Blog Post

Local Perspectives on Small-Scale Farming

Lauren Barredo • Aug 31, 2020

On August 27, 2020, the SDSN, Foresight4Food, IFAD, and APRA co-hosted the second in a series of eDialogues on the future of small-scale farming. The goal of the series is to present the latest thinking of experts working on the front lines to support small-scale agriculture, and this second session looked at the challenges smallholders face and opportunities for improvement in yields and standards of living at the local level. The event was supported by a number of vlogs (video blogs) from the field, which can be viewed on SDSN Agriculture’s YouTube channel. If you would like to submit a vlog for inclusion, please do so via this google form.

Ken Giller & Jim Woodhill opened the session with welcoming remarks. They summarized the key points raised in session 1, namely (i) that we should stop regarding smallholder farmers as a uniform group, and rather embrace their diversity and offer tailored approaches, (ii) that we need to understand which kinds of households have viable futures as smallholder farmers and which do not, and in some cases support alternative livelihoods, (iii) understand which markets are accessible for smallholders and on what terms, and (iv) ensure the many people worldwide who depend on small-scale agriculture are included in interventions to meet SDGs 1 and 2 (no poverty and no hunger).

Following the opening remarks we watched a vlog from Jonathan Mugabe , a Highland Banana Farmer in Uganda, which described some of the challenges young farmers face, especially access to land and knowledge.

After the video, we asked our panel to describe the opportunities they see for small-scale farmers in the region(s) where they work.

Theresa Ampadu-Boakye , Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Nairobi, spoke first. She said the biggest opportunity she has seen is interest from the private sector to provide information to smallholder farmers. There is a recognition of the need for farmers to access knowledge, and a good example in Nigeria where a firm is providing a package of services to help farmers tailor what inputs are needed. This targets smallholders with internet access growing legumes, cereals, maize, and cassava.

Ajay Vir Jakhar spoke next; Ajay is a citrus farmer based in Punjab, India, and Chairman of the Bharat Krishak Samaj Farmers’ Forum. He described how small-scale farmers today are increasingly dependent on market forces to put food on the table, and that farmers are ever more food insecure. His work focuses a lot on livestock operations and home gardening to meet local food needs. India has also had great success with milk cooperatives, which have raised farmers’ income, and can be a model to scale up and increase the number of farmers participating in cooperatives.

Kofi Takyi Asante , Research Fellow at the University of Ghana, described opportunities for policy and for communities. In Ghana, the agriculture sector has recently seen a lot of policy attention from the government, for example a project that subsidizes fertilizer. The effectiveness of such policies is supported by evidence that farmers can respond rapidly to incentives. In the oil palm sector in Ghana, some small-scale farmers are able to enter into contracts with large estates (i.e. processors), and they are more successful than farmers that cannot enter into these agreements. These farmers also depend on non-farm income. And they are also seeing that some farmers are investing in simple processing systems to increase the storage time of the oil so they can sell later at higher prices.

Regis Chikowo , Professor at the University of Zimbabwe and Associate Professor at Michigan State University, spoke about the ageing of farmers, saying that young people want jobs in town, they do not want to farm. He sees a phenomenon of the people who cannot find employment in town returning to the village to farm, and there is an opportunity here as this group is energetic, well educated, and technologically savvy. They could revolutionize smallholder agriculture in Africa. Chikowo also noted that with good management and extension, small farms can be self-sufficient. Infrastructure like irrigation could allow year-round farming, but we have not seen a lot of investment in this in Africa. The key constraint is low productivity; soils are highly degraded and many are working in dryland farming systems. Farmers also need access to reasonably priced inputs. If they cannot access this, they look to off-farm income, like charcoal production, and this degrades forests. These are extreme and desperate measures to earn income, because farming alone is insufficient. Local fertilizer production would lower the cost of inputs (i.e. costly impirted fertilizer), creating jobs locally and raising farmers’ incomes.

