both in the planning phase and in the monitoring phase. In particular, SDSN Networks may be able to contribute to the improvement of the SDGs social indicators. Commenting on the European Recovery Plan, Prof. Riccaboni highlighted the relative absence of a reference to youth and of a gender-equality perspective in the NGEU, despite its focus on future generation.

He, therefore, called for a global and holistic approach to sustainable development and to the SDGs as a framework for the whole Semester process. Resilience, he said, should serve as a compass for the EU’s future and the academic community should be its main advocate in the national and European policy debates. In this regard, constant interaction and dialogue among the SDSN EU Networks and the EU institutions and MPs would certainly be worthwhile. Finally, he reflected on the digital transition desired by the Commission and specified that, in order to ensure a transformative impact against each of the 17 SDGs for a greater, global, social integration, such transition should be purposeful.


Phoebe Koundouri from SDSN Greece emphasized the need for cooperation on the SDGs in Europe in order to identify sustainable pathways that can have a long term impact on our countries and the EU as a whole. She also saw the need to influence and train policy makers in building truly resilient plans funded through the Recovery & Resilience Facility.

She highlighted the work of the SDSN Working Group on the Energy Transition and the Six Transformations to Achieve the SDGS and Support the European Green Deal. This working group is currently conducting an assessment on the basis of the SDSN SDG Index and dashboards that is aimed at supporting the alignment of the Recovery and Resilience Plans, the European Green Deal and the Country-Specific Recommendations with the SDGs. This document is expected to serve as a basis for recommendations regarding national Investment Pathways that will be funded in great part through the RRF. Those Investment Pathways will be grouped according to SDSN’s 6 transformations identified by the SDSN.


María Cortés-Puch reminded the audience that the UN SDSN was a member-based organization with some 1400 members (universities, research centers and NGOs) organized under national and regional Networks. In Europe only, SDSN brings together more than 300 members that cover 22 EU countries. On the one hand, SDSN Networks work on generating knowledge and evidence on sustainable development for the attention of policymakers. On the other hand, the networks educate on sustainability - not just academically - but also by creating discussion spaces, and uniting different stakeholders.

Ms. Cortés-Puch concluded by saying that a lot needs to be done in the upcoming period. SDSN will continue its efforts of bringing these somewhat arduous processes closer to the sustainable development community and ensure that knowledge institutions are participating in them. SDSN Europe Sustainable Development Report 2020 will be launched at the beginning of December and soon thereafter the document prepared by the SDSN Working Group on the European Green Deal.


Estelle Göger's presentation

Eloïse Bodin's presentation


Questions & Answers

  • What instruments are there within the European Semester to ensure close monitoring of the Recovery and Resilience Plans? Will there be any sanctions or any kind of enforcement?
Esttelle Goeger: The monitoring is not built into the Semester but rather in the RRF regulations themselves. In their National Plans, Member-States do have to identify clear milestones and targets, and they can present a request for disbursement twice a year. They will then have to prove that at least a certain number of targets and milestones have been reached. The Commission assesses whether it is the case, with the Council validating the conclusions, and only then can the disbursement be completed. A form of a sanction would be that the Commission does not disburse if it considers that the milestones have not been reached.

  • What do we mean by the term ‘resilience’? What is key about ‘resilience’ in the EU? ”
Phoebe Koundouri: Resilience is about economy, society, and interaction between humans and nature. It means being better prepared and less vulnerable to shocks. After a shock (environmental, economic, cultural), resilient societies and organizations have the ability to quickly regain their structure and function. In all academic and scientific documents, sustainability includes resilience. There can be no sustainable development without resilience. Resilience, of course, includes the capacity to adapt.

Adolf Kloke-Lesch: The notion of resilience is somewhat problematic. “Resilience” appeared relatively recently in the narrative, and it is a notion that is rather defensive. It is not so progressive in the way that it may refer to a future that one envisions. It was encouraging to hear from the EU Commissioner responsible for the strategic foresight processes, Mr. Maroš Šefčovič, that some sort of objective that society is thriving for needed to be built into the notion of resilience. The sustainable development narrative is still more progressive since it rolls out objectives that we are working towards. Commission President Von der Leyen spoke about fragility, which is more or less the flipside of resilience. We should have a vision for society that actually strives for human wellbeing.

