Deadlines/Event Dates September 17, 2021
A1A2 Case Study: GraSPP Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fieldwork 2021
Application Guideline
GraSPP Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fieldwork is a Case Study course providing innovative training and international collaboration exploring ways to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. As part of the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda, having specialized knowledge and hands-on experience on how to meet the SDGs is in high demand from government agencies, international organizations, private companies and social sector at every scale. The UN 2030 Agenda and SDG partnerships truly represent a global effort from the public and private sectors, at the international and local level, to respond to the most challenging questions of our time.
This course is intended to provide the students with the chance of interacting with relevant International Organizations, NGOs, Japanese and foreign government officials, business organisations, in order to enhance their understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals in their practical and organisational challenges. The course also aims at developing the students’ professionalism, ability to communicate in complex environments, internationalisation, and networking.
Students will first undergo training attending the International Organizations for International Development in the 21st Century course in A1A2. The attendance of such course is compulsory for all selected students. If circumstances allow, students may also visit several Japan-based International Organisations in Tokyo, the Kansai area, and other parts of the country. Alternatively, meetings will be held online. Furthermore, each student will develop a part of a collective project together with his/her team. The projects should aim at analysing, discussing, and proposing policies for the advancement of one or more SDG goals in the framework of public policy and international/global governance.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The SDG Fieldwork allows students to develop entrepreneurial skills and provides an opportunity for students to develop concrete projects rooted in their local environments, and to interact with academics, practitioners and policymakers specializing in the SDGs. Students benefit from the experience of building and implementing their own interdisciplinary SDG projects while collaborating with multiple actors at different levels of society. The skills gained from completion of the course serve as a valuable asset for students’ future careers across multiple sectors.
Why apply? —Participants of SDGs Fieldwork will also benefit from:
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- A multidisciplinary approach to SDG implementation and a multicultural experience
- Development of a diverse profile in a highly demanded field by recruiters in a wide variety of sectors
- Access to a network of globally trained professionals
- Critical skills to work in the public sector, multilateral institutions, international NGOs and multinational companies
STRUCTURE
This course is centred on a series of discussion sessions with senior officials, management staff and experts in government agencies, international organizations, global business entities, NGOs, and research institutions. Students are required to prepare such sessions while working on their project (as team and as individuals responsible for particular parts of the team project).
The course grade will be based on preparation, participation and final report.
In order to successfully complete the course, students are required to:
- Attend all the regular meetings
- Attend A1A2 International Organization for Sustainable Development in the 21st century course taught by Prof. Yoshikawa, Prof. Shiroyama, Prof. Orsi on Mondays
- Work on the production of a concrete public policy project addressing at least one SDG, which shall yield the following deliverables (TBC):
- Final Policy Paper (7,000 words) (by group)
- 1,000 words (roughly 2 pages single space): the content is recommended to broadly cover the following points: introduction/background context on the problem/topic selected; the details of your project/proposed solution (who is involved, where would it take place, timeline, possible partnerships); implementation(resources, potential funding sources, communication strategy); evaluation (how will the impact of the project be evaluated, and what mechanisms are established to respond to feedback);
- Individual Report – Self Reflection (1p)
HOW TO APPLY
Successful applications will tie in the role of the SDGs in developing a project that responds to one of the diverse challenges brought to light by this international crisis. As we have witnessed, the pandemic has accentuated the many existing inequalities in our societies. These inequalities can be seen across a range of fields, including access to resources, basic rights, food security, housing, healthcare, technology, education and personal safety, among others.
In this context, we invite students to identify an important policy challenge in a field related to the SDGs and the economic and social inequality. Proposals can incorporate public, private or hybrid approaches as appropriate.
Students need to submit a proposal, letter of motivation (both maximum 1,000 words) and CV to GraSPP Office (ppsupport.j@gs.mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp) and cc: Prof. Orsi (orsi@g.ecc.u-tokyo.ac.jp). The proposal should contain the student’s reflection on SDGs (even a particular one), sustainable development, global governance, and its challenges. The application deadline is 5pm, 17 September 2021 (JST).
The interviews of the short-listed candidates will be conducted on 22 September as needed. (TBC)
ELIGIBILITY
- Any Master / Doctoral degree student enrolled in GraSPP is eligible.
- Selected candidates will be those with a strong international vocation/aspiration, ability to work in a team, strong ethical profile, highly developed communication skills, and high proficiency in English. Professional experience is preferred, but not strictly necessary.
SCHEDULE
- 17 September: Application deadline
- 21 September: Result of Document Screening & Announcement for Interviews
- 22 September: Interviews
- By 24 September: Result & Confirmation of Participation
- From 27 September: Attendance of all regular meetings and the International Organizations for Sustainable Development in the 21st Century course
- 4-8 October: A1A2 Course Registration
- Jan 2022: Meetings & Fieldwork (*This year it may be held online. Details to be confirmed)
- Early Feb: Final Report Submission
*Please note that the elements above are subject to change and participation in the course indicates agreement that elements may be added, altered or dropped.
NOTE
Students willing to take this course need to pass a pre-registration screening to be held before the course registration period. The total number of students allowed to participate will be limited to a maximum of 10 due to the nature of the course involving a series of intensive on-site discussions.
Course Professor – Prof. Roberto ORSI
Prof. Roberto Orsi is Project Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Tokyo. He holds a PhD in International Relations obtained from the London School of Economics in 2013. His research interests focus on international political theory, history of political concepts, East Asian and European international politics.
Any Questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding the program:
Course Professor: Prof. Roberto ORSI (orsi@g.ecc.u-tokyo.ac.jp)
Programme Coordinator: Aoi OHNO (aoi.ohno@mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp)