Mapping and Analysis of Member State Positions in United Nations processes

Host entity: ACT Alliance

Application deadline: 08/09/2026

Mission and objectives

• Mission
Action by Churches Together (ACT Alliance) is a coalition of more than 148 churches and church-related organisations working together in over 128 countries to create positive and sustainable change in the lives of poor and marginalised people regardless of their religion, politics, gender, race or nationality in keeping with the highest international codes and standards. ACT Alliance is faith-motivated, rights- based, impact focused, committed to working ecumenically and inter-religiously, with the communities we seek to serve and accompany at the centre of our work. Our members respond in areas where suffering, poverty and injustice occur, regardless of location.
ACT members are committed to leaving no-one behind. Hope in Action seeks to include those
who are otherwise excluded or marginalized. ACT seeks to release the agency of people affected by poverty and crisis by moving them from being passive recipients to actors in their own development and relief. In doing so, ACT Alliance enables, supports, brings specialist skills, enhances voices and shares learning, enabling and accompanying communities to realize their hopes and ambitions through joint action.
• Objectives
In promoting a just, inclusive and sustainable world, ACT Alliance implements effective humanitarian, development and advocacy work at national, regional and global levels by saving lives, providing emergency assistance and supporting sustainability, enhancing the rights of those whose rights are not realized.

Assignment context

Organisational context:

ACT Alliance is a coalition of churches and faith-based organizations engaged in humanitarian, development, and advocacy work worldwide. Through its United Nations Office and its Global Advocacy function, ACT Alliance – and its members - engages with United Nations intergovernmental fora to advance policy priorities related to humanitarian action, gender justice, climate justice, migration & displacement and peace & security.

Project background:

To strengthen evidence-based advocacy and strategic engagement with Member States, ACT Alliance wishes to undertake a systematic mapping and analysis of Member States’ positions, leadership roles, and engagement across selected intergovernmental processes. This work will support ACT Alliance's advocacy planning, coalition-building efforts, and engagement with governments and other stakeholders.

Purpose of the assignment:

The overall objective of the project is to provide ACT Alliance with a comprehensive analysis of Member States’ positions and dynamics across priority intergovernmental processes. The UNV will identify political groupings, sponsors, penholders, facilitators, and emerging trends relevant to ACT Alliance's advocacy priorities.

Task description

Main responsibilities:

The online volunteers will conduct desk-based research and mapping covering key UN intergovernmental processes and negotiations, including but not limited to:

- UN General Assembly

- Economic and Social Council (in particular the Commission on the Status of Women and the Commission on Population and Development)

- High-Level Political Forum (HLPF)

- Security Council

- Other processes identified by the ACT Alliance UN Office

Key deliverables:

The information will be captured in a database (excel or other format to be agreed). Analytical overviews (narrative reports) may be requested at specific times

Reporting lines:

The online volunteers will report directly to the Representative to the United Nations (based in NY) and the Global Advocacy and Development Policy Manager (based in Geneva). Periodic check ins will be planned among the UNV and the two supervisors.

Daily duties:

Tracking official statements, analyzing voting records and public positions and mapping roles in UN resolutions (e.g. sponsors, facilitators, penholders, etc), assessing political dynamics shaping negotiations, identifying Member States leading progressive or opposing positions, and key Member States for ACT Alliance to engage.

Skills and experience

Required experience:

- Experience in multilateral affairs, UN policy processes, diplomacy, political analysis, or advocacy.

- Knowledge of UN General Assembly and ECOSOC processes.

- Strong understanding of Member State dynamics and negotiation practices.

- Experience conducting stakeholder mapping and political economy analysis.

- Familiarity with humanitarian, development, climate, peacebuilding, or human rights issues is highly desirable.

Languages:

- English.
- Knowledge of French or Spanish is an asset.

Area(s) of expertise:

- Excellent research and analytical skills.

- Ability to synthesize complex political information into actionable recommendations.

- Strong writing and presentation skills in English.

- Excellent organization and database management skills.

- Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs within tight deadlines.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.