Organization Mission

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.

Context

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.

Key Responsibilities

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.

Required Skills and Experience

• On the job policy engagement and experience.
• Ability to research and developing policy briefs, strategic papers, or advocacy products for decision-makers.
• Demonstrated understanding of development cooperation frameworks, multilateral policy processes, and stakeholder engagement, particularly in the context of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with regional policy dynamics in Africa or Indian Ocean Island states is desirable.
• Working knowledge of Creole is desirable.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex development information into strategic advice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft policy documents and briefing materials.
• Team player and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Living Conditions

Mauritius, a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and pristine beaches. However, what most people don”t know is that the country offers much more than just a tropical paradise. From its thriving economy to its high standard of living, Mauritius is truly a gem of the Indian Ocean.

The capital city of the Republic of Mauritius. Mauritius is a country situated in the Indian Ocean, and it covers approximately 1,865 square kilometers of coastline, almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs, with an undulating central plateau and jagged peaks scattered across the countryside. Port Louis is the capital of the island. Principal residential areas are Curepipe, Vacoas-Phoenix, Quatre Bornes, Beau Bassin, Rose-Hill and Floreal.

• Stable Political Climate – One of the key factors contributing to the high standard of living in Mauritius is its stable political climate. The country has a long history of peaceful transitions of power and is known for its commitment to democratic values. The government has also implemented several reforms to create a favorable business environment, making it an attractive destination for foreign investors.
• Robust Economy – Mauritius boasts a robust economy with a thriving tourism industry and a growing financial sector. The country has one of the highest GDP per capita in Africa and is considered one of the most developed nations on the continent. The government has also implemented several measures to diversify the economy, such as the development of the offshore banking industry and the creation of special economic zones.
• High Standard of Living – The standard of living in Mauritius is considered to be high, with a well-developed healthcare system, modern infrastructure, and a high level of education. The country has a high life expectancy and a low poverty rate, making it an attractive destination for expatriates and retirees. Additionally, the cost of living in Mauritius is lower compared to many developed countries, making it a budget-friendly destination for those seeking a high standard of living.

**This assignment is reserved for Mauritian nationals only.**
**UN Volunteers are not provided an income nor paid remuneration for services rendered, but are provided a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), which is a support mechanism to sustain them during their volunteer service and voluntary action. This allowance is considered reimbursement at the level determined to ensure the UN Volunteer’s safety, security, and sustenance, in line with United Nations standards. The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs.**

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator
The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos