Policy and Strategic Advocacy Analyst

The UN Resident Coordinator (RC) system encompasses all organizations of the United Nations system dealing with operational activities for development, regardless of their formal presence in the country. The RC system aims to bring together the different UN agencies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operational activities at the country level.

The UN Country Team (UNCT) is led by the UN Resident Coordinator, who is the representative of the UN Secretary-General in a given country. The UNCT ensures interagency coordination and decision-making at the country level. The goal is to plan and work together, as part of the Resident Coordinator system, to ensure the delivery of tangible results in support of the development agenda of the Government, including the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) which guides the UN country team’s development programme cycle, in joint agreement with the host government.

The UNSDCF 2024–2028 for Mauritius and Seychelles outlines the strategic direction of the UN’s partnership with both countries, aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The UNCT composed of 25 UN agencies, funds, and programmes, regardless of their physical presence, brings together diverse global expertise to support the development priorities of Mauritius, and Seychelles.

The UN RCO operates as a Multi-Country Office (MCO), based in Mauritius, with coverage extended to Seychelles. It plays a key role in strategic coordination, policy analysis, advocacy, joint communications, and coherence-building among UN entities operating in both countries.

Given the implementation of the new UNSDCF and the importance of coherent advocacy, visibility, and evidence-based policy positioning, the RCO seeks to recruit a Policy and Strategic Advocacy Individual Contractor. This role will support the RCO and UNCT in delivering policy analysis, high-impact policy briefs, and joint advocacy, with strategic communications in line with the priorities of the Cooperation Framework.

The UN Volunteer will support the UN RCO and UNCT in:
• Advancing evidence-based policy research, strategic analysis, and public positioning.
• Strengthening the visibility and communications of the UNCT’s policy work in Mauritius and Seychelles.
• Supporting the delivery of joint advocacy campaigns, aligned with both national priorities and global UN initiatives.
• Enhancing stakeholder engagement through coherent, consistent messaging and targeted outreach.

Under the supervision of the Head of Office, and in collaboration with RCO team members, the UN Volunteer willundertake the following tasks:

Policy Analysis and Strategic Advisory Support
• Conduct in-depth policy research and analysis aligned with the priority areas of the UNSDCF 2024–2028.
• Monitor national and regional policy developments and identify strategic entry points for UN engagement.
• Support the drafting of policy briefs, position papers, and background notes to inform UNCT engagement with government and development partners.
• Provide technical inputs for high-level policy dialogues and multilateral events.
• Review and synthesize national development plans, sector strategies, and donor reports to ensure alignment with UNCT priorities.

Strategic Advocacy and Positioning
• Support and develop advocacy strategies and narratives to support the UNCT’s work on priority themes such as social, economic and environmental resilience covering inter alia, climate action, inclusive governance, social protection, gender equality, youth empowerment, and sustainable economic development.
• Identify and map key national stakeholders, thought leaders, and influencers for targeted advocacy and policy dialogue.
• Support the conceptualization and organization of high-level forums, policy roundtables, and thematic consultations to advance UNSDCF priorities.
• Advise the RCO and UNCT on emerging issues, policy gaps, and opportunities for advocacy based on data, evidence, and stakeholder analysis.

Knowledge Generation and Policy Dialogue Facilitation
• Contribute to knowledge products, such as policy snapshots, analytical notes, or thematic briefs, to enhance the UNCT’s ability to inform national discourse.
• Document good practices and lessons learned from joint UNCT policy engagement and advocacy efforts.
• Maintain an up-to-date repository of key national, regional, and global policy documents relevant to the work of the UNCT.

Coordination and Technical Backstopping
• Provide technical support to inter-agency thematic groups and working groups related to policy and advocacy.
• Support coordination between the UNCT and national counterparts on key UNSDCF implementation milestones.
• Participate in and contribute to relevant internal UNCT meetings and working sessions related to policy, planning, and advocacy.