Blog Post

SDSN at the 2021 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF)

SDSN Secretariat • Jul 20, 2021

SDSN and our networks hosted a number of events alongside the UN's High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). We invited our networks and the SDG community to join us at the following events, which SDSN hosted or were organized by our partners. Event summaries are below.

Learnings from Country-Level Pathways to the Global Food Policy Debate
July 5, 15:00 - 16:30 CEST
Organized by: Food, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Land Use, and Energy (FABLE) Consortium; Food Systems Economics Commission (FSEC), UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)

On July 5, the Food, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Land-Use and Energy (FABLE) Consortium, together with the Food Systems Economics Commission (FSEC) and UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), convened an official side event for the UN Food Systems Summit Science Days. The session titled “Learnings from country-level pathways to the global food policy debate” focused on how scientists can support policymakers in adopting a long-term integrated approach for food systems and increase the level of ambition. The panel presented cases from South Africa, Mexico and India, where scientists are collaborating with government agencies to assess and design integrated pathways towards sustainable, inclusive and resilient food and land-use systems. The panelists built the case for adopting long-term integrated approaches that can help policymakers assess the trade-offs and synergies between short-term policies on agriculture, climate, diets, and biodiversity and mid-century sustainability targets.

The session brought together Jean-Paul Adam, Director, Climate Change, Natural Resource Management and Technology at UNECA; Rebekah Shirley, Director of Research, Data and Innovation, World Resources Institute (WRI) Africa; Dr. Odirilwe Selomane, lead of FABLE South Africa, Dr. Charlotte E. Gonzalez-Abraham, lead of FABLE Mexico, and Dr. Ranjan Kumar Ghosh, lead of FABLE India.

Watch the recording on YouTube!
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From Science to Practice: Harnessing Research to Build Forward Better
July 6, 19:00-20:30 CEST
Organized by: SDSN Switzerland, United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), the Geneva Science-Policy Interface (GSPI), the Think Tank Hub, and the SDG Lab

Scientific research has a critical role to play in addressing global challenges and achieving the SDGs. Its role is even more important as we seek to emerge from the pandemic while facing continuing crises due to environmental destruction, conflict, and growing inequality.

But translating knowledge into action remains a complicated task. With this in mind, a consortium of Geneva-based institutions has established a new way for research and knowledge from International Geneva and its global networks to amplify its impact on national and global policy making. Last fall, UNRISD launched evidence boxes to collect contributions on three entry points encompassing all SDGs being reviewed at this year’s HLPF.

This event will present some key findings from reports on these themes, with a particular focus on lessons for building forward better, creating a world that is not only more resilient towards crises, but also much more inclusive, egalitarian and in harmony with our planet.

Event summary coming soon!

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The Role of Further Education to Drive Collective Action for the SDGs: Building a Sustainable and Resilient Recovery
July 7, 09:00-11:00 EDT

Organized by: Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI). Key partners: UN DESA, UNESCO, UN Environment, UN-HABITAT, UNGC's PRME, UNU, UNCTAD, UNITAR, and the SDG Academy.


On July 7, the SDG Academy participated in the HESI HLPF Special Event, The Role of Further Education to Drive Collective Action for the SDGs: Building a Sustainable a Resilient Recovery , which was moderated by Head of Programs and Partnerships, Florencia Librizzi and included presentations from SDG Academy Director, Chandrika Bahadur, HESI partners, and many other wonderful speakers!

The event focused on the opportunities and challenges facing higher education as the world continues to face the COVID-19 pandemic. By highlighting the role of multi-stakeholder partnerships in supporting systemic change, participants convened for an evolving and action-oriented conversation on how to bring about the changes needed to realize the Decade of Action and achieve the 2030 Agenda. Following the event, the International Green Gown Awards , administered by the EAUC, recognized exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by the world's universities and colleges.

Watch the recording in the SDG Academy Library!