Audax Rukonge , Executive Director of ANSAF, described several emerging opportunities. There are a large number of college graduates that are not offered formal employment, and so agriculture can employ these people as business developers, entrepreneurs, and service providers. In Tanzania, farmers produce many commodities, and there are many opportunities for new businesses around them. Secondly, Tanzania imports a lot of edible oil, and with sunflowers, as one example, could produce much of this domestically. At the moment Tanzania only produces 45% of domestic consumption, so there is lots of room for growth, and even potential to export regionally if they reach 100% of demand. Tanzania imports a lot of food commodities which could be produced locally. There is also lots of opportunity for trade within Africa of these items, and certain countries will have competitive advantages, for example Tanzania produces a lot of cereals, and could trade more with neighboring countries.

Hannigton Odame , Executive Director of the Centre for African Bio-Entrepreneurship, shared an opportunity to link agriculture, which is not doing very well, with industries that are doing well, such as tourism. In Kenya, the hospitality and tourism sector is doing very well, but international visitors are eating European cuisine instead of local foods. There is a great opportunity, especially for women and youth, as food entrepreneurs. Second, intergenerational partnerships are a great opportunity. Many people who own farms employ older, low-skilled labor to farm land in rural areas, while they live in cities and work in urban professions. Absentee investors could do a lot more to hire professionalized services of better skilled and innovative young people, and expand productivity. There is also an opportunity for women and youth in agri-finance, marketing, extension, and advisory services. Disruptive technologies and innovations such as mobile phones and online banking makes this possible.

Steve Wiggins , Principal Research Fellow at the Overseas Development Institute, shared a historical perspective. He contrasted the poor performance of the 1980s with the improvements you see today; specifically (i) growing urban markets, especially for higher value perishable crops, (ii) increasing access to technology and the services that it can provide, such as access to knowledge and to finance, and (iii) better government policies in most countries and more investment relative to 40 years ago. There are many great examples of young entrepreneurs offering services to farmers digitally.

The second set of reflections looked at the scale of the opportunities described above, and which demographics or kinds of farmers could be best targeted for interventions.

Theresa Ampadu-Boakye discussed the issue of gender disparities, which is especially prevalent in ownership of assets, like mobile phones, and access to markets. In a study looking at market prices, her research found that women sell for low prices in local markets, while men sell for higher prices to large-scale processors. They also found that sharing information with smallholder farmers can close some of these gaps, but these interventions are limited because of access to mobile and internet services. Providers need to carefully customized platforms to be accessible on all makes and models of mobile devices, use local languages, and in particular reach women. Less than 30% of the women in areas where they work have access to a mobile phone. Most households have a phone, but it is with the man, and he may not share the information with the woman, who is likely the primary farmer.

Ajay Vir Jakhar reflected on why smallholder farmers are not getting good prices, saying subsidies overseas, in the West, drive down food prices and make imports compete on equal footing with local products. Also, while Jakhar supports food value chains and trade, he cautioned about how its effects on 4 segments of the food value chain, (i) agriculture inputs, (ii) commodity traders, (iii) brands, and (iv) retail or e-commerce. In each of these segments, 4 or 5 corporations control 60-70% of global trade. He suggested better regulation of monopolies in the value chain, especially in emerging economies. Jakhar also shared the saying that “When one farmer works hard, he becomes rich; when every farmer works hard, everyone becomes poor.” He warned he is actually not optimistic; we have a constrained world, and not enough focus on overcoming constraints.

Kofi Takyi Asante responded to a comment from the floor about why Ghanaian palm oil productivity is rising, saying he thinks it is because of improved seedlings. Also, some farmers are using different varieties with a higher fat content, which is not purchased by the big processors, and this is a constraint for farmers. There is also inadequate access to extension services partly due to a government hiring freeze. Currently there is a program to employ young graduates, which is helping. Other programs to professionalize a cadre of workers have faced challenges. There is also the issue of corruption and smuggling which prevents subsidized inputs from reaching the poorest farmers, and the supply chain and transport also causes issues with delivering inputs in a timely manner for application on fields. There is also a call for higher tariffs on imports, which may have a stronger effect to support local productivity than subsidizing inputs.