Jorge Núñez Ferrer: Resilience is the capacity to go on when things change, which also means flexibility. Some see resilience as maintaining a status quo, but it is also being able to adapt to change more easily. This means for example that a country’s economy does not rely entirely on tourism, or that it focuses on one thing and neglects others. Resilience is the capacity to absorb and to adapt to change. This is more important than sustaining things the way they were in the past.


  • How can the RRF as well as the European Semester be used to avoid divergence from social dimensions, specifically following the pandemic, in particular leaving vulnerable groups behind?
Estelle Goeger: The idea to avoid divergences between Member States, or to avoid their increase was at the core of the NGEU Proposal. The Commission’s activation of the General Escape Clause and Temporary Framework for State Aid at the beginning of the crisis has allowed Member States to take the necessary measures to confront the crisis. But not all Member States had the same margin of action and capacity to do this. This is why, in May 2020, the Commission published the Proposal to give all Member States more support, also with the Allocation Key so that those in need could receive the greatest share of the funds. That is the whole philosophy behind NGEU.

For the RRF specifically, addressing some of the CSRs would already help the convergence.The logic of the CSRs is to compare the Member States and determine areas in which progress would be needed.

The temporary Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency (SURE) was also part of the European Semester spring package. This was opened to all Member States, but only 17 or 18 applied. It’s an additional layer of support for short-term work schemes, for instance.


  • We have a decision to realign the Semester and the SDGs, and a decision that the Semester and Recovery will work together for the years to come - so why has the Commission not included any reference to the SDGs in its working documents?
Estelle Goeger: It is unlikely that that was a conscious political decision against the SDGs.With the crisis new language was used in the documents, with a focus on vulnerabilities and how to address them (the reply is resilience). However, if you look at the policy objectives as such, you do find the link to the SDGs, referred to through a different terminology. More can be done of course to strengthen this linkage through implementation, final decisions and the stepping stones towards the implementation of the RRF. The Commission should come forward with a document before the end of the year to focus again on the SDGs and to explain how the Commission approaches the SDGs. It will not be a fully-fledged SDG strategy, but it will explain how the Commission intends to take the SDGs forward.

Phoebe Koundouri: The wording of the European Green Deal, of the Recovery Plan and of the SDGs is not identical but the concepts are consistent. What Estelle has said is absolutely true, especially if you study the documents word by word and do the 3D mapping. It would have been better if we had an explicit SDG reference, but consistency is there. Maybe the lack of explicit SDG reference in the Commission’s documents is our fault, the one of the SDG advocates who have not been vocal enough and maybe countries find it difficult to implement the SDGs. It would therefore probably be better if we decide to communicate the 6 transformations in a stronger way.


  • Is it possible to envisage an EU well-being strategy, moving away from GDP-oriented fiscal policies?

Eloise Bodin: Indeed this is possible and is something that various stakeholders are advocating for. We see this type of strategies adopted by the well-being economy alliance, which includes New-Zealand, Iceland, Scotland. These territories have been doing a lot of work on wellbeing in the past years. In New Zealand, for instance, 83 indicators are used to measure the well-being of the population, and the Ministry of Economy uses these results for their economic policy-making. It is showing good results for now. This could one day be implemented in the long run as part of European Semester in the EU and the EU could be at the forefront of the well-being economy.

Angelo Riccaboni: In the last 2 years, the movement of Beyond-GDP was not really at the centre of the debate. We hope we can return to the debate of beyond-GDP, but the impression is that with the global pandemic, everyone is just referring to GDP and the need to restore it. We are not optimistic that we can go back to the Beyond-GDP debate.

  • UN SDSN’s community has agreed to coordinate action across the European SDSNs, and needs to bring these processes to the general public more prominently, bring universities and knowledge producing centers to provide evidence to this debate. But how can we do this in terms of mobilising funds?

Jorge Núñez Ferre: Much of the funding that knowledge institutions can apply for goes through the Horizon programme, but also through individual DGs of the European Commission (eg. DG for Regional and Urban Policy). Knowledge institutions could also look at the national structural funds.

