Catalyst 2030 internship – Research to Action: Systems Change Learning

The Catalyst 2030 movement was initiated by leading social entrepreneurs from Ashoka, Echoing Green, the Schwab Foundation, the Skoll Foundation and other global networks of social entrepreneurs. Research carried out by the Social Progress Imperative shows that at the current pace of progress, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be achieved in 2074. Catalyst 2030 believes that with collaboration this pace can be greatly accelerated, thus this network was initiated by around 100 of the most influential organisations and innovative social entrepreneurs and their associates to join forces to create more impact in a shorter time scale.

In brief, the movement is operating on every level: local/national, regional and global. It aims at strengthening the collaboration across civil society, multilateral organisations, social entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs, impact investors and governments.  The goal is scaling up already existing, proven, successful solutions for systemic change and thus accelerating the impact that will help us reach the SDGs by 2030. 

We are currently recruiting for interns to help coordinating a variety of initiatives that are commencing around the world as part of this movement. Catalyst 2030 offers the Intern the opportunity to work with young people from various countries, and to challenge themselves within the context of a vibrant and growing organisation. 

The Innovations Team is responsible for shifting the dominant culture and paradigms working closely with government and civil society to enable structural and systemic change. We are focused on changing consciousness by shifting norms away from a focus on individuality to a belief that individual and community prosperity can be achieved with the same action. 

The Systems Change Learning Working Group recognises the complexity of systems change that requires new mental models, ​​cultures, tools, processes and organising approaches. It was established this year to stimulate an on-going evolution of a learning ecosystem from and for social innovators. Our primary goal is to provide rich opportunities for shared learning and create a collective learning community to inform best practices. The Working Group brings together academics and social entrepreneurs to promote a sustainable culture of systems change, while advancing research, informing curricular offerings, and influencing practice, education, and policies.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Assisting the development of Systems Change Learning Working Group focusing on research

• Conducting research and assisting with writing, editing, and publication of reports on the social venture ecosystem learning, scaling social impact, and systems level change

• Coordinating and organising events focused on systems change learning between social entrepreneurs and peers, as well as events with academic researchers on topics that will assist the growth and scale of social ventures

• Assisting with the research and development of action oriented sector building work, survey design, data collection, and analysis that influences social entrepreneur practice, enhances academics research, ultimately public policy

• Accelerating matchmaking and collaborations between social entrepreneurs and academics, SE-SE, SE and other capacity building networks (B Corps, CSR, government agencies, UN, etc.) through written communications and zoom conversations

• Identifying, coordinating and sharing co-created tools to achieve systems level change and amplification of the social entrepreneur movement through an online portal and existing social media channels

• Collecting information, engaging in meetings, writing reports, and controlling content, managing the overall project management of Catalyst 2030 initiative

• Working closely with the team planning, organising and coordinating strategic engagement at international conferences and events

• Working with other teams across the Catalyst 2030 Secretariat

• Other research and coordination tasks as they arise

Requirements and Skills:

• Finalising or towards the end of your studies with interest and/or experience in research

• Passionate about research, data collection and writing reports 

• Strong critical thinking skills, an analytical mind and an aptitude for synthesizing information. 

• An active interest in global issues and challenges, their complexity and nuance.

• Proactive in seeking out solutions and pre-empting challenges

• Ability to work in a multicultural and global environment and demonstrate cultural sensitivity

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Proven organizational skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and across time zones

• Ability to manage time effectively and adapt to changing environments

• Attention to details and willingness to learn from experience

• Desire to work collaboratively in a team and stay positive while being up for a challenge

• Fluency in English; other languages would be an asset e.g. Spanish, French or Arabic

• Hands-on attitude and willing to help out and show flexibility if required

• Preferably available immediately, full time for a minimum of six months

• Flexibility; we are an organisation in development and tasks and responsibility might change. We are looking for someone with an open mind who can easily adapt to new tasks and assignments given at short notice

We offer:

• The opportunity to work with a young and dynamic team in a fast-paced global environment

• On-the-job training opportunities

• No remuneration costs available

How to apply?

To apply, please email your CV and letter of motivation in English to Yvonne Moholt at [email protected] 

*Due to the current situation of COVID-19 the internship will be remote*