Associate - Governance

Contract

This is a UNV International Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Youth contracts.

As an upper middle-income country, Malaysia's institutions are relatively strong and capable, adding strength to the role of the state in the country's development. Additionally, the driver for economic growth in such a setting is transitioning from the use of low-cost labor to the production of higher value-added goods, driven largely by innovation. In this regard, it is important the country has adequate governance structures in place to efficiently facilitate and channel capital to productive sectors. As a trade reliant and open economy, it is also important that Malaysia's regulatory framework and business practices remain synchronized with international best practices.
As such, to support the Malaysian Government's aspiration of becoming a high-income nation, UNDP’s governance Programme is structured through three pillars - (i) Governance and Institutions; (ii) Standard setting and value chains; (iii) Peacebuilding and community resilience. These three pillars involve specific projects designed to promote strong institutions (e.g., Parliament, national anti-corruption authorities), global standard setting and sustainable value chains (e.g., business and human rights standards, promoting sustainable value chains among small- and medium-sized enterprises, strengthening Just Transitions for local communities in rural areas), as well as continuously promoting peace and cohesion among the country's ethnically diverse communities. Working closely with a multitude of partners ranging from federal ministries to grassroots leaders at the community level, UNDP's Governance work in Malaysia aims to affect change through legislation change, policies, capacity building, and research.

Under the direct supervision of Head, Governance the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Support the development of UNDP's standard setting and value chains related projects in Malaysia, namely the Sustainable Value Chain project through research and analysis of current business trends, particularly in the SME sector

Contribute to the implementation of UNDP's Green and Resilient Recovery Local Action Grant Project through monitoring project progress, among other supporting tasks

​​☒​Adaptability and Flexibility

​​☒​Building Trust

​​☒​Client Orientation

​​☒​Commitment and Motivation

​​☒​Commitment to Continuous Learning

​​☒​Communication

​​☒​Creativity

​​☒​Ethics and Values

​​☒​Integrity

​​☒​Planning and Organizing

​​☒​Professionalism

​​☒​Respect for Diversity

​​☒​Working in Teams

(minimum three months) working on enhancing the role of good governance in development overall, through:

Strengthening business value chains   

Promoting social cohesion and unity 

Enhancing national institutions (parliament, oversight bodies)   

Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded; 

Malaysia has a tropical climate whereby seasons reflect only variations of rainfall and occur at different times, depending on locations. Daytime temperatures throughout the year are around 30-34 degrees Celsius (90 F), and night time temperatures are around 28-26 degrees. Because of the high humidity (60-80%) absolute temperature readings do not reflect the weather situation which is rather dependent on cloud cover and rainfall during daytime. In the highlands, temperatures can fall as low as ten degrees Celsius (50F). Thunderstorms and torrential rainfalls are frequent, but Malaysia is outside the typhoon and cyclone belt.

Bus services are available within Kuala Lumpur, although not efficient, and to other destinations. Taxis are used in and around larger cities; they are inexpensive and use meters.

but it is difficult to get a taxi during rush hours, and one may spend a lot of time phoning for a taxi or trying to hail one down which will accept a ride in the right direction. The Express Rail Link (ERL) provides a nonstop journey, in 28 minutes, between the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and KL Sentral, the country's rail transport nucleus.

Malaysia has a highly advanced communications infrastructure. Landlines for homes and businesses are available almost anywhere in the country. Broadband and wireless Internet services are accessible in a growing area of KL and other major cities (dial-up Internet

services are available via landlines. Most banks in Malaysia provide online banking services, besides issuance of charge cards and insurance products and the convenience of online bill

payments. ATMs/cash dispensers offer a convenient way of withdrawing money on a credit

or debit card. Most banks have these machines and all major cards are accepted. Credit

cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels. A local credit card can be arranged. Foreign currency can be exchanged at change booths which are located in most shopping centers, or at money exchange shops in town and in hotels.