oikos members across the world engage on a broad range of sustainability topics – both through extracurricular activities as well as in the classroom and their research. Their agendas range from A as in alternative economic indicators to Z like zero carbon future.

Pursuing Passions

To support members in pursuing their passion for a particular topic and expanding related engagements of oikos, we are introducing the role of “oikos Associates”. oikos Associates receive a 6-months grant to deepen their knowledge and network on a specific topic, to engage on this topic and to decide whether to further pursue the topic in their studies. Based in our international management team in Switzerland, they explore key questions, examine answers, identify innovative players, and develop their own positions on central aspects of the topic they focus on. They enter debates, foster an exchange within oikos on the topic, and share their insights in a written 10-15 page report. They also organize three events to engage on the topic with the oikos community:

  • oikos FutureLab Workshops: Sessions for 20 students at the oikos FutureLab 2016 to build capacity on the topic across oikos chapters.
  • oikos Roundtable: a 3-hours workshop to convene practitioners and academics in order to identify key questions, discuss available answers and identify research gaps.
  • oikos Alumni Debate: a panel discussion with oikos alumni to engage our alumni and further participants on the topic

Digital Economy and Sustainability

We are delighted to launch this program with our partner Engagement Migros with a scholarship for an associate on the topic of “Digital Economy and Sustainability”. The scholarship is scheduled to start in summer 2016 and run for six months. It will comprise a monthly salary of 2’000 CHF, as well as a budget to travel, build a network in the field, and organize the three events mentioned above.

Applications

Applications can be sent by any oikos member to associates@oikos-international.org until 30 April, 2016. Applications should include a motivation letter as well as your CV. If you previously engaged on the topic, e.g. by writing and/or organizing events about it, please add that to your application as well. Replies to applicants will be sent out on 5 May followed by interviews with shortlisted candidates until 15 May. The final selection will take place until 20 May. We aim for the Associate to join us between July and August – to be agreed upon with the Associate.

Find the full call here.