Writer and Publication Associate (Country Office Narrative Report)

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.

UNDP provides policy and technical advisory support to the Government of Malaysia in accordance to the current Country Programme Action Plan as approved by the Cabinet based on the relevant years. The current Country Programme Action Plan, now extended to 2021 is aligned to the development priorities of the 11th Malaysia Plan with sustainable human development agenda at the forefront, underpinned by three priority areas: (a) inclusive development and growth; (b) sustainable and resilient development; and (c) governance.

Currently, UNDP Malaysia Country Office is supporting the design and implementation of a portfolio of sustainable and resilient development projects in Malaysia focusing on environmental governance, biodiversity and ecosystems, climate change, energy, disaster risk reduction & resilient, environmental finance and nature-based development solutions.

UNDP Malaysia is transitioning from the previous Country Programme Action Plan into the new Country Programme Document (CPD) 2022 - 2025, with new Strategic Goals aligned with the 12th Malaysia Plan. With this, it is crucial to communicate to key stakeholders and the public about the impact UNDP Malaysia has had over the past five years and position UNDP Malaysia as a trusted partner and solution provider for Malaysia’s sustainable development needs in the present and future.

In this vein, UNDP Malaysia would like engage two UN Volunteers to support and drive the development of a Narrative Report. This report combines creative, narrative writing to tell the stories of partners and beneficiaries from 2017-2021 with analytical, policy writing that addresses sustainable development challenges in four key areas: (1) poverty eradication and inequality reduction; (2) social protection systems; (3) urban sustainability and ecosystem resilience; and (4) sustainable and responsible value chains. The UN Volunteers will support the Accelerator Lab in development of the report through curating and developing content, managing engagement with UNDP programme teams and external partners, and supporting other processes necessary for the development of the Narrative Report.

Working with the Accelerator Lab and UNDP’s various units, the Writer and Publication Associate will develop the content of the Narrative Report. They will be part of a team developing the structure of the report; planning workflows; interfacing with UNDP programme teams and external partners for fact-finding, content development, and content validation; and writing and editing of creative narratives and analytical features that tell a cohesive story of UNDP’s past and future in supporting sustainable development in Malaysia. The Writer and Publication Associate are also expected to observe and participate in UNDP activities, meetings, and events to develop a first-hand understanding of UNDP

Ideally, the Writer and Publication Associate has experience as a writer or editor in publications or other media that inform, engage, and advocate to the public (e.g., journalist, magazine writer, policy think tank, etc.). Experience in quantitative or qualitative research, data presentation, and basic graphic editing skills will be an advantage. The position will report to the Head of Experimentation, Accelerator Lab and work closely with the Accelerator Lab team, the Monitoring and Evaluation unit, Communications unit, and the programme units.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of Experimentation or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Writer and Publication Associate will:

• Work closely with the Head of Experimentation and the writing team to develop the Narrative Report design and workplan—including interviews, research, writing, review, and revision. • Execute the workplan, monitor and report on progress, and proactively suggest adaptations as opportunities and contingencies arise to ensure the quality and integrity of the report. • Engage programme team members and external stakeholders to curate and validate content. • Carry out desktop research, online interviews, and on-site visits (if needed). • Ensure timely delivery of outlines and written drafts in short turn-around times. • Review and edit materials from other members of the writing team and carry out revisions following various review processes. • Communicate with the narrative report art team, identifying required illustrations and their message, tone, and desired features. • Proactively engage the Communications unit to identify opportunities to use Narrative Report content in support of UNDP events, special days, media campaigns, etc., and to identify Communications media that can be featured in the report.
• Observe and participate in UNDP activities, meetings, and events to develop understanding of UNDP work and approach. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Results/expected outputs:

As an active UNDP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNDP Malaysia and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: o Develop Narrative Report design and workplan o Develop written narrative and analytical features for the Narrative Report o Support other members of the writing team in reviews, edits, and revisions o Identify and describe desired illustrative features to complement written material o Seek opportunities to use developed content to engage stakeholders and the public

• 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 behaviours 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 behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • 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.

writing English-language contents at a national and/or international level; • Experience in communication and advocacy, public relations and/or journalism. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; and office technology equipment; • Demonstrated experience in qualitative or quantitative research preferred. • Demonstrated experience in any of these fields: (1) poverty eradication and inequality reduction; (2) social protection systems; (3) urban sustainability and ecosystem resilience; and (4) sustainable and responsible value chains is an asset. • Knowledge of presentation and graphic design software/platforms (Adobe InDesign, Canva, Shorthand) is an asset. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;

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 Volunteer Specialist receives approximately MYR 3,013.58 as Monthly Living Allowance. -Provided with assignment travel cost and entry lumpsum if applicable. -Enrolled in health, life, disability insurance. -Applicable dependents (primary family unit, up to 3) are eligible for health insurance. -Entitled to annual leave, 2.5 days per month. -Provided with exit lumpsum to support transition at the end of assignment.

For more information about UNV Conditions of Service and Entitlements, please refer to the following:

-https://www.unv.org/become-volunteer/volunteer-your-country -https://www.unv.org/sites/default/files/unvpf/UNVcos2021%20Complete%20hi-res-final_compressed_30.08.2021.pdf