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Filling the Gaps in Further Education for the 2030 Agenda and Inspiring Action Towards the SDGs
July 12, 08:30-10:15 EDT
Organized by: SDG Academy, IAU

On July 12, the SDG Academy and International Association of Universities (IAU) held a joint session titled " Filling the gaps in further education for the 2030 Agenda and inspiring action towards the SDGs " as a part of the HLPF UN DESA/UNITAR SDGs Learning, Training and Practice Workshop.

The session included panelists such as SDSN VP of Networks Maria Cortez-Puch; Dr. Joanna Newman, Secretary General of the ACU; Jacob Blasius, Chairperson of Students Organizing for Sustainability International; Prof. Pornchai Mongkhonvanit, President of Siam University; and our director, Chandrika Bahadur. The presentations highlighted examples of ESD across postsecondary education, examined how the SDGs provide a perfect framework for examining subjects from both a local and global lens, and discussed the importance and the benefits that a whole-of-institution approach to ESD can bring to a university

Watch the recording on Youtube !

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The Multidimensional Vulnerability Index and Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
July 12, 13:00-14:30 EDT
Organized by: SDSN, United Nations Resident Coordinators in Small Island Developing States, Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations

This event brought together government and UN officials as well as representatives from civil society and academia to discuss the issue of multidimensional vulnerability, including its relevance for international financing mechanisms. The UN RCO of Samoa and SDSN provided an update on the conceptualization and development of a new MVI and its importance in the context of the SDGs and Agenda 2030. SIDS public officials and civil society organizations shared their experience, identify their priorities post COVID-19, and emphasize the policy relevance of the MVI and the need to urgently address these vulnerabilities by strengthening resilience and access to financing. Representatives from international organizations and multilateral development banks shared their views on how the concept of multidimensional vulnerability and associated measurement tools can help support better resource allocation and help strengthen resilience and emergency response in the context of SIDS.

Read the event summary.
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Getting the SDGs Back on Track while Recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic: Building Government Capacities for Addressing Transboundary Impacts and Global Challenges
July 12, 14:00 CET
Organized by: OECD & Government of Italy, in collaboration with SDSN and other partners

This side eventapplied a policy coherence perspective to shed light on critical governance challenges and capacity constraints that governments are facing in ensuring a sustainable recovery. It provided an opportunity to discuss policy options for dealing with cross-sectoral interactions and transboundary issues in a way that will help reap the benefits of recovery processes to accelerate action in line with the 2030 Agenda. Specifically, the event convened a panel of representatives and experts from governments, international organizations, civil society organizations and the business sector to:
  • Identify the most pressing impacts caused by the pandemic itself or by the measures to contain it.
  • Discuss ways to strengthen government capacities for addressing such impacts in a coherent and cost-effective manner.
  • Learn from country experiences and practices, to address transboundary impacts of policies and ensure policy and institutional coherence in SDG implementation.
Opening remarks for the event came from Ilaria Fontana, Under-Secretary of State, Ministry for Ecological Transition of Italy; Elsa Pilichowski, Director for Public Governance, OECD; and Giovanni De Santi, Director of the Directorate for Sustainable Resources of the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. The speakers emphasized the essential nature of the SDGs in tracking the pandemic recovery and their incorporation into policy frameworks, one example being the EU Science Hubfrom the European Commission.

Technical expertise that helped frame the following discussion came from three scene setting presentations by Giampiero Genovese, Head of Unit, Economics of Agriculture Unit, Sustainable Resources Directorate, Joint Research Centre of the European Commision; Zach Wendling, Program Manager, Global Commons Stewardship Index, Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN); and Ernesto Soria Morales, Senior Policy Analyst, Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development, OECD Public Governance Directorate.

