Call for Academic Expert: UN Secretary General's Special Task on Policy Barriers

In the UN Global Compact’s September 2023 convening of the UN Global Compact Board, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, tasked the Board with conducting (1) an analysis that identifies how to create a more enabling policy environment that can help accelerate and incentivize credible private sector contributions to advancing progress on the SDGs in select countries and (2) an analysis on innovation toward sustainable finance and an analysis on key policy and regulatory enablers to unlocking the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically identifying a cohesive roadmap for effective and well-oriented innovation in financial markets.

The UN Global Compact is seeking the support of academic experts in synthesizing the future analysis into the report requested by the UN Secretary-General. The scope of the reports will cover regulations/policies that are slowing, challenging, inhibiting, or not supporting corporate progress in addressing research and identifying a cohesive roadmap for effective and well-oriented innovation in financial markets.

The academic expert will be assigned to this project as part of a multidisciplinary team comprised of UN Global Compact staff members and corporate consulting professionals, which will be led by a dedicated project manager under recruitment. The key responsibility of the academic expert will be to support the analysis of key findings and synthesize the material into a report relevant to UN and Business Stakeholders.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Lead sector research & insight

• Frame the questions being asked to result in concrete policy advice for the UN Secretary-General to give to Governments on achieving the SDGs in their regulatory environments

• In conjunction with teams, conduct a literature review on what is already available within the UN System and UNGC’s Private Sector Partners

• Conduct a literature review on existing research available outside of the UN system and private sector partners.

Drafting

• Synthesize the key findings from partners involved in the project, and deliver a coherent report as the lead writer

• Support with incorporating any adjustments to the text as the report is reviewed by relevant stakeholders

What we are looking for:

• Academic experts knowledgeable about government regulations/policies that are slowing, challenging, inhibiting, or not supporting corporate progress in addressing the SDGs, or more specifically the five Forward Faster areas (Gender Equality; Climate Action; Living Wage; Water Resilience; Finance & Investment)

• Previous experience with report writing tailored to the UN System and/or international organizations is desirable

  • Proven examples of being able to clearly communicate research in executive / high-level summary are strongly preferred. An example of a product report is available here.

• A postgraduate degree is required, ideally in relevant subjects such as Economics, Finance, Environmental Economics, Development Economics or Environmental Sciences. Additionally, a postgraduate candidate (Master's and/or Ph.D.) in a relevant area of research would be desirable.

• Candidates should be enrolled and/or associated with a PRME Signatory Member, or UN Global Compact Academic Participant. Association with a PRME Champion is strongly desirable.

• Seeking analytical candidates skilled in both quantitative and qualitative academic research. Experience investigating public policy barriers for businesses to achieve SDG targets is desirable.

Background on Project:

• Kindly note that the role is remote and unpaid, but can be used for course credit. Recognition will be provided to all research partners.

• The research and writing phase of this project will take place from February to July of 2024. Academic partners will be expected to contribute 15 hours a week. Work with the analytical team to conduct research and support in writing the analytical reports.

• This project will be managed by the UN Global Compact and will be developed in collaboration with a number of UN, Private Sector, Academic, and Government partners.

• Submit your CV and writing sample (of similar reports) to BoardRelations@UNGlobalCompact.org if you are interested. Interviews will happen on a rolling basis and applications will be accepted through 29 February 2024.