Deadline February 10, 2021 at 23:59 GMT

Are you interested in bridging the gap between science and policy? Are you interested in the appropriate applications of science, technology, engineering, data & innovation for sustainable development? Join our team!

The Science-Policy Interface (SPI) has become an increasingly important component of sustainable development within the United Nations system. 

It provides the foundation for evidence-informed policies, facilitates the use of science as an enabler in policy implementation and review, and provides a unique scientific lens into monitoring impact. Furthermore, SPI has been integral in identifying emerging priorities, drawing links between the interconnected nature of thematic issues, and devising solutions to address challenges and barriers to progress. It also addresses the appropriate use of science and technology, ensuring context-conscious, people-centered, and planet-sensitive applications.

Additionally, resolution 67/290 of the High-Level Political Forum seeks to strengthen the SPI by building on existing assessments, enhancing evidence-based decision-making at all levels, and contributing to the strengthening of ongoing capacity-building of statistical capacities. Such initiatives are meant to bring scientists and policymakers together to enrich policy design, implementation, and review by exchanging information, knowledge, and applications of technology and innovation. 

Criteria for the Youth SPI coordination team members:

• Technical Background (sciences, engineering, etc.) preferred: academic studies, work experience - both formal or informal 

• Part of organization that is member of the Youth Science Policy Interface Platform or individual member

• 30 Years or Below

• Dedication and teamwork

Selection of focal points:

• Will be done by a selection team comprised of the Youth SPI Platform Coordinators, and others.

• Selected focal points will have a ONE year mandate, from February 2021 to February 2022 (with possible extension to July 2021 or one year).

• Whether or not young practitioners have a "coordination" role does not limit their opportunities for engagement and participation, everyone who is passionate in enhancing links between Science/Technology/Innovation within Policy is welcome to join the platform and contribute to our shared efforts! 

Open positions on SPI Coordination Team:

• Overall Science Policy Focal Points / Platform Coordinators - Liaising between SPI Focal Points for different workstreams and the Organizing Partners, overall facilitation of the SPI Platform; working with different UN entities to build coherence in their SPI work. 

• Technology Focal Points - Cover a range of different issues (e.g., digital and information communication technologies, S&T roadmaps, technology assessment, inclusive technology, etc.)

• SPI Publication / Science Communication Focal Point - Support with the development of regular and special issues of publications on various thematic topics, as well as other initiatives around science communication (see example: https://www.sciencepolicyjournal.org/jspgvol16iss02.html)

• Open Science / Innovation Focal Points - Explore ways to enhance access to and use of science, including software and hardware, as well as establish norms to better incentivize democratic use of science and innovative ecosystems.

• Data Focal Points - Support with policy setting around the appropriate collection, analysis, use, and disposal of data in various contexts.