Jessica van Thiel
Jessica van Thiel
Founding & Managing Partner -
(2)
3
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Bio

Jessica’s focus is in the field of aid and development, human rights law and advocacy, social entrepreneurship, science and economic policy and is a PhD Student in Management and Business.

Jessica has worked with EU Institutions in Brussels, on international research and development projects. She also worked as the Gender Focal Point of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Mauritius Country Office. Her work also includes consulting for a Human Rights NGO based in South Africa, where she assisted victims of domestic violence and led an anti-Human Trafficking Campaign.

She is an avid volunteer and is a member of the Soroptimist International and the Institute of Directors.

Now based in France and Canada, her passion to advocate policies and sustainable strategies that directly benefit minority groups and the impoverished are what motivated her to co-found PATHFINDER.

Companies
Categories
Project management International development

Socials

Achievements

Latest feedback

Alyssa Wu
Alyssa Wu
Student
September 1, 2024
Project feedback
Jessica and her team were very kind and easy to work with-- responses were fast so I could complete the project to the best of my ability, and they clearly were looking out for me as a person rather than just my work. Thank you very much again!
Riipen Level UP 🚀
Level UP: May 2024
Riipen Level UP 🚀
PATHFINDER
Grant Proposal Research & Development - Social Innovation Policy
PATHFINDER
Rhona Sinamtwa
Rhona Sinamtwa
Student
May 27, 2024
Project feedback
As a Research Assistant at PathFinder Global Development Consulting since March 2024, my role has been multifaceted and instrumental in supporting the organization's objectives. I've played a pivotal role in deciphering complex communications for stakeholders engaged in policymaking, aiding in developing meticulously researched, evidence-based policies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to facilitating communication, I've compiled and organized a comprehensive dataset comprising pertinent grant opportunities tailored to policymakers' needs. This initiative ensures accessibility to funding resources critical for advancing sustainable development agendas. Furthermore, I've been deeply involved in project management, offering support to ensure seamless workflow and effective coordination among project partners. By contributing to various aspects of project management, I've significantly enhanced project efficiency, bolstering the organization's impact. My involvement extends beyond project management into the realm of sustainability research. I've actively contributed to compiling sustainability case studies, meticulously gathering and organizing data to identify best practices and innovative solutions for addressing contemporary challenges. Moreover, I've honed my skills in written communication through report writing endeavours. From drafting sections to ensuring clarity in presenting information, I've been instrumental in articulating findings to diverse audiences, thereby fostering understanding and driving informed decision-making. Conducting thorough literature reviews has been another cornerstone of my responsibilities. By synthesizing current research and trends in sustainability, I've gained invaluable insights into emerging issues and potential avenues for impactful interventions. In summary, my tenure at PathFinder Global Development Consulting has been enriching, providing me with a solid foundation in project management, sustainability research, and effective communication. These experiences have not only expanded my skill set but also deepened my commitment to advancing sustainable development agendas.
Advance Ontario
Advance Ontario
Advance Ontario
PATHFINDER
Policy Analyst - research and development of a policy paper
PATHFINDER

Recent projects

PATHFINDER
PATHFINDER
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Development of a White Paper - Refugee and Social Policy

We require research support for our white paper. Specifically with a focus on research management and organization. This paper will be widely published therefore the selected individual must have a high level of rigor, research and writing skills. This is a great opportunity for a student(s) with a political science, writing, business management, international relations and/or law background to be a part of a meaningful and impactful piece of work.

Matches 3
Category Social sciences + 2
Open
PATHFINDER
PATHFINDER
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Grant Proposal Research & Development - Social Innovation Policy

We are currently looking for an intern to support us in writing various grant applications. This would require identifying a targeted list of applications relevant to social innovation, international development and social entrepreneurship. Targeting the most viable opportunities with the aim of securing funding for us as well as accessing events and speaking engagements.

Matches 1
Category Social sciences + 1
Open
PATHFINDER
PATHFINDER
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Internship opportunity - research and development of a policy paper

About Us: PATHFINDER is a social enterprise based in Canada and France, with a mission to drive global development through a trilateral model by engaging with social enterprise, academia, and policy (please see attached business summary and our website for details about us). Project Details: We have two internship positions available to meet deliverables related to the research, writing, and editing of a policy paper with a refugee focus. The selected candidates will be part of a larger working group which will guide them on specific deliverables and action items for the paper. The scope of work is not limited by the paper. It may also include project support, business development, and communications. This is a virtual, unpaid position. Point of contact: Jessica van Thiel, Founding and Managing Partner, PATHFINDER  - jessica@pathfindersocent.com

Matches 1
Category Community engagement + 2
Open
PATHFINDER
PATHFINDER
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Internship opportunity - research and development of a policy paper

About Us: PATHFINDER is a social enterprise based in Canada and France, with a mission to drive global development through a trilateral model by engaging with social enterprise, academia, and policy (please see attached business summary and our website for details about us). Project Details: We have two internship positions available to meet deliverables related to the research, writing, and editing of a policy paper with a refugee focus. The selected candidates will be part of a larger working group which will guide them on specific deliverables and action items for the paper. The scope of work is not limited by the paper. It may also include project support, business development, and communications. This is a virtual, unpaid position. Point of contact: Jessica van Thiel, Founding and Managing Partner, PATHFINDER  - jessica@pathfindersocent.com

Matches 0
Category Community engagement + 2
Open

Work experience

Founding and Managing Partner
PATHFINDER
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
March 2015 - Current

PATHFINDER consults with Business, Academia and Policy for innovative solutions in Sustainable Development. We create solutions to enable the world’s most vulnerable through our unique three-pronged approach: by simultaneously influencing social entrepreneurship, academics, and policy.

Education

PhD , Science and Technology Policy Studies
University of Sussex, Science Policy Research Unit
January 2018 - Current