Phoebe Koundouri: Horizon Europe and the European Green Deal calls are a good opportunity to raise funds, especially the calls focused on citizen participation. SDSN has sufficient capacity to respond to one of these calls. SDSN European networks could try and jointly build a common proposal. Organisations should also bring in other regular, non-academic partners. This proposal needs non-academic partners, explicit co-funding that proves the interest of different stakeholders’ and deep demonstration projects. We have the capacity to bring all of this in.

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PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES Work with SPA leadership to direct work on financing Conduct an analysis of supply chains for key commodities in the Amazon Map of key players in supply chains Build a compendium / database of key financial industry stakeholders in the region Develop an engagement strategy for the finance sector Implement the strategy, including key dialogues, meetings, and events QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE 7-10 years of experience working with or researching international finance institutions An advanced university degree (preferably a Ph.D) in biology, ecology, economics, conservation, sustainable development, or related field. Excellent organizational and project leadership skills. Demonstrated track record of effectively leading a performance-based and outcome-based program. Candidates must have developed and executed strategies that have taken an organization or program to the next stage of impact and growth. They must be skilled in developing strategy. 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Paris, Ile-de-France, France ABOUT SDSN The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) has been operating since 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. We aim to accelerate joint learning and promote integrated approaches that address the interconnected economic, social, and environmental challenges confronting the world. SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, the private sector, and civil society. It is directed by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs and operates through offices in New York, Paris, and Kuala Lumpur. ABOUT THE DATA VISUALIZATION UNIT We are a small but growing unit at the UN SDSN, focused on building interactive web platforms and data tools for the organization’s flagship reports and products. For our data visualizations, we work primarily with React and Next.js to generate interactive, static websites hosted on Netlify. For our data work, we work primarily in Python and R. We like to innovate, prototype, and push the boundaries of what is possible. POSITION SUMMARY We are looking for a junior full-stack web developer to join our team to support the development of our interactive web platforms and data tools on the Sustainable Development Goals, including those featured in the SDG Transformation Center . Our platforms and tools help educate and empower policymakers, civil society organizations, and the general public to make data-driven decisions for greater impact. If you are seeking a web developer position within a mission-driven organization, SDSN is a place where you could grow and thrive. TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Web Application Management: Maintain our current web application portfolio, including data visualizations and static websites. Feature and Web Application Development: Work closely with a product owner and GIS specialist to conceptualize and implement new features to our existing web application portfolio, as well as the creation of brand-new web applications. Your creativity and technical skills will help visualize complex data models to a wide variety of users. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Actively coordinate with cross-functional teams to define specifications and deliver tailored web applications that meet their needs. Data Workstreams Support: Engage with various data-centric activities at SDSN, such as data extractions and data analysis. Industry Awareness: Keep up to date with the latest industry trends and best practices in web development and data visualization. Apply this knowledge to continuously improve our technology stack and processes. Other: Perform other tasks as needed CORE QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, or another quantitative field OR two to three years working experience. Strong knowledge of React and Node environments, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Knowledge of git version control and GitHub. Experience developing websites Fluency in English. Attention to detail. Self-driven, able to work independently as well as on cross-functional teams. Proactive and problem-solving attitude OPTIONAL QUALIFICATIONS UX/UI design skills Knowledge of data and statistics Experience building web applications with NextJS Knowledge with modern CSS frameworks such as Material UI or