Science-Policy Interface (SPI) Platform - Focal Point Application (2024/2025)
Young Scientists, Engineers, Innovators....Practitioners!
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?
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.
The Rio+20 outcome document - The World We Want - solidified the role of SPIs and sought to operationalize its place within all sustainable development processes. 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. Among others, this is seen through the Secretary-General's Scientific Advisory Board, Technology Facilitation Mechanism, Global Sustainable Development Report, and High-Level Political Forum.
The Youth Science-Policy Platform is a cross-cutting entity meant to support "knowledge" activities of several youth constituencies in the UN, as well as provide guidance on STI/SPI issues. This platform enhances the evidence-base within each working group to inform policy design, implementation, follow-up and review through the analysis, assessment, generation, dissemination and effective use of knowledge from both formal and informal sources.
Criteria for Youth SPI coordination team members:
- Preferred technical background (sciences, engineering, etc.): academic studies, work experience - both formal or informal
- Part of organization that is member of the Youth SPI Platform or an individual that is a CYI member (https://www.unmgcy.org/get-involved)
- Aged 30 Years or Below
- Dedication, teamwork, and genuine work ethic
Selection of focal points:
- Will be done by a selection team comprised of the 2023/2024 Youth SPI Platform Coordinators and Focal Points.
- Selected focal points will have a ONE-year mandate, from Nov 2024 to Nov 2025 (with possible extension to July 2026 or one year).
-You can apply for up to 2 positions at once, but please indicate your preference in the application.
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 and contribute to our shared efforts!
Expectations for focal points include responsiveness, communication, joining regular meetings, and dedicating time to achieving the collective goals of the Youth SPI Platform and relevant youth constituencies.
The Science-Policy Interface (SPI) Platform - Focal Point Application (2024/2025) positions are the following:
- Overall Science Policy Global Focal Point / Platform Coordinators
- Social Media and Communications Focal Points
- Capacity Building & Outreach Focal Point
- Technology Focal Points
- Open Science Focal Points
- Data Focal Points
Relevant descriptions for each position can be found in the election announcement email.
LINK TO APPLICATION FORM: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepMVVqGqyW6VxZH73k4PCuADJI98bs2LfSRWc7VIb54eui7g/viewform
For more information about the SPI Platform, see here: https://www.unmgcy.org/science-policy-interface
The application is due Oct 13 th, 2024 at 23:59 GMT and selected applicants will be notified by Nov 4th, 2024!
Please do no hesitate to contact us at spiteam@unmgcy.org for any questions, clarifications, or comments.
Thank you!
SPI Team