Donor Mapping Support to Identify Partnership Opportunities for UNDP Malaysia

Volunteering

Overview

Support UNDP Malaysia in partnership and resource mobilization efforts.

You have:

• Completed or in progress academic background in development studies, economics, public policy, international relations, business, or related field
• Experience in desk research, policy analysis, or donor/market research
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize information into clear, structured outputs
• Excellent written communication skills in English
• Interest in international development, partnerships, or sustainable development (SDGs)
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and deliver outputs remotely
• Desirable: Exposure to donor mapping, stakeholder analysis, or concept note/proposal writing
• Desirable: Familiarity with private sector, ESG, or development finance trends
• Desirable: Knowledge of the ASEAN or regional development landscape

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

UNDP Malaysia is seeking Online Volunteers to support its partnership and resource mobilization efforts by generating high-quality donor intelligence and identifying new areas of collaboration. As UNDP strengthens its focus on innovative financing, private sector engagement, and strategic partnerships, this role will contribute to building a forward-looking pipeline of opportunities aligned with national and regional development priorities.

Volunteers will be part of a dynamic team working at the intersection of research, strategy, and partnership development, supporting efforts to map emerging actors, analyze funding trends, and translate insights into actionable partnership opportunities. The assignment offers a unique opportunity to gain exposure to UNDP’s partnership ecosystem, including engagement with diverse stakeholders across Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei.

The Online Volunteer will support the UNDP Partnerships team through structured research, analysis, and writing tasks over an 8-week period. The work will be conducted remotely, with coordination via email and occasional virtual check-ins.

Specifically, the volunteer will:

• Conduct desk research to identify and profile a small set of high-potential donors and partners (e.g. bilateral agencies, foundations, private sector actors, and impact investors)
• Compile key information on partner priorities, thematic focus areas, funding modalities, and geographic scope
• Develop concise key donor profiles highlighting relevance to UNDP and potential entry points for collaboration
• Contribute to a short horizon scanning brief by identifying emerging trends in private sector engagement, ESG, or SDG financing in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei
• Support the drafting of 1–2 concept notes (2–3 pages each) using provided templates, including structuring content (context, objectives, outcomes, activities)
• Revise outputs based on feedback and ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with UNDP priorities

The volunteer is expected to work 1–5 hours per week, communicate progress regularly via email, and participate in at least once in 2 weeks (biweekly) virtual check-ins during the assignment.

Academic background (completed or in progress) in development studies, economics, public policy, international relations, business, or related field Experience in desk research, policy analysis, or donor/market research Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize information into clear, structured outputs Excellent written communication skills in English Interest in international development, partnerships, or sustainable development (SDGs) Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and deliver outputs remotely

Desirable:

Exposure to donor mapping, stakeholder analysis, or concept note/proposal writing Familiarity with private sector, ESG, or development finance trends Knowledge of the ASEAN or regional development landscape

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 3 months ago - Updated 2 months ago - Source: unv.org