SGAC is looking for a volunteer to become a Co-Lead of the Near-Earth Objects Project Group. The new Co-Lead will work with one other Co-Lead to support the activities of the Project Group, and will report to the Project Group Coordination Team of SGAC.

Deadline for applications: 4 January 2024

About the Near Earth Object (NEO) Project Group

The Near Earth Object (NEO) project group is assisting the global planetary defence community in tackling one of nature’s most significant challenges: near-earth objects (NEOs). While NEOs pose major risks to humanity, they also offer crucial insights into the origins of our solar system. By studying these celestial bodies, we aim to understand better the composition, structure, and history of our cosmic neighbourhood. Moreover, the Project Group emphasises the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation, bringing together experts from astronomy, engineering, physics, and data science. The group provides a youth perspective on planetary defence through annual reports, competitions, conference attendance, and public outreach projects related to near-earth objects.

For more information on the group’s projects and activities please check their webpage.

Responsibilities

SGAC encourages Project Group Co-Leads to take personal initiative within their roles to:

  • Recruit new members to join the Project Group and mentor Project Group members
  • Spread the enthusiasm for peaceful space activities through the work of their groups
  • Prepare the annual work plan of the Project Group at the start of the year based on input from members
  • Communicate regularly with their fellow Project Group Co-Lead to update each other on plans and activities, and to coordinate collaborative efforts of the Project Group
  • Assist with and coordinate the activities of the team
  • Communicate with members all over the world, in different time zones (International leadership)
  • Represent SGAC at conferences and venues on the topics relating to the Project Group
  • Prepare the Project Group’s annual report and intermediate updates to the Project Group Coordinators together with their fellow Co-Lead

Project Group Co-Leads can form subteams as part of the Project Group and delegate tasks to relevant team leads within their teams. They may also request mentors from the SGAC community to advise their members.

Project Group Co-Leads will report to the Project Group Coordinators of SGAC, and will also interact with the Co-Leads of other Project Groups for collaborations.

Estimated time commitment: On average 3 – 5 hours per week

Necessary Qualifications

  • SGAC membership: registration on the SGAC website and below 34 years of age at the time of appointment
  • Be a citizen of a United Nations Member State
  • Be between 18 and 35 years old during the appointment
  • Demonstrate leadership and teamwork experience
  • Possess good communication skills in English and preferably in other United Nations official languages
  • Ideally have a good understanding of the topic of the Project Group
  • Ideally have knowledge of the United Nations (UN) organisation and its objectives, preferably have hands-on experience with youth projects and space-related projects
  • Have enough time at one’s disposal to successfully be able to commit to the group’s activities and maintain regular communication with their fellow Co-Lead and Project Group Coordinators, as well as the members of the group

Project Group Co-Leads are appointed for a term of two years, and may serve two consecutive terms. Project Group Co-Leads may serve a maximum of 2 terms. The position will have a probationary period of 3 months.

Benefits

This is your chance to help shape the future of our organisation. You get to:

  • Attend international conferences and invitation to join UN COPUOS meetings as an SGAC representative
  • Interact with senior-level leaders in the international space sector
  • Work with the next generation of international space sector leaders in the world’s largest youth space network
  • Work with space policy experts
  • Access relevant space policy materials, documents, magazines, etc.
  • Possibly be nominated for SGAC leadership awards
  • Benefit from SGAC discounts on event registration for team members

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please complete our Vacancy Application by 4th of January 2024 with the following documents as attachments:

  • A Letter of Intent (maximum 1 page)
  • Your CV (maximum 2 pages)
  • List of three past experiences and how they have prepared you for this role (maximum 1 page)

Only complete applications will be considered.

Application Timeline

Application Open 1 December 2024
Applications Close 4 January 2024

Review of applications and interviews will be done during the month of January. 

The outcome of the application will be communicated at the end of January/beginning of February.