Tailwind. Familiarity with Python, R, or Stata Familiarity with interactive mapping tools (ArcGIS) Experience testing web applications using Jest and Cypress Familiarity with graphics design (e.g., Illustrator, Inkscape) IMPORTANT INFORMATION Location: Paris. Remotely 2 to 3 days / week. Contract length: CDD, 12 months, with possibility of renewal and conversion into an open-ended contract CDI. The selected candidate would start as soon as possible . Salary range: depending on experience. Benefits: SDSN offers generous leave allowances and flexible, hybrid work policy. SDSN team members are given the opportunity to follow some of the most thought-provoking discussions on sustainability. In their work, team members get the opportunity to meet and exchange with some of the world’s greatest leaders in sustainable development – professors, economists, bestselling authors, educators, and academics. In addition to this, SDSN team is composed of brilliant, dynamic, sustainable development professionals that come from different countries and backgrounds. With such unique exposure and environment, each member of SDSN can learn and grow while doing the work they love and contribute with a positive impact. Work authorization: You must have the right to work in France. The SDSN cannot sponsor a work visa for this position. SDSN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER We are an equal opportunity employer and value inclusion and diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. We welcome all applicants! APPLICATION PROCESS To apply, please submit a CV on HR Partner . Please include links to relevant projects and code samples that you have worked on. Deadline for applying: 26 April 2024 (Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A PROPOS DE SDSN UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (“SDSN”) opère depuis 2012 sous les auspices du Secrétaire général de l'ONU. SDSN mobilise l'expertise scientifique et technologique mondiale afin de promouvoir des solutions pratiques pour le développement durable, notamment la mise en œuvre des Objectifs de Développement Durable (ODD) et de l'Accord de Paris sur le climat. Nous visons à accélérer l'apprentissage commun et à promouvoir des méthodes intégrées qui répondent aux défis économiques, sociaux et environnementaux interconnectés auxquels le monde est confronté. SDSN travaille en étroite collaboration avec les agences des Nations Unies, les institutions financières multilatérales, le secteur privé et la société civile. Il est dirigé par le professeur Jeffrey D. Sachs et fonctionne par l'intermédiaire de bureaux à New York, Paris et Kuala Lumpur. À PROPOS DE L'UNITÉ DE VISUALISATION DES DONNÉES Nous sommes une petite unité en pleine croissance au sein du SDSN de l'ONU, qui se concentre sur la construction de plateformes web interactives et d'outils de données pour les rapports et produits phares de l'organisation. Pour nos visualisations de données, nous travaillons principalement avec React et Next.js pour générer des sites web interactifs et statiques hébergés sur Netlify. Pour nos travaux sur les données, nous travaillons principalement en Python et R. Nous aimons innover, prototyper et repousser les limites du possible. SYNTHESE DU POSTE A POURVOIR Nous recherchons un/e développeur/développeuse junior full stack pour rejoindre notre équipe afin de soutenir le développement de nos plateformes web interactives et de nos visualisations de données sur les objectifs de développement durable, y compris ceux présentés dans le SDG Transformation Center . Nos plateformes et outils aident à informer et à donner aux décideurs politiques, aux organisations de la société civile et au grand public les moyens de prendre des décisions fondées sur des données pour un plus grand impact. Si vous recherchez un poste de développeur/développeuse au sein d'une organisation axée sur une mission, SDSN est un endroit où vous pourriez grandir et prospérer. PRINCIPALES RESPONSABILITES Gestion des applications Web : maintenir notre portefeuille d'applications Web actuel, y compris les visualisations de données et les sites Web statiques. Développement de fonctionnalités et d'applications Web : travailler en étroite collaboration avec un ‘product owner’ et un spécialiste GIS pour conceptualiser et mettre en œuvre de nouvelles fonctionnalités dans notre portefeuille d'applications Web existant, ainsi que pour la création de toutes nouvelles applications Web. Votre créativité et vos compétences techniques aideront à visualiser des modèles de données complexes pour une grande variété d'utilisateurs. Collaboration interfonctionnelle : coordonner activement avec les équipes interfonctionnelles pour définir les spécifications et fournir des applications Web sur mesure qui répondent à leurs besoins. Prise en charge des flux de travail de données : participer à diverses activités centrées sur les données au SDSN, telles que les extractions et l'analyse de données. Mise à jour dans le domaine du web développement : rester informé des dernières tendances du secteur et des meilleures pratiques en matière de développement web et de visualisation de données. Appliquer ces connaissances pour améliorer continuellement nos processus. Autre : effectuer d'autres tâches selon les besoins QUALIFICATIONS, FORMATION ET EXPERIENCE Baccalauréat ou maîtrise en informatique, statistiques, économie ou dans un autre domaine quantitatif OU deux à trois ans d'expérience professionnelle COMPETENCES CONNEXES Requis: Solide connaissance des environnements React et Node, JavaScript, HTML et CSS Connaissance du contrôle de version git et de GitHub Expérience en développement de sites Web Maîtrise de l'anglais Souci du détail Autonome, capable de travailler de manière indépendante ainsi qu'avec différentes équipes Attitude proactive et axée sur la résolution de problèmes Facultatif: Compétences en conception UX/UI Connaissance des données et des statistiques Expérience dans la création d'applications Web avec NextJS Connaissance des frameworks CSS modernes tels que Material UI ou Tailwind Familiarité avec Python, R ou Stata Familiarité avec les outils de cartographie interactive (ArcGIS) Expérience de test d'applications Web à l'aide de Jest et Cypress Familiarité avec la conception graphique (par exemple, Illustrator, Inkscape) INFORMATION IMPORTANTE Lieu de travail: Paris, régime de travail hybride (2 ou 3 jours par semaine de télétravail) Durée du contrat: CDD pour 12 mois, avec possibilité de renouvellement et de transformation en CDI à durée indéterminée. Le poste est à pourvoir dès que possible. Salaire: En fonction de l’expérience. Avantages: SDSN offre des congés généreux et une politique de travail flexible et hybride. Les membres de l'équipe de SDSN ont la possibilité de suivre certaines discussions très stimulantes sur le développement durable. Dans le cadre de leur travail, les membres de l'équipe ont l'occasion de rencontrer et d'échanger avec certains des plus grands leaders mondiaux en matière de développement durable - professeurs, économistes, auteurs de best-sellers, éducateurs et universitaires. En outre, l'équipe du SDSN est composée de professionnels du développement durable brillants et dynamiques, issus de pays et d'horizons différents. Grâce à cette exposition et à cet environnement uniques, chaque membre de SDSN peut apprendre et se développer tout en faisant le travail qu'il aime et en contribuant à un impact positif. Permis de travail: SDSN ne sponsorise pas les visas, et par conséquent, les candidats doivent avoir un permis pour travailler en France. EGALITE DES CHANCES A L’EMPLOI SDSN est un employeur offrant l'égalité des chances et tous les candidats qualifiés seront considérés de la même manière. PROCESSUS DE CANDIDATURE Pour postuler, veuillez soumettre un CV sur HR PARTNER jusqu’au 26 avril 2024 . Veuillez inclure des liens vers des projets pertinents et des échantillons de code sur lesquels vous avez travaillé. Veuillez noter qu'en raison du volume important de candidatures reçues, seuls les candidat(es) présélectionné(es) seront contacté(es).
By Info 05 Apr, 2024
Paris, Ile-de-France, France ABOUT SDSN The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) has been operating since 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. We aim to accelerate joint learning and promote integrated approaches that address the interconnected economic, social, and environmental challenges confronting the world. SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, the private sector, and civil society. It is directed by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs and operates through offices in New York, Paris, and Kuala Lumpur. POSITION SUMMARY The SDSN Paris Office is looking for an experienced Strategic Advisor to support partnership development and fundraising efforts. Working closely with the Vice President and Head of Paris Office the Strategic Advisor will be in charge of engaging with existing and potential global partners to advance the implementation of the SDGs. The Strategic Advisor will work closely with SDSN’s global network of Universities and Research Institutions as well as other partners. The Strategic Advisor will also contribute to supporting the efforts of the SDSN, in particular of the SDG Transformation Center , in tracking SDG policies at the country-level. The Strategic Advisor will report directly to the Vice President and Head of Paris Office and will work closely with the Director for Operations and Grant Management. