SDSN Youth

Regional Focal Point (Africa Region)

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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.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The role of the Regional Focal Point (RFP) serves to support the Global Youth Networks of SDSN Youth in each of the 4 regions. All Network Coordinators must follow an oversight with their respective RFP. The responsibility of each RFPs is to support the Network Coordinators by ensuring the implementation and alignment of their work with the SDGs, foster growth and scaling of their networks, promote regional cooperation, and drive new initiatives on localizing SDGs in their region.

Linking to the global structure, the RFP reports on their region’s activity and its metrics by regularly attending calls with Global Networks Management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Promoting collaboration among NCs across the region to drive collective action.
  • Act as the focal point between the national/regional networks and SDSN Youth;
  • Support the work of the NCs and provide guidance as needed on topics like project management, communications, useful tools and similar;
  • Ensure the monitoring and reporting of the activities and initiatives occurring in the youth networks;
  • Encouraging knowledge-sharing and partnerships within the region.
  • Look for regional opportunities for the networks
  • Driving and supporting new initiatives focused on localizing the SDGs to address regional priorities
  • Linking regional activities to the global structure by regularly reporting on progress and metrics.
  • Attending calls with the Global Networks Management to provide updates and ensure alignment with global goals.
  • Ensuring that Network Coordinators’ activities are implemented effectively and align with the SDGs.
  • Supporting NCs to identify opportunities for scaling initiatives.
  • Answer emails in a timely manner and keep regular communication with the Networks Team
  • Organizing Monthly Regional Calls to create a dedicated space for:
    • Sharing updates on regional and global activities.
    • Discussing ongoing initiatives and best practices.
    • Connecting and strengthening relationships between NCs.
    • Raising challenges, concerns, or opportunities for collaboration.

  • QUALIFICATIONS

    • Experience with management of teams and projects
    • Based in the Africa region for at least 12 months after the application date
    • Previous connections with member organizations/institutions and/or SDSN (Youth) Networks are a plus
    • Aged between 18 - 30 in order to be eligible for this role
    • Possess an excellent command of the English language, including writing, speaking and listening
    • Has previous experience in student/youth leadership
    • Has a great interest in 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
    • Demonstrates the time and resources to commit to this role
    • Has had some form of either professional or volunteer work experience, particularly with team management, project coordination, event management or stakeholder engagement
    • 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 months trial period in the beginning. However, subject to review of work performance, this position may be extended.
    • Reporting: This position reports to the Global Networks Project Lead and Project Officers
    • Communication: Candidate is required to be proactive and communicate with the team within maximum
    • 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.
    • Total Weekly Hours: 10 hours per week (flexible)

    COMMITMENT

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

    BENEFITS

    This is an incredibly rewarding role that will enable RFPS 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;
    • Attending global conferences and decision-making processes whenever possible and if appropriate;
    • Be involved in policy analysis and reporting whenever possible and if appropriate;
    • Engage with key stakeholders from government, NGOs to private sector;
    • Build a personal brand around sustainability and the SDGs;
    • Publish articles and blogs about causes they care about whenever possible;
    • Work in a multicultural environment and be immersed in a global workplace;
    • Receive capacity-building trainings to grow personally and professionally whenever possible;

    For any questions please reach out to SDSN Youth