Regional Officer, SDG Students Program

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Project Officer (Regional Officer - US/Canada), SDG Students Program

Project description

We are currently hiring for US/Canada region. In order to facilitate coordination with our SDG Student Hubs, you must be based in the same region you are applying for. If possible, we also prefer that you are based in a country that we have a presence in.

At SDSN Youth, we empower young people to take meaningful action on Sustainable Development Goals. By joining our global team, you will be working with a diverse and exceptional group of individuals with a variety of cultural, religious, and political backgrounds, committed to sustainable development.

The SDG Students Program trains a cohort of passionate young individuals (SDG Coordinators) to engage students on their campuses with the SDGs. Our vision is to transform every university into hubs of learning and engagement for the SDGs and to empower all students to become drivers of change.

We believe that the key to successful SDG Student Hubs is ensuring that our SDG Coordinators feel supported and providing them with the resources they need to recruit, train, and engage SDG Student Hub members. The Global Community Development pillar is crucial in bridging the gap between SDG Student Hubs and the SSP Global Team.

SDG Students Program has more than 70 SDG Student Hubs in 26 countries around the world. Our SDG Student Hubs localize youth SDG action in their respective communities. The Project Officer (Regional Officer) supports SDG Coordinators by helping them to solve problems, drive the growth and scaling of their hubs, align ground execution with strategic goals, and collaborate on multi-hub initiatives via a regional approach. This role involves hub development, stakeholder management, and regional strategy.

Duties & Responsibilities

As Project Officer (Regional Officer), your responsibilities will include:

1. Hub Development: Oversee SDG Student Hub operations
   • Lead monthly calls with SDG Coordinators in your region to identify problems and develop solutions regarding SDG Student Hub operations
   • Serve as the first and main point of contact for SDG Coordinators in your region when they have questions or need assistance
   • Establish a community of practice with SDG Coordinators in your region by sharing knowledge and resources between SDG Student Hubs
2. Stakeholder Management: Engage SDG Student Hub stakeholders
   • Manage the performance and welfare of SDG Coordinators in your region
   • Serve as the liaison between the SSP Global Team and SDG Coordinators in your region
   • Serve as the liaison between Network Coordinators and SDG Coordinators in your region
3. Regional Strategy: Drive SDG Student Hub collaboration
   • Work with SDG Coordinators in your region to set targets and plan initiatives for SDG Student Hubs at the start of each work year
   • Spearhead joint initiatives between SDG Student Hubs in your region and supervise the process from ideation to execution
   • Assist the Project Officer (Program Growth & Development) with the founding of new SDG Student Hubs in your region
4. Additional Responsibilities:
   • All Project Officers in the SDG Students Program Team may be called upon throughout the year to assist with the following duties:
     1. Assessment and review of prospective SDG Coordinators (twice yearly)
     2. Assist in partnership discussions with relevant external stakeholders
     3. Support SDG Coordinators and activities related to SDG Student Hubs
        
        

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

Criteria

The Project Officer (Regional Officer) will be someone with previous experience as a student leader, preferably in an SDG Student Hub, who has exceptional skills in problem-solving, communication, and strategy. They will be the point person for all matters related to SDG Student Hubs in their region and take responsibility for the performance and welfare of SDG Coordinators in their region. They will possess high-level vision and ground-level awareness in order to motivate and inspire SDG Coordinators in their region to build and sustain thriving SDG Student Hubs.

Minimum qualifications:

• Have volunteer or work experience, managing teams.
• Possess an excellent command of the English language, including writing, speaking, and listening.
• Understanding of the SDG
• Previous experience in university student leadership positions
• Feel comfortable working with different cultures and diverse perspectives
• Have excellent organizational and leadership skills.
• Be a proven team player with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to coordinate and manage workload across several projects/teams.
• Demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively and report consistently. In a network, which operates across several time zones, reporting and communicating proactively is crucial.
• Be responsive and able to manage regular communication with the team - including after-hours conference calls, as the network spans 10 different time zones.

Preferred qualifications:

• The candidate is able to demonstrate that 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.

Commitment

Total Weekly Hours:

• 5-8 hours per week (minimum)

Conditions

Conditions

• Duration of Position: The first term is 12 months in total, with a 2 months probation period in the beginning. However, subject to review of work performance, this position may be extended on a 12-month basis.
• Reporting: This position reports to the Deputy Project Lead (Global Community Development).
• Payment: Voluntary
• Training: All Project Officers are required to complete all SDSN Youth online induction courses, including team training.

Please apply at https://sdsnyouth.org/join-the-team