A panel on building government capacities for addressing transboundary impacts and global challenges included a broad set of actors: Mara Cossu, Ministry for Ecological Transition of Italy; Jocelyne Croes, Special Advisor on Multilateral Affairs and the Chair of the National Aruba SDG Commission; Luisa Marelli, Deputy Head of Unit, Bioeconomy Unit, Sustainable Resources Directorate, European Commission – Joint Research Centre; Tita Korvenoja, Chief of Conventions and Governance Branch at the Law Division, UNEP; Rilli Lappalainen, President of CONCORD - European Confederation of Relief and Development NGOs; and Sara Hamouda, SDGs and Agenda 2063 Expert, African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), with moderation by Louis Meuleman, Member of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA).

Follow the discussion from this side event on Twitter.
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Harnessing Big Data Partnerships for National SDG Monitoring and Reporting: Exploring Opportunities, Challenges, and Best Practices
July 14, 09:00 - 10:00 EDT
Organized by: SDSN TReNDS, GIZ Partners for Review (P4R)

On the sidelines of this year’s High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), SDSN TReNDS and Partners for Review (P4R) organized an event in which leading experts discussed their experiences working with big data partnerships to support national monitoring of the SDGs. This included a discussion of emerging big data innovations for the SDGs, key challenges and barriers encountered during the partnership process, as well as practical steps for ensuring successful big data partnerships and long-term sustainability. It also highlighted insights and recommendations from the new working paper authored by SDSN TReNDS’ Senior Advisor, Cameron Allen, related to these issues that was released the day of the event.

Read the event and working paper summary.
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Presentation of Initial Findings of the Science Panel for the Amazon
July 14, 12:30 - 14:00 EDT
Organized by: SDSN, The World Bank

The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest and river system, vital to the planet’s climate stability and home to an irreplaceable wealth of biodiversity, much of which is still unknown. It provides critical ecosystem services to the eight sovereign countries and one overseas territory that encompass it, and also to the globe. The Amazon is home to 35 million people, including more than one million Indigenous peoples, with their own cultural identities, territorial management practices, and more than 300 different languages.

Deforestation and forest degradation have risen in recent decades, especially driven by the expansion of inefficient cattle ranching, low-productivity agriculture, mining, and infrastructure development. Close to 70% of protected areas and Indigenous territories are currently threatened by roads, mining, oil and gas development, illegal invasions, dams, and deforestation.

The rise in deforestation and fires in 2019 and 2020 marks a dramatic acceleration in the rate of deforestation. Deforestation, which affects nearly 17% of the total rainforest, threatens the survival of the entire ecosystem by endangering biodiversity, changing the water cycle, and provoking a negative feedback loop whereby degradation reduces the resilience of remaining forest. Many scientists warn the Amazon as a whole may be approaching a tipping point of irreversible collapse.

In response to these challenges and inspired by the Leticia Pact for the Amazon , a group of over 200 preeminent scientists from the region have untied to form the unprecedented Science Panel for the Amazon (SPA). The Panel is convened by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), and will issue a comprehensive, first-of-its-kind scientific assessment of the state of the Amazon, current trends, and recommendations for the long-term well-being of the ecosystem and its people. If implemented, the Panel’s recommendations will promote conservation as well as sustainable development of the region, with a vision of a standing forest, flowing rivers bioeconomy based on local and Indigenous knowledge, technology, and innovation.

This July the SPA will release their initial findings as well as a draft version of their full report for public consultation. The SDSN and the World Bank co-hosted a high-level dialogue to present these initial findings and foster conversations between scientists and policymakers to advance sustainable development pathways in the Amazon.

Watch the recording on YouTube!
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My School Today!
July 20, 09:00 - 10:00 EDT
Organized by: SDGs Today

On the sidelines of HLPF, SDSN’s SDGs Today launched the My School Today! Call to Action in order to support students, teachers, and local communities to geo-reference their schools and education facilities as part of an effort to develop a timely dataset of school locations in Africa. In collaboration with Humanitarian OpenStreetMap, UNESCO, and Esri, SDGs today is developing a dataset using OSM, WorldPop, and Esri products to provide an accessible product using open source data to share national population counts within various travel distances and times from recorded educational facilities. Our goal is to engage local students, communities, and actors in the ongoing development of this dataset, and learn how we can work with education ministries and statistical offices to complement official data sources.

