Blog Post

The Role of Sustainable Development Solutions Networks (SDSNs) in the protection of the environment

Nicolaos Theodossiou, Charis Stavridis, Eleni Fotopoulou, Dorothea Strüber • May 25, 2020

The case for SDSN Black Sea

In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – “a plan for people, planet and prosperity”, which includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that service as a roadmap for the national and international policies that should be implemented to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Society, Economy and Environment are the three pillars for sustainable development, therefore, environmental protection is expressed directly through Goals 13 (Climate action), 14 (Life Below Water), 15 (Life on Land) and indirectly through Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Achieving the SDGs in an interdependent and interconnected world cannot be done only by domestic actions, but also by efforts at the international level. Thus, the Sustainable Development Solutions Networks (SDSN) were established. SDSNs comprise research and educational institutes that promote practical and integrated approaches towards the implementation of the SDGs, such as decarbonization strategies, ways of sustainable land-use and food systems and tracking of bilateral spillover effects globally. SDSNs consists of national, regional and thematic Networks. A newly established regional network is SDSN Black Sea, hosted by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, which seeks to promote actions for sustainability in the wider area of the Black Sea.

In September 2000, during the Millennium Summit which took place at the UN Headquarters in New York, world leaders adopted the United Nations Millennium Declaration, committing to fight poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation and discrimination against women. The Declaration set out a series of time-bound targets with a deadline of 2015, known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The eight Millennium Development Goals are:


The MDGs marked a historic and effective method of global mobilization to achieve a set of important priorities worldwide (Sachs, 2012). According to the Millennium Development Goals Report (2015), extreme poverty has declined significantly, as in 1990, the extreme poverty rate in developing countries was 47%, whereas in 2015 the same rate was 14%. Furthermore, the number of people working middle class has almost tripled between 1991 and 2015. As far as Goal 2 (achieve universal primary education) is concerned, primary school enrollment has reached 91% in 2015, up from 83% in 2000. In Sub-Saharan Africa, there has been observed a 20%-point increase in the net enrollment rate from 2000 to 2015, while in general, more girls enrolled in primary schools and more women participated in parliaments worldwide since 1995. Regarding Goal 3 (Reduce child mortality), the global under-five mortality rate has declined by more than half, dropping from 90 to 43 deaths per 1000 live births between 1990 and 2015 and about 84% of children worldwide received at least a dose of measles-containing vaccine in 2013 (up from 73% in 2000). Moreover, the maternal mortality ratio [1] has declined by 45 per cent worldwide, while more than 71% of births were assisted by skilled health personnel globally in 2014, an increase from 59% in 1990.

Actions taken by nations to achieve MDG 6 led to a reduction in new HIV infections and an increase of people receiving antiretroviral therapy globally, while tuberculosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment programs saved an estimated 37 million lives between 2000 and 2013. As far as MDG 7 (Ensure environmental sustainability), the ozone layer is expected to recover by the middle of the 21st century, while terrestrial and marine protected areas have increased substantially since 1990. Furthermore, there has been an increase in the amount of people who have access to an improved drinking water source and a decrease in the proportion of urban population living in slums in the developing regions. Finally, the official development assistance (ODA) from developed countries increased by 66% in real terms between 2000 and 2014, while more people worldwide have access to and utilize technology, mainly expressed by mobile-cellular subscriptions and internet penetration.

The MDGs aimed mainly at human rights and equality and they have played an important role in fighting poverty, hunger and disease. But the actions taken against climate change and environmental protection were not enough (Castelló et al, 2010) Furthermore, they were “targets mainly for poor countries, to which rich countries were to add their solidarity and assistance through finances and technology” (Sachs, 2012). Acknowledging the fact that in an ever-changing world, environmental objectives need a higher profile alongside poverty-reduction objectives, the need for new revised goals emerged. Goals which would target actions regarding the three main pillars of sustainability: economy, society and environment and would involve the participation of all countries regardless their financial status and policies.

