Mapping and Analysis of Member State Positions in United Nations Processes
Organizational Context
ACT Alliance is a global coalition of over 148 churches and faith-based organizations dedicated to creating positive and sustainable change for marginalized people. Operating in over 128 countries, ACT Alliance focuses on humanitarian, development, and advocacy work. Its UN Office and Global Advocacy function engage with UN intergovernmental bodies to advance policy priorities in areas such as humanitarian action, gender justice, climate justice, migration, and peace and security.
Job Purpose
This assignment aims to strengthen ACT Alliance's evidence-based advocacy and strategic engagement with Member States. The UNV will conduct a systematic mapping and analysis of Member States' positions, leadership roles, and engagement across selected UN intergovernmental processes. This research will provide crucial insights for ACT Alliance's advocacy planning, coalition-building, and engagement strategies with governments and stakeholders. The UNV will identify political groupings, sponsors, penholders, facilitators, and emerging trends relevant to ACT Alliance's advocacy priorities, contributing to more effective policy influence.
Responsibilities
The online volunteer will conduct desk-based research and mapping of key UN intergovernmental processes and negotiations, including the UN General Assembly, ECOSOC (specifically the Commission on the Status of Women and Commission on Population and Development), the High-Level Political Forum, and the Security Council. Daily duties involve tracking official statements, analyzing voting records and public positions, and mapping roles in UN resolutions (e.g., sponsors, facilitators, penholders). The volunteer will assess political dynamics, identify Member States leading progressive or opposing positions, and pinpoint key states for ACT Alliance engagement. Deliverables include populating a database with findings and potentially preparing analytical narrative reports.
Work Experience
Experience in multilateral affairs, UN policy processes, diplomacy, political analysis, or advocacy is required. Knowledge of UN General Assembly and ECOSOC processes, and a strong understanding of Member State dynamics and negotiation practices are essential. Experience in stakeholder mapping and political economy analysis is also required. Familiarity with humanitarian, development, climate, peacebuilding, or human rights issues is highly desirable.
Skills
Excellent research and analytical skills are essential. The ability to synthesize complex political information into actionable recommendations is crucial. Strong writing and presentation skills in English, along with excellent organization and database management skills, are required. The capacity to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs within tight deadlines is also necessary. Fluency in English is mandatory; knowledge of French or Spanish is an asset.