Program Associate, GBA-ASEAN Initiative; GAI), Climate & Energy; C&E

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…