In June 2012, during the “Rio+20” Conference on Sustainable Development, world leaders recognized the need for the development of a new set of goals, aiming at sustainable development. Thus a group of Member States formed an Open Working Group to prepare a proposal on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The group’s proposal was welcomed by the 69th UN General Assembly in 2014 and became the principal guideline for integrating the SDGs into the post-2015 development agenda. During the 70th UN General Assembly in 2015, participating states adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a “plan of action for people, planet and prosperity”, which “seeks to strengthen universal peace in a larger freedom” (UN General Assembly, 2015). The 2030 Agenda is expressed through 17 Goals and 169 targets, which integrate economy, society and environment around people and global prosperity. Through the SDGs it is recognized that creating inclusive economic growth, preserving and protecting the planet and eradicating poverty and inequality are interlinked, affect population health and that their relationship is dynamic and reciprocal (World Health Organization, 2015). The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are:

Acknowledging the urgency for action regarding sustainable policies worldwide, after Rio+20, the then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon tasked the well-known and respected economist Jeffrey D. Sachs to create a global network of sustainable development problem solving. Thus, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) was set up in 2012. The idea behind its creation is the fact that the world needs an era of intensive problem solving in sustainable development challenges and not only new goals, political motivation and will (Sachs, 2015). Since then, SDSN has established 35 National and Regional Networks all around the globe, that work on SDG implementation in their country or region.

2. SDSN: Goals and Actions

The SDSN pursues to connect the world’s academic, research and knowledge-generating institutions in order to help them realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. Currently, over 1200 member institutions in more than 100 countries work on research regarding the implementation of the SDGs in a national and/or regional level through practical and feasible solutions. Furthermore, they promote high-quality education and research collaboration for sustainable development and support governments in understanding and addressing the challenges of sustainable development.

Alongside its National and Regional Networks, SDSN’s work is supported by and based upon its Thematic Networks and Working Groups:

Sustainable Cities: Inclusive, Resilient and Connected

This Thematic Network’s aim is the identification of practical solutions for improving urban management.

Climate and Energy

SDSN has undertaken a lot of research regarding Climate and Energy. Its projects include:


  • the Deep Decarbonization Pathways Project (DDPP), which prepared national low-emission development pathways to 2050 with limiting the rise in global temperatures below 2oC, as stated in the Paris Agreement. DDPP along with Deep Decarbonization Pathway (DDP) are designed to help stakeholders engage in sufficient discussions to proceed with short-term national climate policy (Bataille et al, 2016)
  • “Roadmap to 2050: A Manual for Nations to Decarbonize by Mid-Century” a document to support governments in the adoption of medium-long-term strategies and plans for energy transition

Good Governance of Extractive and Land Resources

The group’s main work is the better usage of resource endowments, including land for sustainable development. One of its more recent publications is “Mapping the Renewable Energy Sector to the Sustainable Development Goals: An Atlas”, which intends to serve as a “guide for renewable energy developers, operators and investors, as well as their government partners, to maximize the renewable energy sector’s contribution to the SDGs”.

Health for All

This Thematic Network conducts research regarding the implementation of SDG 3 worldwide, in order to address health challenges. Its work includes the “Global Nutrition Report 2018”, where five steps are needed to meet the 2030 target of ending malnutrition in all its forms (Fanzo J. et al, 2018)

Food, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Land and Energy (FABLE)

The FABLE Consortium aims at understanding the ways that countries can transition towards sustainable land-use and food systems. FABLE consists of 22 country teams, which work on developing data and modeling infrastructure to promote integrated strategies towards sustainable land-use and food systems. Consortium’s work includes but is not limited to the Nature Map Explorer, an interactive map, which provides a set of integrated global maps on biodiversity and ecosystems services based on the best available scientific data and Growing Better Report (Ten Critical Transitions to Transform Food and Land Use), which proposes a reform agenda of real actionable solutions to boost progress towards the SDGs and safeguard biodiversity.

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

Its aim is to connect experts and practitioners to turn knowledge in to practice for achieving SDG 2: Zero Hunger.

SDG Financing Initiative

This working group convenes sector experts to aggregate their respective costing models and data for SDG targets, especially for low-income countries. Its work includes, but is not limited to the Report “SDG Costing & Financing for Low-Income Developing Countries”, which proposes new international financing mechanisms to fill the SDG financing gap through various measures and to the Report “Closing the SDG Budget Gap (by Move Humanity)”, which examines the fiscal burdens facing the Low-Income Developing Countries (LIDCs) and the ways to close the resulting budget gap.

