Strategic Advisor

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

• 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: 1 May 2024 (Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis)

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CONSEILLER/E STRATEGIQUE

PRINCIPALES RESPONSABILITES

COMPETENCES CONNEXES

INFORMATION IMPORTANTE

EGALITE DES CHANCES A L’EMPLOI

PROCESSUS DE CANDIDATURE

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