Private Sector Development Programme Assistant (Research and Policy)

Volunteering Finance & Economy Admin Programme & Policy

Overview

Support research, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement under the CATALYZE Malawi initiative.

You have:

• A minimum of four years’ work experience, with at least a year in Private Sector Development related or developmental projects.
• Strong research and statistical data analysis capabilities, with knowledge in monetary economics and ability to translate findings into policy insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• A strong track record in macroeconomic analysis, including demonstrated experience in interpreting economic trends and assessing their policy implications is required.
• At least one (1) year of experience in private sector development, policy analysis, or research.

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

To strengthen the effective implementation of the Business Environment component under the CATALYZE Malawi initiative, UNDP is seeking a Programme Assistant – Research and Policy to be embedded within the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI). The Programme Assistant will provide essential support in research, stakeholder engagement, and private sector coordination, contributing to MCCCI’s efforts to foster a more enabling business environment in Malawi.

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Programme Assistant – Research and Policy will play a critical role in supporting MCCCI’s research, policy engagement, and stakeholder coordination efforts under the CATALYZE Malawi programme. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting policy-relevant research, performing data analysis, and generating actionable insights to inform policy briefs, opinion papers, and engagements with both public and private sector stakeholders.

The Programme Assistant will also contribute to the successful delivery of MCCCI-led initiatives such as the Public-Private Dialogue Forum, quarterly member meetings, Business Leadership Summits, and other platforms for private sector engagement. This includes logistical and content support for meetings, workshops, and stakeholder consultations to foster collaboration and drive coordination. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MCCCI and working in close collaboration with the Programme Coordinator for Inclusive and Green Business, the Programme Assistant will also support planning, coordination, and implementation of core MCCCI activities. The role requires adherence to UN financial and project management regulations and procedures to ensure efficient and timely execution.

The ideal candidate is a proactive and results-oriented professional with strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) CEO or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Programme Assistant- Research and Policy will:

Research, Policy Analysis, and Knowledge Products

-Conduct desk research and data collection on trade policy, business environment, and macroeconomic trends.

-Draft policy briefs, analytical papers, and position statements to inform stakeholders and support advocacy.

-Monitor regulatory developments and assess their implications for the private sector.

-Translate complex economic and trade data into actionable policy recommendations.

-Support the design and execution of research initiatives in collaboration with partners.

-Conduct in-depth macroeconomic analysis, including monitoring key economic indicators, assessing fiscal and monetary policy impacts, and evaluating the macroeconomic environment’s influence on private sector performance.

Member Engagement and Support

-Engage with MCCCI members to identify policy challenges, opportunities, and areas of interest.

-Collect and analyse member feedback and sector specific data to inform the advocacy agenda.

-Support to maintain a database of paid-up members and track engagement needs and support provided and more importantly through the UNDP support of SMEs, support the identification of members from the SME segment.

-Provide support in providing timely responses to member queries related to trade policy, regulations, and economic developments.

-Provide support in developing identified database and M&E framework for the chamber

Stakeholder Coordination and Advocacy

-Support the facilitation of dialogue between the organization, government institutions, the private sector, and development partners.

-Support the preparation of advocacy materials and presentations for stakeholder forums.

-Align the organization’s policy engagements with national development strategies and sectoral policies.

Event Planning and Coordination

-Support the organization and coordination of stakeholder consultations, policy dialogues, roundtables, and capacity-building events.

-Ensure timely dissemination of event invitations, agendas, and discussion materials.

-Document meeting proceedings, key action points, and follow-up outcomes.

Other Duties

-Perform any other related tasks as may be assigned by the supervisor to support programmatic and operational functions.

Results/expected outputs:

-At least 1 policy brief, research papers, or analytical reports produced quarterly.

-Regular stakeholder meetings and member consultations conducted with documentation shared.

-Increased responsiveness to member needs and support requests.

-Events coordinated in a timely, inclusive, and results-oriented manner.

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules.

Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains.

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.

-A strong track record in macroeconomic analysis, including demonstrated experience in interpreting economic trends and assessing their policy implications is required.

-A minimum of four years’ work experience, with at least a year in Private Sector Development related or developmental projects.

-At least one (1) year of experience in private sector development, policy analysis, or research.

-Experience in supporting program management, stakeholder engagement, or advocacy initiatives. -Strong research and statistical data analysis capabilities, with knowledge in monetary economics and ability to translate findings into policy insights.

-Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

-Effective interpersonal skills and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

-Organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 9 months ago - Updated 9 months ago - Source: unv.org