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES Partnerships, fundraising & reporting (50%): Lead and coordinate the fundraising strategy of the SDSN Paris, in collaboration with the VP and Head of Paris Office and senior managers. Prepare project proposals and approach potential partners including governments, philanthropists and foundations. Represent the SDSN Paris in high-level meetings. Liaise with senior managers in Paris to understand needs and strategic priorities. Gain transversal knowledge across projects of timelines, reporting mechanisms. Help increase the outreach and visibility of SDSN’s work and in particular the work of the SDG Transformation Center internationally. Contribute to donor compliance, audit processes and grant management. Communications & outreach (30%): Present the work of the SDSN in seminars, workshops and roundtables. Working closely with the SDSN Head of Communications, lead communications efforts for the SDSN Paris Office in particular the social media and website of the SDG Transformation Center and FABLE teams Help prepare press releases and liaise with reporters. Organize the logistics and send out invitations for high-level launch events. Analytical work on SDG policy & data (20%): In collaboration with the SDSN Networks’ team, prepare the annual survey and collect data on Government Efforts and Commitment for the SDGs Expand SDSN’s work on Policy Trackers for key SDG Transformations, in particular on SDG localization. Working closely with the SDG Index team, explore innovative ways to leverage geospatial (GIS) technologies to track SDG progress Provide inputs when needed to SDSN’s flagship reports and working papers, including the Sustainable Development Report & Global Commons Stewardship Index. Perform any other tasks as needed. QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE An advanced University degree (Master’s or Ph.D) in economics, international studies, political science, business administration, industrial ecology, environmental science, or other relevant topic Experience working on sustainable development issues, preferably acquired in an international context Strong background in partnership development at the international level Experience in fundraising, managing donor relationships and preparing audit reports RELATED SKILLS Strong analytical, quantitative, and empirical research skills; and proven ability to link findings to public policy analysis and recommendations Proven ability to develop constructive relationships with key actors and networks in the area of environmental sustainability Diplomatic skills and ability to work in a team environment Knowledge of one statistical package, preferably STATA and/or R, would be a plus Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is required Professional capacity in French and other languages would be a plus IMPORTANT INFORMATION Location: Paris. The office has a hybrid model of work with 2-3 days at the office. Contract Length: CDD, 18 months (with possibility of conversion to a CDI). The selected candidate would start ideally by June 2024 or in September 2024. Salary Range: depending on experience. Benefits: SDSN offers generous leave allowances and flexible, hybrid work policy. SDSN team members are given the opportunity to follow some of the most thought-provoking discussions on sustainability. In their work, team members get the opportunity to meet and exchange with some of the world’s greatest leaders in sustainable development – professors, economists, bestselling authors, educators, and academics. With such unique exposure and environment, each member of SDSN can learn and grow while doing the work they love and contribute with a positive impact. Reports to: VP and Head of the Paris Office Work authorization: SDSN does not sponsor visas, and therefore applicants must have the right to work in France. SDSN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER SDSN provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to unlawful considerations of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, military or veteran status, age, and physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. APPLICATION PROCESS To apply, please submit a cover letter , your CV and references on HR Partner . Application materials should be submitted in English preferably (but possible also to submit them in French). Deadline for applying: May 1st (Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONSEILLER/E STRATEGIQUE A PROPOS DE SDSN UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (“SDSN”) opère depuis 2012 sous les auspices du Secrétaire Général de l'ONU. SDSN mobilise l'expertise scientifique et technologique mondiale afin de promouvoir des solutions pratiques pour le développement durable, notamment la mise en œuvre des Objectifs de Développement Durable (ODD) et de l'Accord de Paris sur le climat. Nous visons à accélérer l'apprentissage commun et à promouvoir des méthodes intégrées qui répondent aux défis économiques, sociaux et environnementaux interconnectés auxquels le monde est confronté. SDSN travaille en étroite collaboration avec les agences des Nations Unies, les institutions financières multilatérales, le secteur privé et la société civile. Il est dirigé par le professeur Jeffrey D. Sachs et fonctionne par l'intermédiaire de bureaux à New York, Paris et Kuala Lumpur. A PROPOS DU POSTE A POURVOIR Le bureau parisien du SDSN recherche un/e conseiller/conseillère stratégique expérimenté/e pour soutenir le développement de partenariats et les efforts