To advance the development of the “Mapping School Location” dataset and to address the need for more timely data and increased geospatial capacity, SDGs Today’s My School Today! Call to Action provides the opportunity to utilize geospatial data to measure and communicate geographic access to educational facilities in support of local education ministries and organizations’ efforts to ensure ‘inclusive’ education for all.

Watch the recording on YouTube!

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."
By SDSN Youth 27 Mar, 2024
The Sustainable Development Solutions Network Youth Initiative (SDSN-Youth) is delighted to announce the 2024 Local Pathways Fellows (LPF) cohort. Following an exhaustive selection process, we are honoured to introduce 103 exceptional young professionals from 51 countries and 85 cities. These individuals were chosen from a highly competitive pool of 1740 applicants for this prestigious fellowship.
By SDSN China Hub and SDSN Hong Kong SAR 25 Mar, 2024
On March 15, 2024, the 3rd edition of the Universities for Goal 13 Award (UG13) Greater China Finals was held. This event was co-organized by the host institutions of SDSN China Hub and SDSN Hong Kong SAR, the Institute for Sustainable Development Goals of Tsinghua University (Tsinghua SDG Institute) and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) respectively. Sponsored by Pernod Ricard China, this event took place in the Auditorium Hall of the School of Public Policy and Management at Tsinghua University.
22 Mar, 2024
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 SDGS TODAY The SDSN launched SDGs Today in July 2020 at the High-Level Political Forum with support from Esri and the National Geographic Society. SDGs Today aims to advance the production and use of timely and geospatial data for the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ). The program encourages countries, institutions, and civil society members to produce, share and engage with new data sources to help ensure that we meet the Global Goals by 2030. SDGs Today provides a snapshot of the state of sustainable development around the world. The team curates and produces accessible data products packaged in interactive formats that are accessible to a wide range of users and SDG stakeholders, and works with partners to share use cases and innovative projects through storytelling, to put a human face on quantitative data. SDGs Today also supports capacity development efforts and produces educational materials and programs that help integrate a data-driven approach into sustainability-related projects and research. BACKGROUND SDGs Today is involved in various projects and workstreams focused on sustainable development. One of our current initiatives involves contributing to the development of Ages of Globalization, an innovative online course inspired by Professor Jeffrey Sachs' influential book "The Ages of Globalization." This course explores humanity's journey across the world and through time, highlighting the interconnectedness of history, driven by factors such as climate, technology, and institutions. Our team is responsible for developing geospatial data visualizations and content for lectures, lessons, and hands-on activities. We are seeking an intern who can commit 20 hours per week to support our GIS activities. POSITION SUMMARY The GIS Intern will assist in identifying relevant data sources for the project, processing and visualizing data, and creating data tools. Additionally, the intern will aid in developing hands-on activities and interactive lessons showcasing the collected data. The intern will also offer comprehensive GIS support throughout the project. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES Research data sources utilized for the project Develop visualization and spatial analysis Support with the development of GIS lessons and activities Collaborate with the broader team on GIS activities related to the project Provide overall GIS support for the project QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE Enrolled in or graduated from a bachelor's or master's degree in Geographic Information Systems or related fields 2 years of experience in GIS Advanced knowledge of spatial data and GIS Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online Strong Design, cartography, and data visualization skills Familiarity with Python and ArcGIS Arcade is most preferred but not required Technical skills in data analysis and modeling are preferred Strong research skills Strong organizational skills and efficient management of multiple tasks and priorities Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of team members Ability to adapt and effectively respond to challenging situations and deadlines IMPORTANT INFORMATION Location: The incumbent will have the opportunity to work remotely or be based at the SDSN office in New York. ​​Contract Length: April 22 - September 30, 2024 Salary Range: A student currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a Bachelor’s degree program will be paid $16/hour, while a student currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from a Master’s degree program, will be paid $19/hour. Interns may work a maximum of 29 hours per week. Reports to: Head of the SDGs Today program Work authorization: Only candidates authorized to work in the United States will be considered. 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 Please apply via HR Partner and please share 1-2 samples of work, ex. map or data visualization.