Thematic Research Network on Data and Statistics (TReNDS)

TReNDS convenes experts to catalyze learning and investment in the data revolution for development. TReNDS’s work strengthens the data ecosystem, improves learning on data sharing and informs investment in emerging data opportunities. Its flagship series “Counting on the World” explores the ways to harness data revolution for sustainable development, while its projects “Data for Now”, “POPGRID” and “Contracts for Data Collaboration (C4DC)” seek to improve the overall quality of SDG data and to strengthen the accountability of cross-sector data collaboratives.

The World in 2050 (TWI2050)

TWI2050 was launched by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), the SDSN and the Stockholm Resilience Centre (SRC) and seeks to provide fact-based knowledge to support the policy process and implementation of the SDGs. Its report “Transformations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals” explores the current trends that encourage and threaten the achievement of the SDGs.

The SDG Academy

SDSN main belief is that research and education play an important role in SDGs implementation. Thus, the SDG Academy was created. In this MOOC platform experts from all around the globe create and deliver educational content on critical issues (health, education, climate change, agriculture and food systems, sustainable investments). The offered courses are accessible online and free for all. Furthermore, SDG Academy hosts its own Library, a searchable catalog of all course videos.

SDG Index and Monitoring

Since 2015, SDSN partners with Bertelsmann Stiftung to assess progress made towards SDG achievement at national and local level. The report uses official SDG indicators endorsed by the UN Statistical Commission and where insufficient data is available for an official indicator, other metrics from official and unofficial providers are included in order to provide “the most up-to-date metrics to gauge the performance of countries on the SDGs” (Sachs et al, 2019). The latest edition covers 162 countries (compared with 156 in 2018) and was audited by the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC). Moreover, SDSN publishes continental and subnational reports monitoring the implementation of SDGs locally. Such reports refer to Europe, the Arab Region, Africa, European Cities and US Cities.

SDSN Youth

In 2015 SDSN launched its official youth initiative, SDSN Youth. Its purpose is to involve young people globally in the implementation of the SDGs through empowering them to create sustainable development solutions.


3. SDSN Black Sea - Index Report and Trends

Since 2018, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki hosts one of the newly established regional networks, the SDSN Black Sea. Its vision is to unite people of the wider Black Sea region under the goal of sustainable development. Typically, the Black Sea Region has been characterized by its cultural diversity and countries which have historically been in direct or indirect conflict. The network aims to unite the people to join forces to improve their lives while ensuring a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future for all.

The participating institutions are currently based in twelve countries: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine.

Since its establishment, SDSN Black Sea has hosted and supported various events globally to raise awareness regarding sustainable development and the SDGs, such as:


  1. Side event in the 7th Global Baku Forum (March 2019)
  2. UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals in the Balkan Region (April 2019)
  3. Implementation of the UN 2030 SDGs in the Black Sea Region (October 2019)
  4. Third Sustainability Summit for South-East Europe and the Mediterranean (October 2019)
  5. 1st International Conference on Blue Growth in the Black Sea Region: “Ecosystem Services on River-Sea Macro Ecosystems” (March 2020)

SDSN Black Seas main activities include:


  1. The identification courses whose curricula is related to its activities,
  2. The identification of finished or on-going research projects, whose content is related to sustainability and the general activities of SDSN Black Sea,
  3. The organization of events to inform communities regarding the SDGs and the role of SDSN and the collaboration on the implementation of the SDGs with local authorities and policy makers.

Furthermore, SDSN Black Sea is currently organizing its SDSN Youth Black Sea branch and seeks for new opportunities to communicate the importance of Sustainability and Sustainable Development, while actively seeking practical ways to implement the SDGs in its region.

Who can join the SDSN?

Any non-profit knowledge-generating institution is free to join the SDSN. Membership is open to universities, research centers, civil society organizations and any other knowledge center which can offer expertise on sustainable development. Candidate members should commit to find and/or implement solutions for the SDGs. More information, including the application process, can be found at the official UN SDSN Site ( https://www.unsdsn.org/join-the-sdsn ).