de collecte de fonds. En étroite collaboration avec le Vice-Président - Chef du bureau de Paris, le/la conseiller/conseillère stratégique sera chargé/e de nouer des relations avec des partenaires au niveau mondial afin de faire progresser la mise en œuvre des ODD. Le/la conseiller/conseillère stratégique travaillera en étroite collaboration avec le réseau mondial d'institutions internationales, nationales et d'universités et centres de recherche de SDSN ainsi qu'avec d'autres partenaires. Le/la conseiller/conseillère stratégique contribuera également à soutenir les efforts du SDSN, en particulier ceux du Centre de transformation des ODD , dans le suivi des politiques relatives aux ODD au niveau national. Il/elle rendra compte directement au Vice-Président - Chef du bureau de Paris et travaillera en étroite collaboration avec la Directrice des Opérations & de la Gestion des Subventions. PRINCIPALES RESPONSABILITES Partenariats, collecte de fonds et suivi (50%) : Diriger et coordonner la stratégie de collecte de fonds du SDSN Paris, en collaboration avec le Vice-Président - Chef du bureau de Paris et les managers. Préparer des propositions de projets et approcher des partenaires potentiels, y compris des gouvernements, des philanthropes et des fondations. Représenter le SDSN Paris dans des réunions de haut niveau. Assurer la liaison avec les managers à Paris pour comprendre les besoins et les priorités stratégiques. Acquérir une connaissance transversale des échéances et des mécanismes d'établissement de rapports pour l'ensemble des projets. Contribuer à accroître la portée et la visibilité du travail du SDSN et en particulier du travail du SDG Transformation Center à l'échelle internationale. Contribuer au respect des exigences des donateurs, aux processus d'audit et à la gestion des subventions. Communication et sensibilisation (30 %) : Présenter le travail du SDSN lors de séminaires, d'ateliers et de tables rondes. En étroite collaboration avec la responsable de la communication du SDSN, diriger les efforts de communication pour le bureau de Paris du SDSN, en particulier les médias sociaux et le site web du SDG Transformation Center et de l’équipe FABLE. Aider à préparer les communiqués de presse et assurer la liaison avec les journalistes. Organiser la logistique et envoyer les invitations pour les événements de lancement de haut niveau. Travail analytique sur la politique et les données relatives aux ODD (20 %) : En collaboration avec l'équipe du réseau SDSN, préparer l'enquête annuelle et collecter des données sur les efforts et l'engagement des gouvernements en faveur des ODD. Développer le travail du SDSN sur les indicateurs de suivi des politiques pour les transformations clés des ODD, en particulier sur la localisation des ODD. En étroite collaboration avec l'équipe de l'indice SDG, explorer des moyens innovants d'exploiter les technologies géospatiales (GIS) pour suivre les progrès des SDG. Contribuer, le cas échéant, aux rapports et documents de travail phares du SDSN, notamment le rapport sur le développement durable et le Global Commons Stewardship Index (indice mondial de gestion des ressources communes). Effectuer toute autre tâche nécessaire. QUALIFICATIONS, FORMATION ET EXPERIENCE Diplôme universitaire supérieur (Master ou doctorat) en économie, études internationales, sciences politiques, administration des affaires, écologie industrielle, sciences de l'environnement ou autre sujet pertinent. Expérience de travail sur les questions de développement durable, acquise de préférence dans un contexte international. Solide expérience en matière de développement de partenariats au niveau international. Expérience de la collecte de fonds, de la gestion des relations avec les donateurs et de la préparation de rapports d'audit. COMPETENCES CONNEXES Solides compétences en matière d'analyse, de recherche quantitative et empirique ; et capacité avérée à relier les résultats à l'analyse et aux recommandations en matière de politique publique. Capacité avérée à développer des relations constructives avec des acteurs et des réseaux clés dans le domaine de la durabilité environnementale. Compétences diplomatiques et capacité à travailler en équipe. La connaissance d'un progiciel statistique, de préférence STATA et/ou R, serait un plus. La maîtrise de l'anglais (à l'écrit et à l'oral) est requise. Une capacité professionnelle en français et dans d'autres langues serait un plus. INFORMATION IMPORTANTE Lieu de travail: Paris. Le bureau suit un mode de travail hybride, avec une présence au bureau à raison de 2-3 jours par semaine. Durée du contrat: CDD, 18 mois (avec la possibilité d’une extension en CDI). Le/la candidat/e sélectionné/e commencera idéalement en juin 2024 ou en Septembre 2024. Avantages: SDSN offre des congés généreux et une politique de travail flexible et hybride. Les membres de l'équipe de SDSN ont la possibilité de suivre certaines discussions très recherchées sur le développement durable. Dans le cadre de leur travail, les membres de l'équipe