Writer and Publication Associate (Learning and Insights Hub)

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 context, UNDP Malaysia would like to engage one UN Volunteer to lead and manage the publication work and editorial processes originating in Country Office’s Learning and Insights Hub (LIGHTS) unit. The position combines various publication, editorial work, research, analytical policy writing activities that address 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 Volunteer will support LIGHTs with its communication in development of manuscripts through curating and developing content, managing engagement with UNDP programme teams and external partners, and supporting other processes necessary.

Working with the LIGHTS unit, the Writer and Publication Associate will manage and support publication processes and research reports for various projects. The Associate will be part of a team developing reports, communication materials, managing workflows and writing and editing of policy analysis pieces of work. 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’s programmes in supporting sustainable development in Malaysia.

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 and policy-makers (e.g., journalist, magazine writer, policy think tank researchers etc.). Experience in quantitative or qualitative research, data presentation, and basic graphic editing skills will be an advantage. Additionally, exposure to UN principles and the UN style of publication is an advantage. The position will directly report to the Senior Economist of the UNDP Country Office.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Senior Economist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the National UN Volunteer Writer and Publication Associate will:

• Work closely with the Senior Economist and the team to develop high-quality publications based on in-house or external research, and policy engagements. • Identify types of publication mode and channels, develop and execute an agreed workplan, monitor and report on progress, and proactively suggest adaptations as opportunities and contingencies arise to ensure the quality and integrity UNDPs work • Engage programme team members and external stakeholders to curate, draft and validate content. • 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 management team, regional focal points, publishers, editors, translators and graphical designers, identifying required illustrations and their message, tone, and desired features. • Proactively engage the Communications unit to identify opportunities to use LIGHTs content in support of UNDP events, special days, media campaigns, etc., and to identify Communications media for the respective publications. • 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 The management and supervision of LIGHTs publications and research to UN standard o The management and creation of communication material o Support other members of the writing team in reviews, edits, writing 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.

communication and advocacy, public relations and/or journalism; • English-language content writer at a national and/or international level; • Prior experience in publishing work (full cycle from ideation until communication or socialization of the publication); • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent knowledge of UN principles and UN style of publications • 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