Associate, National Human Development Report

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.

Human Development:

Human development is about expanding the richness of human life rather than simply the richness of the economy. It focuses on people and their opportunities and choices by promoting innovative new ideas, advocating practical policy changes, and constructively challenging policies and approaches that constrain human development. This can be achieved through writing and research, data analysis and presentation, support to national and regional analysis and outreach and advocacy work.

Human Development Report

As the international community moves toward implementing and monitoring the 2030 agenda, the human development approach remains useful to articulating the objectives of development and improving people’s well-being by ensuring an equitable, sustainable and stable planet.

National Human Development Report (NHDR)

Despite the overall growth, reaching Brunei’s human development targets remain a significant challenge especially as the obvious gains have already been made. While Brunei Darussalam increased its HDI score by 0.48 between 1990-2000, progress slowed down an increase of only 0.01 between 2010 – 2021 (see HDR 2021/2022). Further progress requires addressing pockets of vulnerable individual and households with different needs, which require targeted policies to redress. Moreover, there is still improvement that can be done to address the inequality-adjusted life expectancy index which is currently at 0.778. Gaps in economic diversification are notable which are reflected in Brunei Darussalam youth unemployment approximately 26.4% (Overall); 22.7% (male) and 32.4% (female) in 2020 (Brunei Department of Statistics).

In this context, the NHDR serves as an independent assessment, supporting the NKPI and VNR, for the Government of Brunei Darussalam in achieving Brunei Vision 2035. The NHDR will contribute toward and enhanced monitoring framework to achieve a high human development index and the development of a national response action plan, emphasizing inclusive growth in the outcome. The NHDR is expected to make recommendations for change that generate attention and dialogue between stakeholders and policy makers and foster public awareness about human development to reduce inequality.

Under the direct supervision of the Development Economist, Inclusive Growth and Prosperity Unit, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Research and data analysis: 

To support background research and/or supporting studies for the project 

To compile research materials in a systematic way and prepare background briefs/briefing notes as and when required; 

To support the collection and analysis of socio-economic and environmental data, and support in synthesizing information; 

To assist with generation of quantitative data charts/tables/graphs, and consolidate and update references list to policy briefs/papers/reports when required; 

To provide research support to the project team; 

Whenever required, liaise with government agencies, research institutions, NGOs and think tanks to gather data/information and inputs for relevant and timely research to guide the delivery of outputs/reports

Knowledge Management 

To provide support to knowledge documentation, knowledge building and sharing 

To assist in synthesizing of document lessons learnt and best practices; 

To support the development of knowledge products; 

To assist in preparing input to UNDP communication and other relevant sharing / learning platforms      

Project logistic and administration support 

Assist with the planning and organization of consultations/conference/seminar/workshop; 

Prepare progress reports, meeting minutes, conference/seminar/workshop reports and maintain documentation and records; 

Any other duties assigned by supervisor that have direct relevance to the project 

​​☒​Accountability

​​☒​Adaptability and Flexibility

​​☒​Building Trust

​​☒​Commitment and Motivation

​​☒​Commitment to Continuous Learning

​​☒​Planning and Organizing

​​☒​Self-Management

​​☒​Working in Teams

(minimum three months) Economics, Sustainable Development Studies or relevant social sciences field.

Analysing and understanding the impact of human development related to social, environment and SDG   

Undertaking guided research, terms of reference and review of human development research document 

Contributing to the preparation of activities and programme, including preparation of programme agenda, briefing notes and speaking points 

Undertaking stakeholder engagement sessions 

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.

For occasional visit to Brunei Darussalam (where relevant), the country has similar living condition with safe environment with the same time zone as Malaysia.