Program Manager, Science Panel for the Amazon

ABOUT THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SOLUTIONS NETWORK

The 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. The 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.

ABOUT THE SCIENCE PANEL FOR THE AMAZON

The Science Panel for the Amazon (SPA) is the first high-level science initiative dedicated to the Amazon. Established in September 2019 and officially launched in July 2020 the SPA brings together over 300 scientists from Amazonian countries and global partners to produce evidence-based knowledge that informs policies and actions for a sustainable and resilient Amazon. The SPA launched the groundbreaking Amazon Assessment Report 2021 at the UNFCCC COP26 widely known as the encyclopedia of the 2025 the SPA released the Amazon Assessment Report 2025 Connectivity of the Amazon for a Living Planet focused on the ecological sociocultural and economic connections that sustain the region. The SPA also launched multiple policy-briefs white-papers and statements.

In partnership with the SDG Academy WWF and the World Bank and with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) the SPA also hosts The Living Amazon: Science Cultures and Sustainability in Practice a massive open online course (MOOC) on the Amazons ecosystems challenges and solutions. The Panel also produces the Conversations for The Amazon We Want podcast featuring intergenerational dialogues led by SPAs Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) highlighting stories knowledge and perspectives from those working to conserve the Amazon.

By bringing together the worlds leading scientists synthesizing knowledge and fostering dialogue with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities the SPA continues to strengthen scientific research and informed policy decisions across the region contributing to sustainable and equitable development in the Amazon.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is under the oversight of SDSN VP for the Americas & Strategic Partnerships and SPA Strategic Coordinator and will report to and provide support the SPA Senior Program Manager. This will include working with an international team with the following specific responsibilities:

1. Manage SPAs Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) overseeing the development and tracking of work plans and deliverables and coordinating meetings and related activities.
2. Provide administrative and programmatic support such as developing and monitoring work plans coordinating donor reporting managing contracts with service providers processing invoices and maintaining program documents and databases (i.e. membership lists and contacts event participation records and citations of the SPA in policy media and scientific sources).
3. Provide support to SPA publications and knowledge products (e.g. MOOC) by serving as a focal point within the SPA Secretariat liaising with external service providers (e.g. mapping figures and layout teams) providing copyediting support and translation as needed.
4. Coordinate logistics for special and high-level in-person or virtual events and meetings conduct background research in preparation for external engagements and prepare and distribute meeting minutes to relevant stakeholders.
5. Support with fundraising.
6. Support updating and implementation of SPA procedures and protocols.
7. Liaise with SPA leadership scientists secretariat and contractors to ensure high-quality and timely completion of deliverables.
8. Work in close collaboration with the SPA Communications Consultant to support the promotion and dissemination of SPA knowledge products.
9. The role may also include oversight of interns.
10. Other relevant duties as required.

The individual will also carry out additional duties as assigned by the SDSN Vice President for the Americas & Strategic Partnerships or other senior members of the SDSN team.

QUALIFICATION EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

• Masters Degree (completed or currently enrolled) in sustainable development biology ecology climatology geography forestry anthropology economics or a related discipline is preferred.
• Project management experience is required.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office (MS Word Excel and PowerPoint) and Google Office (Sheets Docs Forms etc.).
• Accuracy strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication interpersonal and writing skills.
• Ability to work under pressure on competing responsibilities with resilience discretion and diplomacy.
• Passion for the mission of the SDSN.
• Ability to work in a multicultural and international team environment.
• English fluency required. Fluency in Spanish and/or Portuguese is an asset.
• Experience working in international relations climate finance foreign affairs diplomacy or a related discipline.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Location: The position reports to the Senior Manager of the SPA in New York City with the option to work remotely.

Travel: Occasional travel may be required to support SPA annual planning workshops YAC workshops and SDSN activities including events during New York Climate Week UNFCCC COP and CBD COP.

Contract Length: March 1 2026 to June 30 2026

Working hours: Full time.

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 their work team members get the opportunity to meet and exchange with some of the worlds greatest leaders in sustainable development professors economists bestselling authors educators and addition to this SDSN team is composed of brilliant dynamic sustainable development professionals that come from different countries and backgrounds. With such a 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: Senior Manager of the Science Panel for the Amazon.

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 IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV on HR Partner.