By Info 22 Mar, 2024
The fourth edition of the Global Commons Stewardship Index Report presents the most recent data on domestic impacts and transboundary spillovers on the Global Commons. Building on the latest research and modelling tools in the field of industrial ecology and environmental science as well as the recognition that this work has now begun to receive we hope this report can support the efforts made by policymakers at the global and national levels to safeguard the Global Commons. The report was launched today at the Villars Institute Summit 2024 in Switzerland.
By Info 20 Mar, 2024
This policy paper presents the results of a survey jointly conducted by the OECD, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network and the European Committee of the Regions on how to localize the SDGs in a changing international landscape marked by disasters and shocks.
By Info 19 Mar, 2024
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. SDSN is directed by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs and operates through offices in New York, Paris, and Kuala Lumpur. ABOUT AGES OF GLOBALIZATION Embark on a thrilling educational journey with "The Ages of Globalization," a high school course that propels students through time, inspired by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs' groundbreaking book. This isn't your average history class; it's an immersive adventure that combines world history, science, geography, and technology. Picture yourself traveling to UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage Sites, where storytelling and exploration bring the past to life, making history an exhilarating experience that leaps off the pages. This dynamic curriculum doesn't just aim to educate; it seeks to connect and inspire. Through interactive maps and global classroom connections, students are not just learners but explorers on a mission to understand humanity's interconnectedness. ABOUT UN AT YOUR DOORSTEP “UN at Your Doorstep” is the live-lecture component of “Ages of Globalization,” envisioned for high-school assemblies, extra-curricular activities, Model UN clubs, community NGOs, or the traditional classroom. These online lectures will offer an unprecedented opportunity for high-schoolers to directly engage with world leaders and UN officials in the fields of history, science, and sustainable development. These sessions are not just lectures but vibrant forums for dialogue and inspiration, where students can ask questions, seek advice, and gain insights. Students will be at the forefront of global discussions, adding an enriching co-curricular element to their educational journeys. ABOUT THE CONSULTANCY In this position, you will support the implementation of a dynamic curriculum that intertwines history, science, geography, and technology with live global interactions. This pivotal role involves coordinating with world-renowned experts for the live lecture series and ensuring a seamless, engaging learning experience for high schoolers worldwide. In addition, it will involve creating key communications assets, strategy documents, and fundraising materials for the program. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for education, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to foster collaborative relationships across cultures and disciplines. It is a plus if the candidate has prior experience developing curriculum, teaching, and/or working directly with school administrators in international settings. This role offers a unique opportunity to impact the next generation of global thinkers and leaders. RESPONSIBILITIES 35% Administration, Fundraising, and Partnerships Liaise with all programmatic teams & partners, from SDGs Today, the Center for Sustainable Development (CSD), the SDSN Communications team, the SDSN Administrative teams, Mission 4.7 partners, and the Global Schools Program on programmatic updates; Support the Global Schools Director with coordination and administrative tasks for the Ages of Globalization program; Support the Global Schools Director in the development of a roll-out plan for Ages of Globalization; Design pitch-decks and other key assets for UN at Your Doorstep and support in finding sponsors for the program; Support the Global Schools Director with following up on fundraising leads for the Ages of Globalization Program; Conduct partnership scoping and outreach for partners/schools joining the program, including targeted calls, emails, outreach at events/conferences, LOIs and/or MoUs; Establish partnerships with key educational influencers to raise awareness of the course through their channels. 40% UN at Your Doorstep Program Support Develop draft syllabi for the UN at Your Doorstep Program that includes proposed speakers/world leaders; Manage invitations, outreach, and communications with high-level speakers and partners; Prepare content for the AoG website on UN at Your Doorstep, according to the AoG style guide; Develop project-based curricular templates and assessment rubrics for students participating in the UN at Your Doorstep program; Gather permission forms and photo release forms from teachers, students, and/or parents; Maintain all email communications for the UN at Your Doorstep program, liaising with teachers, schools, and parents, using software such as mail merge and mailchimp; Work closely with Professor Sachs’ executive assistants to schedule time for UN at Your Doorstep sessions; Design program certificates and gather signatures from speakers; Design instructional guidelines for teachers/schools/parents participating in the program, including an onboarding video for the program; knowledge of child development and safeguarding considered a plus; Develop M&E mechanisms, as well as surveys, for program participants; conduct data analysis for the program; Gather photos and testimonials of the program, and feature these on the Global Schools/SDSN/Mission 4.7 blog, social media, and/or in news outlets 25% Communications Work with the SDSN Communications Team to shape a dedicated communications strategy for the AOG course and UN at Your Doorstep Program; Provide timely feedback and updates on the AoG website to ensure targeted content to key audiences and assist with website analytics as necessary; Work with the SDSN Communications team to craft and refine key messages to ensure course uptake across targeted stakeholders and geographic areas; Support the CSD team’s efforts in generating lists of target audience members (Ministries, school boards, principals, etc) and lead outreach; Build an events strategy into the communications plan, targeting key education conferences and workshops; Develop a promotional kit and assets for the course that are tailored to target audience members including a flyer, slide deck, social cards, etc; Work with the SDSN Communications team to map a robust digital communications strategy across social media and email to increase awareness of and enrollment in the course through video trailers, dedicated emails, and graphics; Build and maintain relationships with key communications partners including Columbia University Press, UNESCO, and the Ban Ki-Moon Center to cross-collaborate on outreach and communications efforts; Draft and develop regular mailings for target audiences with information on the course, including supporting the growth of the AOG’s mailing list; Create regular short-form content for the AOG’s social media and other digital channels leading up to the course launch, both owned and external. QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Professional fluency in English required; other languages are considered a plus; Exceptional writing, drafting, and oral communications skills required; Masters degree in education; communications; sustainability; project management; teaching; child development; and/or related field; Experience with curriculum development and/or teaching in a primary/secondary school setting is strongly preferred; Project management experience strongly preferred; Adept at communications and administrative software, such as word; excel; powerpoint; Graphic design, marketing; and communications experience strongly preferred; experience with video editing looked upon favorably; Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple teams and time zones; Proactive and willing to take initiative, leadership skills required; Ability to engage with high-level UN officials and leaders in a professional and timely manner. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Location: The position reports to the SDSN Office in New York City, but the candidate can be remote/virtual in another location Travel: Requires occasional domestic and/or international travel (up to 10%) Contract Type: Full Time Contract Length: Consultancy (7-months), May 1 to November 30th, with possibility of extension Benefits: SDSN team members have the opportunity to follow very stimulating discussions on sustainable development. As part of their work, team members have the opportunity to meet and interact with some of the world's leading sustainability leaders - professors, economists, best-selling authors, educators and academics. Additionally, the SDSN team is made up of bright and dynamic sustainability professionals from different countries and backgrounds. With this unique exposure and environment, every SDSN member can learn and grow while doing the work they love and contributing to making a positive impact. Reports to: Reports jointly to the Global Schools Director and SDSN’s Head of Communications & External Relations 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 law. APPLICATION PROCESS To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter on the HR Partner platform until April 19th, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis. In addition, please include 2-3 references, with contact information. Finally, please include a proposal with your required budget for full-time engagement for 7-months on the tasks described in this document. Budgets are subject to approval. Please note that due to the high volume of applications received, only pre-selected candidates will be contacted. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
By SDSN Black Sea 19 Mar, 2024
SDSN Black Sea members discussed strategic regional collaboration across the 12 countries of the network
By SDSN 14 Mar, 2024
The SDSN has launched an 'Employee Spotlight Campaign' to showcase the passion and expertise of our staff. This employee spotlight showcases Managing Director of the SDG Academy, Amber Webb!
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