ABOUT SDSN
The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) has been operating since 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. We aim to accelerate joint learning and promote integrated approaches that address the interconnected economic, social, and environmental challenges confronting the world. SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, the private sector, and civil society. SDSN is directed by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs and operates through offices in New York, Paris, and Kuala Lumpur.
ABOUT AGES OF GLOBALIZATION
Embark on a thrilling educational journey with “The Ages of Globalization,” a high school course that propels students through time, inspired by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs’ groundbreaking book. This isn’t your average history class; it’s an immersive adventure that combines world history, science, geography, and technology. Picture yourself traveling to UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage Sites, where storytelling and exploration bring the past to life, making history an exhilarating experience that leaps off the pages. This dynamic curriculum doesn’t just aim to educate; it seeks to connect and inspire. Through interactive maps and global classroom connections, students are not just learners but explorers on a mission to understand humanity’s interconnectedness.
ABOUT UN AT YOUR DOORSTEP
“UN at Your Doorstep” is the live-lecture component of “Ages of Globalization,” envisioned for high-school assemblies, extra-curricular activities, Model UN clubs, community NGOs, or the traditional classroom. These online lectures will offer an unprecedented opportunity for high-schoolers to directly engage with world leaders and UN officials in the fields of history, science, and sustainable development. These sessions are not just lectures but vibrant forums for dialogue and inspiration, where students can ask questions, seek advice, and gain insights. Students will be at the forefront of global discussions, adding an enriching co-curricular element to their educational journeys.
ABOUT THE CONSULTANCY
In this position, you will support the implementation of a dynamic curriculum that intertwines history, science, geography, and technology with live global interactions. This pivotal role involves coordinating with world-renowned experts for the live lecture series and ensuring a seamless, engaging learning experience for high schoolers worldwide. In addition, it will involve creating key communications assets, strategy documents, and fundraising materials for the program. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for education, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to foster collaborative relationships across cultures and disciplines. It is a plus if the candidate has prior experience developing curriculum, teaching, and/or working directly with school administrators in international settings. This role offers a unique opportunity to impact the next generation of global thinkers and leaders.
RESPONSIBILITIES
35% Administration, Fundraising, and Partnerships
- Liaise with all programmatic teams & partners, from SDGs Today, the Center for Sustainable Development (CSD), the SDSN Communications team, the SDSN Administrative teams, Mission 4.7 partners, and the Global Schools Program on programmatic updates;
- Support the Global Schools Director with coordination and administrative tasks for the Ages of Globalization program;
- Support the Global Schools Director in the development of a roll-out plan for Ages of Globalization;
- Design pitch-decks and other key assets for UN at Your Doorstep and support in finding sponsors for the program;
- Support the Global Schools Director with following up on fundraising leads for the Ages of Globalization Program;
- Conduct partnership scoping and outreach for partners/schools joining the program, including targeted calls, emails, outreach at events/conferences, LOIs and/or MoUs;
- Establish partnerships with key educational influencers to raise awareness of the course through their channels.
40% UN at Your Doorstep Program Support
- Develop draft syllabi for the UN at Your Doorstep Program that includes proposed speakers/world leaders;
- Manage invitations, outreach, and communications with high-level speakers and partners;
- Prepare content for the AoG website on UN at Your Doorstep, according to the AoG style guide;
- Develop project-based curricular templates and assessment rubrics for students participating in the UN at Your Doorstep program;
- Gather permission forms and photo release forms from teachers, students, and/or parents;
- Maintain all email communications for the UN at Your Doorstep program, liaising with teachers, schools, and parents, using software such as mail merge and mailchimp;
- Work closely with Professor Sachs’ executive assistants to schedule time for UN at Your Doorstep sessions;
- Design program certificates and gather signatures from speakers;
- Design instructional guidelines for teachers/schools/parents participating in the program, including an onboarding video for the program; knowledge of child development and safeguarding considered a plus;
- Develop M&E mechanisms, as well as surveys, for program participants; conduct data analysis for the program;
- Gather photos and testimonials of the program, and feature these on the Global Schools/SDSN/Mission 4.7 blog, social media, and/or in news outlets
25% Communications
- Work with the SDSN Communications Team to shape a dedicated communications strategy for the AOG course and UN at Your Doorstep Program;
- Provide timely feedback and updates on the AoG website to ensure targeted content to key audiences and assist with website analytics as necessary;
- Work with the SDSN Communications team to craft and refine key messages to ensure course uptake across targeted stakeholders and geographic areas;
- Support the CSD team’s efforts in generating lists of target audience members (Ministries, school boards, principals, etc) and lead outreach;
- Build an events strategy into the communications plan, targeting key education conferences and workshops;
- Develop a promotional kit and assets for the course that are tailored to target audience members including a flyer, slide deck, social cards, etc;
- Work with the SDSN Communications team to map a robust digital communications strategy across social media and email to increase awareness of and enrollment in the course through video trailers, dedicated emails, and graphics;
- Build and maintain relationships with key communications partners including Columbia University Press, UNESCO, and the Ban Ki-Moon Center to cross-collaborate on outreach and communications efforts;
- Draft and develop regular mailings for target audiences with information on the course, including supporting the growth of the AOG’s mailing list;
- Create regular short-form content for the AOG’s social media and other digital channels leading up to the course launch, both owned and external.
QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Professional fluency in English required; other languages are considered a plus;
- Exceptional writing, drafting, and oral communications skills required;
- Masters degree in education; communications; sustainability; project management; teaching; child development; and/or related field;
- Experience with curriculum development and/or teaching in a primary/secondary school setting is strongly preferred;
- Project management experience strongly preferred;
- Adept at communications and administrative software, such as word; excel; powerpoint;
- Graphic design, marketing; and communications experience strongly preferred; experience with video editing looked upon favorably;
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple teams and time zones;
- Proactive and willing to take initiative, leadership skills required;
- Ability to engage with high-level UN officials and leaders in a professional and timely manner.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Location: The position reports to the SDSN Office in New York City, but the candidate can be remote/virtual in another location
Travel: Requires occasional domestic and/or international travel (up to 10%)
Contract Type: Full Time
Contract Length: Consultancy (7-months), May 1 to November 30th, with possibility of extension
Benefits: SDSN team members have the opportunity to follow very stimulating discussions on sustainable development. As part of their work, team members have the opportunity to meet and interact with some of the world’s leading sustainability leaders – professors, economists, best-selling authors, educators and academics. Additionally, the SDSN team is made up of bright and dynamic sustainability professionals from different countries and backgrounds. With this unique exposure and environment, every SDSN member can learn and grow while doing the work they love and contributing to making a positive impact.
Reports to: Reports jointly to the Global Schools Director and SDSN’s Head of Communications & External Relations
SDSN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
SDSN provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to unlawful considerations of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, military or veteran status, age, and physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter on the HR Partner platform until April 19th, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis.
In addition, please include 2-3 references, with contact information. Finally, please include a proposal with your required budget for full-time engagement for 7-months on the tasks described in this document. Budgets are subject to approval. Please note that due to the high volume of applications received, only pre-selected candidates will be contacted. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.