Why join the SDSN?

SDSN is a vast network of esteemed knowledge centers focused on providing feasible and practical solutions for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a local or a regional level. By joining the SDSN, any member can participate in national or regional initiatives launched by SDSN members and develop its own ideas into actions. By becoming an SDSN member, one can pursue joint fundraising through SDSN brand recognition and additional networking opportunities.

Secondly, all SDSN members are invited to use the SDG Academy and actively participate in its shaping, by developing Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) regarding sustainability, SDGs and their implementation. Furthermore, members are invited to use any online resources developed by the SDSN and its members, helping them in their research or educational activities.

Finally, members can actively contribute in the SDSN’s Thematic Networks and participate in the annual International Conference on Sustainable Development, which is held in New York around the UN General Assembly and showcases leading academic and programmatic work on sustainable development.

4. Conclusion

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were created to replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in order to meet the needs for sustainable development. While the latter focused mainly on the fight against poverty, the SDGs focus on a set of various aspects which portray sustainability and refer to its three pillars: Society, Environment, Economy. Such Goals are “Zero Hunger” (SDG 2), “Quality Education” (SDG 4), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) and “Climate Action” (SDG 13). To ignite and promote research about their implementation the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) was set in 2012.

Since then, SDSN operates with 35 National and Regional Networks across the globe, which join forces to research feasible sustainable solutions on a national or international level.

One of its newly added regional networks is SDSN Black Sea, hosted by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, which operates in twelve countries. Its main activities include the identification and support of finished or on-going research projects whose content is related to sustainable development and the organization of events, whose purpose is to inform communities regarding the SDGs and the role of the SDSN.

Any research institution is free to join the vast network of SDSN in order to collaborate with esteemed universities and research centers globally in order to identify ways to implement solutions regarding the SDGs.

[1]Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is defined as the number of maternal deaths during a given time period per 100,000 live births during the same time period (Global Health Observatory, 2020)


This paper was accepted for oral presentation to the International Conference “ Protection and Restoration XV ” and inclusion in the e-Proceedings of the Conference, organized by the Stevens Institute of Technology, USA, and the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Patras, Greece.


References


  1. Bataille C., Waisman H., Colombier M., Segafredo L., Williams J. (2016) ‘The Deep Decarbonization Pathways Project (DDPP): insights and emerging issues’, Climate Policy 16 , pp. S1-S6.
  2. Castelló D. L., Gil- González D., Alvarez-Dardet Diaz C., Hernández-Aguado I. (2010) ‘The Environmental Millennium Development Goal: progress and barriers to its achievement’, Environmental Science & Policy 13-2 , pp 154-163.
  3. Fanzo J., Hawkes C., Udomksemalee E., Afshin A., Allemandi L., Assery O., Baker P., Battersby J., Bhutta Z., Chen K., Corvalan C., Di Cesare M., Dolan C., Fonseca J., Grummer-Strawn L., Hayashi C., Mc Arthur J., Rao A., Rosenzweig C., Schofield D. et al (2018) ‘2018 Global Nutrition Report: Shining a light to spur action on nutrition’, Development Initiatives Poverty Research Ltd
  4. Sachs J. D. (2012) ‘From Millennium Development Goals to Sustainable Development Goals’, Lancet 379, pp. 2206-2211
  5. Sachs J.D. (2015) ‘The Age of Sustainable Development’, Columbia University Press
  6. Sachs, J., Schmidt-Traub, G., Kroll, C., Lafortune, G., Fuller, G. (2019) ‘Sustainable Development Report 2019’, Bertelsmann Stiftung and Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
  7. United Nations (2015) ‘The Millennium Development Goals Report’, United Nations
  8. World Health Organization (2015) ‘Health in 2015 from MDGs, Millennium Development Goals to SDGs, Sustainable Development Goals.’, World Health Organization
  9. https://undocs.org/en/A/RES/70/1 (assessed January 15th, 2020)
  10. https://www.who.int/data/gho/indicator-metadata-registry/imr-details/26 (assessed May 10th, 2020)

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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. 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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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