Audax Rukonge called for greater support to researchers and prioritization of a few key areas to invest, especially to benefit women and youth. He recommended mobilizing the private sector, government, researchers, and other actors to have a synergistic effect and make concrete progress on these key areas. Rukonge also suggested looking at what is in-demand in international trade, and what locals produce, and combining this with research and development to scale up local production for global trade. He also noted that women, young people, and small-holder farmers are not homogeneous groups, and we need to take note of their different characteristics and tailor programs for them. For example, among youth, many are poor and uneducated, while many others are well educated and have access to financing. We cannot treat them as being the same.

Hannigton Odame said the key issue he sees is having a comprehensive policy that addresses different climates and production systems, cash crops and subsistence crops, etc. There is not a comprehensive approach to agricultural policy, leading to ineffective implementation. Another key need is good, timely data which is severely lacking. There is not only a role for government and the private sector here, but also for academia and civil society to advocate for science-based policy and to ensure good information reaches policymakers. Finally, there are many technologies and innovations, but the way we manage knowledge to respond to smallholder farmers’ challenges is lacking, and there is room for improvement.

Steve Wiggins noted that there is a lot to learn from the example of East Asia. Small, incremental improvements over decades since the 1960s and 1970s has led to a transformation, dramatically reducing hunger and poverty, and raising productivity. Some studies show remarkable progress in rural Tanzania since the early 1990s, spurred by government building roads that has prompted traders and farmers to invest in agriculture. Wiggins predicted that in the next 15 years Tanzania may well be seen as equally as successful as Vietnam, China, and other Asian success stories.

In the final round of interventions, speakers were asked to contribute one key message to the fall summits.

Theresa Ampadu-Boakye highlighted the opportunities offered by digital technology, which can be transformative, saying we need technology that empowers farmers to make better decisions.

Ajay Vir Jakhar said we should invest in human resources over infrastructure (i.e. trainers, keeping their information and skills up to date, offering more extension services, etc.)

Kofi Takyi Asante recommended improving the material conditions for farmers, such as roads, integration to markets, etc. Once these conditions improve, there is strong evidence that farmers can rapidly respond to incentives.

Audax Rukonge said interventions should be based on evidence, and interventions need to be tailored to specific groups (women, youth, etc.). He also recommended effective monitoring and evaluation of success to take good projects to scale.

Hannigton Odame recommended creating more spaces for stakeholders to co-create programs to enhance meaningful change in policy, practice, and discourse.

Throughout the course of the event there was a rich dialogue among participants via the chat feature. This included debate around local vs. international experiences, as well as which commodities (palm oil, cereals) should be produced for local vs. international markets, and how prices can vary. Another topic that attracted many comments was the local production of vegetables, in areas where there is access to water, as an important contribution to nutritious diets at the local level. This issue is not getting a lot of attention, often because a greater priority is the need to seek non-farm income. Some participants suggest countries may need to put up some barriers (ex. tariffs) to protect local farmers. Finally, there were lots of comments on access to land, inputs, and other expensive assets being a huge barrier to young people who want to get into farming.

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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. Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a matrixed team environment. Demonstrated experience managing a high-performance team with a deep commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, and empowerment. Ability to adapt technical knowledge and complex concepts to products aimed at policymakers. Strong analytical, quantitative, and empirical research skills; and the ability to link findings to public policy analysis and recommendations. Ability to operate with independence, under pressure, and to meet deadlines and commitments. Excellent interpersonal skills requiring knowing when to use courtesy, tact and/or diplomacy to effectively communicate with all constituents. Ability to effectively prioritize and produce high-quality work under time constraints. Ability to demonstrate integrity in deliverables, behavior, and demeanor. Must be fluent in English and either Portuguese or Spanish. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Location: Remote Travel: None. Contract Length: 6 months, with possibility to renew Benefits: 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. Reports to: Emma Torres, Vice President of the Americas 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 INCLUDING DAILY RATE OF PAY and a CV on HR Partner at the following link. https://sdsn.hrpartner.io/jobs/finance-consultant--science-panel-for-the-amazon-z2vy5
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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. 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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).
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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. 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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