Pacific Engagement Fellow

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Position description

One Family Foundation is a small, family foundation based in the Netherlands that has made its mark across the globe as an incubator of social innovation projects and start-ups. We believe, to achieve lasting change we must fundamentally transform the way we think and act to create collaboration across communities, social innovators and governments, systematically creating solutions to the world’s most pressing issues. Only through this collective, inclusive approach can we hope to address poverty, restore our planet, and ensure true inclusion.

From 2020 – 2025, One Family Foundation incubated a growing network of social entrepreneurs and innovators, Catalyst Now, which has evolved into its own independent organisation. Moving into this new phase, we wish to grow support for social innovation through engaging with communities and governments.

The Government Council for Social Innovation (GCSI) is a coalition of governments worldwide that has united with the primary goal of advancing social innovation on a global scale. One Family Foundation convenes GCSI and supports the initiative through its secretariat. To help strengthen our small, dedicated team, we are inviting a GCSI Pacific Engagement Fellow to support our work.

Role Overview

This is a full-time fellowship.

The fellow must be based in, and familiar with the Pacific region.

The Regional Engagement Fellow will support the Regional Coordinator in engaging with governments, regional institutions, and ecosystem partners across the Pacific. The role is designed to provide exposure to regional social innovation work while contributing to policy engagement, partnership-building, and program support. Fellows will assist with research, coordination, communication, and documentation.

Given the unique nature of the Pacific region, we particularly encourage applications from candidates with knowledge of Pacific Island governments and regional institutions. Experience engaging with ministries, government agencies, or regional organisations such as the Pacific Islands Forum, the Pacific Community (SPC), or similar regional bodies will be considered a strong asset.

Key Responsibilities:

• Government & Policy Engagement
  • Cultivate and maintain high-level relationships with government stakeholders, policy makers, and regulatory bodies across the region.
  • Support the Regional Coordinator in engaging with government stakeholders, policymakers, ministries, and regulatory bodies across Pacific Island countries, while helping strengthen relationships with regional organisations such as the Pacific Islands Forum and other relevant regional institutions.
  • Lead the development of policy recommendations and advocacy strategies aligned with our mission.
  • Represent the organization in key policy and multilateral forums, coalitions, and government consultations.
• Regional Strategy & Coordination
  • Develop and implement a regional strategy for engagement, including identifying priority countries and policy themes.
  • Monitor regional policy trends affecting social entrepreneurship and social innovation.
  • Support engagement and collaboration with regional organisations and multilateral institutions working across the Pacific region.
  • Facilitate cross-country learning and alignment among national governments, regional institutions, and ecosystem partners.
• Programme Design & Support
  • Advise colleagues on policy-related components of our initiatives in the region.
  • Coordinate with global teams to ensure region-focused insights inform broader strategy.
• Partnership & Ecosystem Building
  • Build partnerships with think tanks, NGOs, donors, and social innovators to expand impact and scale.
  • Identify funding and collaboration opportunities to support public-private innovation efforts.

Qualifications

• Graduate from a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in public policy, international relations, development studies, political science, or a relevant field.
• 2–3 years of experience in public policy, government affairs, or international development.
• Strong interest in social innovation, public policy, or international development.
• Strong familiarity with the political, governmental, and socio-economic context of Pacific Island countries is highly desirable.
• Experience engaging with ministries, government agencies, regional organisations (such as the Pacific Islands Forum, SPC, or similar institutions), or organisations working in the Pacific region is considered a strong advantage.
• Strong research, writing, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a virtual, multicultural environment.
• Fluent written and spoken English; knowledge of an additional UN language or regional language is an asset.

Preferred Candidate Profile

Candidates with one or more of the following will be particularly encouraged to apply:

• Experience working with or alongside ministries or government agencies in Pacific Island countries.
• Experience collaborating with regional organisations such as the Pacific Islands Forum, Pacific Community (SPC), or other Pacific regional bodies.
• Existing professional networks within governments, regional institutions, civil society organisations, or development partners in the Pacific.
• A demonstrated interest in regional cooperation, sustainable development, and public policy in the Pacific.

What we offer:

• Opportunity to work with a mission-driven, global team committed to meaningful impact and systemic change.
• Exposure to high-level discussions on policy, international cooperation, and social innovation.
• Hands-on experience in supporting cross-sectoral policy and government engagement initiatives.
• Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in the field.
• Networking opportunities with global thought leaders, policymakers, and social innovators.
• Flexible, full-time fellowship designed to accommodate academic or personal commitments.

Application instructions

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