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. 

ABOUT SDSN YOUTH

SDSN Youth is one of the initiatives of SDSN. It was launched in 2015 with a mission to empower youth globally to create sustainable development solutions. Since then, SDSN Youth is committed to supporting the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, focusing on outreach of youth communities for raising awareness, capacity building of youth for sustainable development, and advocacy and collaboration. 

ABOUT THE YOUTH NETWORKS PROGRAM

SDSN Youth, in coordination with the SDSN Networks, mobilizes young leaders worldwide to leverage their talents to help promote practical solutions to sustainable development challenges and realize the SDGs and the Paris Agreement. With a global reach, the SDSN Youth network comprises multiple member institutions, primarily youth-led organizations, coordinated by our National and Regional Networks. 

SDSN Youth’s national and regional networks focus on localizing sustainable solutions for youth. The youth networks translate their expertise into action by: 
(1) Strengthening youth capacity through skills development and knowledge; 
(2) Collaborating with stakeholders to mobilize youth for sustainable development; and (3) Sparking and launching solution initiatives. 

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Networks Project Officer (PO) will work alongside the Global Youth Networks Project Lead to support and strengthen youth networks worldwide, with a focus on fostering collaboration at the global level. Within the GYN team, the role contributes to increasing the visibility of youth networks and their work. This includes ensuring activities are properly documented, quarterly reports are completed on time, and all relevant internal materials are kept up to date. A core objective of the role is to deepen the integration of Regional and National Youth Networks into SDSN Youth’s global programming. The PO may also support Regional Focal Points on SDG impact strategy, problem-solving within the Youth Network portfolio, and engagement with National Coordinators. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Please note: As a virtual network, it is IMPORTANT for all the Project Officers to communicate effectively with the Project Lead and report back consistently. In a network that operates across several time zones, reporting and communicating proactively is crucial.

Responsibilities 

The primary tasks and responsibilities of the Networks Project Officer include:

• Adhere to the code of conduct of SDSN Youth and the SDGs guiding principles;
• Collaborate with the project lead to propose good practices and administrative plans, and strategies with the objective to increase the efficiency and engagement of the youth networks;
• Support the Project Lead with the Network Management Oversight and performance;
• Identify and address any skill gaps and address them by ideating training opportunities and other capacity-building activities;
• Develop the quarterly reports and ensure the activities and initiatives are properly reported;
• Monitor and respond to incoming communications to the network’s email inbox;
• Researching speaking engagements, voluntary engagements, and partners to give Network Coordinators a better platform for promotion;
• Support the Project Lead in updating the guidelines and other internal documents to make sure youth networks comply with the process; 
• Analyzing the youth network’s inputs to understand their needs and challenges; 
• Attend the monthly call with the Youth Networks Team, quarterly call with the Global Coordinators, and any other relevant calls with any other team members;

Qualifications

• The candidate is aged between 18-30 in order to be eligible for this role, with flexibility up to 35 years old;
• The candidate possess an excellent command of the English language, including writing, speaking, and listening;
• The candidate has previous experience in student/youth leadership;
• The candidate has a great interest in youth engagement and sustainable development, and is passionate about the mission of SDSN, including the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change;
• The candidate is a proven team player with excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills and the ability to coordinate and manage workload across several projects/teams;
• The candidate can demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively and report consistently;
• The candidate can demonstrate they have the time and resources to commit to this role – candidates with too many overlapping commitments will be exempt from running for this position;
• The candidate has had some form of either professional or volunteer work experience, particularly with team management, project coordination, event management, stakeholder engagement, or operations;
• The candidate has some experience working with various communications and management software, such as Google Suite;

Conditions

• Duration of Position: The first term is 12 months in total, with a 3-month trial period in the beginning. However, subject to review of work performance, this position may be extended
• Reporting: This position reports to the Global Youth Networks Project Lead 
• Communication: Candidate is required to be proactive and communicate with the team 
• Compensation: Voluntary
• Training: Every candidate is required to complete all SDSN Youth online induction courses, guidelines review, and any other training available at the time of joining

Commitment

• Total Weekly Hours: 10 hours per week (flexible)
• The initial mandate is for 1 year, but it can be extended

BENEFITS

In becoming part of the team as a Project Officer, individuals will be responsible for fostering a strong interest in the SDGs in order to drive youth-led and youth-focused solutions to the 2030 Agenda. This is an incredibly rewarding role that will enable Project Officers to develop their knowledge, harness their skills, and come across a series of life-changing opportunities that may include:

• Representing SDSN Youth at different levels whenever possible and if appropriate;
• Engage with key stakeholders from government, NGOs to private sector when applicable;
• Build a personal brand around sustainability and the SDGs;
• Work in a multicultural environment and be immersed in a global workplace; 
• Receive capacity-building trainings to grow personally and professionally whenever possible.