ont l'occasion de rencontrer et d'échanger avec certains des plus grands leaders mondiaux en matière de développement durable - professeurs, économistes, auteurs de best-sellers et universitaires. En outre, l'équipe du SDSN est composée de professionnels du développement durable brillants et dynamiques, issus de pays et d'horizons différents. Grâce à cette exposition et à cet environnement uniques, chaque membre de SDSN peut apprendre et se développer tout en faisant le travail qu'il aime et en contribuant à un impact positif. Superviseur: Vice-Président et chef du bureau de Paris Permis de travail: SDSN ne sponsorise pas les visas, et par conséquent, les candidats doivent avoir un permis pour travailler en France. EGALITE DES CHANCES A L’EMPLOI SDSN est un employeur offrant l'égalité des chances et tous les candidats qualifiés seront considérés de la même manière. PROCESSUS DE CANDIDATURE Pour postuler, veuillez soumettre un CV , une lettre de motivation et les coordonnées de référence à HR PARTNER jusqu’au 1 May 2024 . (Les candidatures seront examinées au fur et à mesure.) Les dossiers de candidature doivent être soumis en anglais de préférence (mais il est également possible de les soumettre en français)
By SDSN Secretariat 01 Apr, 2024
Welcome to SDSN's Month Year Newsletter!
By Info 01 Apr, 2024
The SDSN has launched an 'Employee Spotlight Campaign' to showcase the passion and expertise of our staff.
By SDSN Kenya 28 Mar, 2024
On 25 March 2024, SDSN Kenya joined WRI Africa and other Kenyan partner organizations in co-hosting an interactive workshop and debate format entitled: ‘Carbon Markets: Which Way for Kenya? A Carbon Markets Clinic and Debate’. The full-day event was hosted at Strathmore University in Nairobi, a local SDSN network member institution, ahead of an official Carbon Markets Conference organized by the Kenyan government on 26-27 March. Close to 200 participants were in attendance with leading experts and practitioners from the Nairobi Climate Network, Aspen Initiative, Green Belt Movement, Climate Action Platform-Africa (CAP-A), as well as community and civil society leaders throughout Kenya. In addition to bringing in Kenyan climate and development researchers from the SDSN Kenya network , we were able to facilitate the active involvement of Kenyan ‘carbon’ farmers through contacts of the SDSN FELD (Food, Environment, Land and Development) Programme. These farmers are members of the vast TIST network that links more than 100,000 Kenyan farmers across 5,000 villages with regular payments from global carbon markets for more than a decade. A representative of TIST actively joined the discussion panel to present on the everyday experience of her fellow farmers with already existing carbon market mechanisms – an important practical contribution on what unfortunately is often a controversial, polarized, and abstract issue in Kenyan development discussions. To stimulate vivid debate, expert-led clinic sessions that explained key issues in carbon markets were followed by an Oxford-style debate in the late afternoon. Key issues raised during the event include: Carbon credits and their role in the pursuit of climate commitments under the Paris Agreement to reach “Net Zero”; Carbon pricing mechanisms and controversies around them; Carbon trading transaction costs and project finance; Land ownership and its implications for carbon markets; Inclusivity, benefits sharing, and community safeguarding; Current concerns around integrity, transparency, and the pervasiveness of corporate greenwashing; and Kenya’s legal and policy provisions regulating carbon trading, and their effectiveness. Carbon markets continue to garner significant interest in Kenya, where the government is currently developing a ‘Carbon Credit Trading and Benefit Sharing Bill’. This full day of civil society and expert-led discussions with stakeholders from across the spectrum in Kenya demonstrated both the demand and the importance of bringing complex development and financing issues to a broader audience, alongside government meetings. SDSN is grateful to its partners in Kenya, especially WRI Africa and the FOLU Coalition Kenya Platform, and its funders at the Robert Bosch Stiftung for their support and partnership.
By Science Panel for the Amazon 27 Mar, 2024
The Amazon, the world's largest rainforest and river basin, faces urgent environmental challenges such as deforestation, degradation, and criminality. In response, the Science Panel for the Amazon (SPA) is taking an important step to foster a better understanding of these threats and their impacts to promote participation in developing solutions. In collaboration with the SDG Academy, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and the World Bank (WB), and with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), today, the SPA launched its groundbreaking massive open online course (MOOC), "The Living Amazon: Science, Cultures, and Sustainability in Practice."
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