The Slovak Transformation Fund (STF) is a strategic partnership between the Slovak Ministry of Finance and UNDP, established in 2015 to support sustainable development and innovation in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Western Balkans. It focuses on public finance for development, transition to green economy, and innovation for development through a flexible portfolio approach.

At the heart of STF’s urban transformation efforts is the City Experiment Fund (CEF), a pioneering initiative that empowers cities to tackle complex challenges through innovative, systemic approaches. CEF supports cohorts of cities in designing and implementing portfolios of interconnected initiatives, addressing issues ranging from sustainability and economic vibrancy to social inclusion and digital transformation. By employing systems thinking and adaptive management, CEF helps cities navigate the complexities of urban development in the 21st century.

The STF is now developing its next phase, which will concentrate on the twin transition – digital and green. This new phase aims to leverage digital technologies and sustainable practices to accelerate transformative change in urban systems across the region. The project is expanding to include new cities in the CEF cohorts and is seeking support for solutions mapping. This process will help identify innovative approaches and technologies that can address complex urban challenges while promoting both digital innovation and environmental sustainability. The solutions mapping will inform the design of targeted interventions within the CEF portfolios and help create more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban environments.

By integrating CEF’s city-level experimentation with broader regional strategies, the STF aims to catalyze systemic changes in urban development, fostering innovation ecosystems that can drive sustainable growth and improve quality of life across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Western Balkans.

We are seeking five online volunteers with tech-savvy skills to participate in a Solutions Mapping Sprint focused on the Twin Transition (digital and green transformation) within urban environments. Volunteers will conduct online research to identify innovative solutions and initiatives related to the Twin Transition across different stages of urban development in specific regions.

Key Responsibilities:

Online Research: Conduct thorough searches for projects, technologies, and initiatives that exemplify the Twin Transition in urban settings, covering aspects of digital transformation, sustainability, and green infrastructure.

Solution Identification: Identify and evaluate solutions that are at various stages of development (conceptual, pilot, implementation, scaling) and relate to urban areas.

Data Recording: Accurately document the identified solutions in the provided form, ensuring all relevant details such as project scope, technology used, impact, and scalability are captured.

Collaboration: Work closely with other volunteers to share findings, validate information, and ensure comprehensive coverage of the targeted region.

Reporting: Provide regular updates on your progress and participate in brief check-in meetings to discuss challenges and insights.

Education: A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree.
Experience: At least 2 years of experience in analytical work, preferably in fields related to digital transformation, urban development, or sustainability.

Skills:
Proficiency in online research methods and tools.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
Attention to detail and ability to accurately document findings.
Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.