The SDG Lab is a multi-stakeholder initiative that contributes to the implementa...
The SDG Lab is a multi-stakeholder initiative that contributes to the implementation
of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by supporting Geneva-based actors
in further leveraging expertise and knowledge into policy, practice and action.
The Lab works with a diverse ecosystem of actors that are focused on delivering
the 2030 Agenda and identifies strategic opportunities for convergence in order
to energize and maximize the added-value of International Geneva in supporting
implementation of the SDGs, including but not limited to the United Nations
& Intergovernmental Organizations, Member States, Civil Society and NGOs,
Academia and the Private Sector.
The SDG Lab was established 17 months ago. Since its inception in
January 2017, the Lab has come a long way and is now fully operational. It is
following a well-defined vision and is ready for the next phase of its work. In
its initial stage, the SDG Lab was operating with a very limited amount of
staff (2x staff) and thus had to limit itself to the core work of starting a
new unit, namely defining a strategy and demonstrating concrete operational
activities that prove the usefulness of its vision and mission. The SDG Lab is
now entering a new phase of consolidation and of development, with a stronger
focus on orienting its activities towards concrete operational problems at country
level.
The SDG Lab engaged a consultant to define a creative and
strategic communication strategy. As a new entity in a highly competitive
context, there is limited time to demonstrate relevance. Experience has shown
that start-ups of the kind often fail because of lack of emphasis and/or
resources for communications. The innovative and creative identity of the SDG
Lab also calls for particular attention to communicating in a way that
translates the forward looking, cutting-edge and agile approach of the Lab. It
needs to be up to date (if not ahead of the game) on social media, emerging
trends and technology and be able to update its tools and products in support
of the daily activities of the SDG Lab. The communication strategy and its
implementation will be instrumental both in terms of sharing the outcomes of
the work of the SDG Lab, as well as to disseminate the work it will be doing
under its four clusters: connection, amplification, question asking and
innovation. In sum, additional support
in communication will help “tell our story” for visibility, accountability and
fundraising purposes and will also play a more “operational role” to further
our activities under each cluster.
The strategy
clearly identified the need for a consultant dedicated to developing the
communication tools and channels necessary for supporting the SDG Lab in its
mission and vision. This consultant will be responsible for coordination and
management of communication functions within the SDG Lab team.