Energy Transition Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

New York, NY, USA

Full Time

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.

The GBA-ASEAN Initiative (GAI), proposed by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), is an action-oriented program to strengthen trade, finance, technology, and policy linkages between the Greater Bay Area of China (GBA) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). China and ASEAN are strong trading partners within the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and strong investment partners in the Belt and Road Initiative. This program aims to deepen those relationships for the mutual benefit of China, ASEAN, and the rest of the world economy.

A net-zero future is essential to limit global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change. By advising the United Nations Secretary-General on engineering pathways for comprehensive decarbonization by mid-century; developing cutting-edge research and tools that inform national strategies for transforming energy systems; empowering youth-led climate solutions across universities; and scaling innovative adaptation and sustainability tools across policy, practice, and learning communities, the SDSN is catalyzing global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.

Under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General, the SDSN, in partnership with UNIDO, hosts the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET): a global, high-level body of engineers and energy systems experts contributing to the UN Secretary-General's goal of building a coalition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The CEET was launched in September 2021 and is co-chaired by Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and Professor Jeffrey Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). The work of the CEET is undertaken by an independent and impartial council of recognized global experts, serving in their personal capacity and responding to requests for information by the UN System.

SDSN is seeking a Program Associate to support the work of GBA-ASEAN Initiative, as well as the Climate and Energy (C&E) team. The Associate will report to the Program Manager of GBA-ASEAN Initiative, as well as Head of Policy and Research for Asia and SIDS. The position will serve as a key team member working at the intersection of SDSN, the GBA and ASEAN government, the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET), and key partners across the globe. The Program Associate will also work closely with the Program Manager of CEET. This Program Associate will have the opportunity to build a professional network of mentors and contacts; be actively involved with discussions exploring some of the most pressing questions around regional collaboration, governance and peace; engage with a global network of leading engineers and energy systems experts; and directly contributing to communications that advance UN priorities around the energy transition.

• GAI deliverables: Support the drafting, editing, design and layout of deliverables in coordination with the rest of the team
• GAI/CEET Social Media Platforms and Website: Manage GAI/C&E social media platforms, including writing and editing content, and coordinating external communications (email campaigns, newsletters, etc.) with the SDSN Communications team
• Events and Meetings: Coordinating all GAI/C&E meetings, agenda, meeting notes, and corresponding with program teams as materials are drafted
• Technical inputs and Outreach Strategies in different aspects of the GAI. Support and execute event-and publication-specific outreach strategies.
• Blog Series: Assist with the promotion and dissemination of blog content across GAI, CEET and SDSN platforms, including preparing graphic materials and coordinating publication timelines.
• Spotlight Series: Support the creation and rollout of video spotlights, graphics, and other digital assets that highlight the expertise and work of key GAI members and CEET members.
• Promotion of Research Outputs: Contribute to the distribution of GAI and CEET publications, issue briefs, and technical outputs through targeted digital campaigns and email outreach.
• Monthly Digests: Develop and compile content for the monthly internal GAI and CEET Digest, including updates on work streams, upcoming meetings/events, and key milestones.
• Workplan Management: Assist with project workplan on an ongoing basis
• Administrative Support: Provide administrative support to the Head of Policy and Research for Asia and SIDS.

• One to three years of relevant work and/or internship experience required
• Bachelor’s degree in economics, political science, communications, international affairs, or other relevant fields in social science.
• Eligibility to work in the United States is required.
• Experience and/or interest in Greater Bay Area, ASEAN, sustainability, climate and energy preferred.
• Professional fluency in English required (written and spoken). Fluency in Chinese would be viewed favorably.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Strong project management skills and ability to work in fast-paced environment
• Exceptional writing, editing, and oral communications skills required
• Experience communicating with and working alongside high-level experts
• Proficient in the use of LinkedIn and Google Drive.
• Experience with digital content creation tools (Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Canva, etc.) is highly desirable.
• Able to manage multiple tasks with a high-level of professionalism, is well-organized, and works well both as part of an international team and independently.

• Location: This position will be based remotely in the United States according to SDSN Hybrid Work Policy
• Travel: Requires domestic and/or international travel, subject to SDSN's travel policy.
• Contract Length: One-year, renewable, from start date of employment.
• 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. In addition to this, SDSN team is composed of brilliant, dynamic, sustainable development professionals that come from different countries and backgrounds. 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: Philo Wang, Head of Policy and Research for Asia and SIDS; Wallis Cronin, GBA-ASEAN Initiative Program Manager.
• Work authorization: SDSN does not sponsor visas, and therefore applicants must have proper authorization to work in the United States. SDSN is required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to secure verification of eligibility to work in the United States.

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.