Data for Development Associate, Accelerator Lab Malaysia

Contract

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

In an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world, UNDP has learnt not just to cope, but to anticipate emerging development issues and opportunities and to improve its solutions to be better-targeted. Through Accelerator Lab, these approaches are accelerated by integrated methodologies comprising of horizon scanning, solutions mapping and experimentation. The Lab also works with grassroots organizations and innovators for sense-making, testing and developing evidence-based solutions, as they understand the complexities of their issues better than anyone else.

In the context of Malaysia, UNDP provides policy and technical advisory support to the Government in accordance with the current Country Programme Action Plan as approved by the Cabinet. UNDP’s support primarily involves the designing and implementation of a portfolio of sustainable and resilient development projects in Malaysia focusing on poverty eradication, climate change, energy, governance, disaster risk reduction & resilience, SDG finance and nature-based development solutions.

In 2025, UNDP Malaysia will be starting to transition from current Country Programme Action Plan into the new Country Programme Document (CPD) 2026-2030, with new Strategic Goals to be aligned with the 13th Malaysia Plan. The process comprises taking the stock of learnings and policy insights from existing portfolio implementation to develop future intervention and focus areas. However, it is equally important to incorporate into development of CPD, the trends and signals that are beyond UNDP radar which may come from new and non-traditional sources.

UNDP continues to be a trusted partner and integrator for Malaysia’s sustainable development needs in the present and future. To solidify UNDP offerings, Accelerator Lab assists the Country Office to develop solutions that are more agile and anticipatory. Our technical support to the Government and other development partners has to be rooted in inclusive approaches and evidence, to ensure we steer change in the right direction, towards the future in which no one is left behind. In this vein, UNDP Malaysia would like to a UN Volunteer to drive the development and pilot of a structured and accessible horizon scanning system that can be integrated into the current way of work and decision-making of Country Office and development partners. The system combines innovative, culturally-accepted, multi-channel process and approaches to gather, analyze and communicate signals from local and global sources as indicators of change that could be significant for the future of development. At the end of the assignment, UNV Data for Development Associate will contribute to advancing horizon scanning data use, uptake, and impact in UNDP Malaysia and development partners.

The task as Data for Development Associate requires more than technical competency to develop a system, but social and organizational acumen to ensure Accelerator Lab solutions such as horizon scanning, sense-making and innovation playbook receive buy-ins and leveraged on by internal and external stakeholders. The position will report to the Head of Exploration, Accelerator Lab and work closely with the Accelerator Lab team, the thematic policy and programmatic pillars in the UNDP Country Office: 1) Inclusive Growth and Prosperity 2) Governance 3) Nature, Climate and Energy as well as cross-cutting functions such as Gender, Monitoring and Evaluation, Communications and SDG Finance.

The Associate will also be instrumental in translating data and knowledge into recommendations that can inform the prioritization of UNDP Malaysia and 13th Malaysia Plan focus areas, as well as signal detections for UNDP Futures Network. As such the Associate is expected to observe and participate in UNDP activities, meetings, and events to develop a first-hand understanding of UNDP’s offerings and dynamics among development partners, data providers and communities.

Ideally, the Data for Development Associate has experience in data science or data journalism with background in economics, political science or international development. Experience in mixed-method research, collective intelligence or data integration of various data sources will be an advantage. Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of Exploration or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Data for Development Associate will:

• Develop horizon scanning design and workplan—including tools, approaches, mapping of data stewards, data sources and communication plans • Pilot the workplan, monitor and report proactively suggest adaptations as opportunities and contingencies arise
• Explore partnerships with private, civil societies, media and local communities as new data sources • Engage internal and external stakeholders for need assessment, sense-making, validation of insights and user acceptance of horizon scanning • Carry out workshops, stakeholder engagement and site visits (if needed). • Experiment with unstructured, local data with capability to manage risks related to ethics and privacy • Observe and participate in UNDP activities, meetings, and events to develop understanding of UNDP work and approach. • Build capacity of horizon scanning and innovation for CO team members • Assist in identification and prioritization of signals and trends for UNDP Futures Network or any other futures platform • Assist in managing data pilot projects including technical input to consultants, authorities and data providers, assessment of data ecosystem and harnessing the power of crowdsourced data. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs:

• As an active UNDP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNDP Malaysia and its development partners in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: o Develop horizon scanning system, manual and workplan o Develop communications channels and tools to inform decision-making in Country Office and development partners o Integrate horizon scanning offering in UNDP pipeline project o Identify, analyze and share insights in various channels which can position Accelerator Lab at the forefront of the exploration of new trends o Capacitate CO team members in horizon scanning and innovation approaches to data use, uptake and impact

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP Malaysia; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP Malaysia procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP Malaysia in daily activities and behaviors while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior; does not abuse power or authority;

• Innovation: Look beyond conventional approaches and established methods; propose new ideas, approaches and solutions to problems; seek patterns and clarity outside boxes and categories while resisting false certainty and simplistic binary choice

• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;

• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment;

• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP Malaysia’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

developing and maintaining data ecosystem for international development, business intelligence, strategic planning or media • Experience in engaging technology providers or data stewards for data partnership is an advantage • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, youth and authorities at different levels • Familiarity with local issues about data sharing, ecosystem and navigation of political, structural and systemic factors that affects data uptake for development • Ability to facilitate workshops and capacity building sessions • Knowledge of AI, Machine Learning, Javascript, web scraping, big data or sentiment analysis is an asset • Demonstrated experience in data visualization such as Tableau, Power BI or GIS software • Ability to work and adapt professionally in a multicultural team of international and national personnel • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; • Ability to manage project involving different stakeholders • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude

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 (900F), night time temperatures are around 26-28 degrees. Owing to 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 100C (500F). Thunderstorms and torrential rainfalls are frequent but Malaysia is outside the typhoon and cyclone belt.

Cost of living is lower compared to Singapore, and there is a large community of expatriates living and working in Kuala Lumpur (KL). Public transport is widely well established, modern infrastructure particularly in Putrajaya and central KL. Taxis or e-hailing services are used in and around larger cities but it is difficult to get a taxi during rush hours. The Express Rail Link (ERL) provides non-stop journey, in 28 minutes, between the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to KL Sentral, the country’s rail transport nucleus.

Malaysia has a highly advanced communication infrastructure. Landlines for home and business are available almost everywhere in the country. Broadband and wireless internet services are accessible in KL and other major cities.

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 centres, or at money exchange shops in town and in hotels.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.