Data & Innovation Assistant (Malaysian Nationals Only - Open to All Applicants)

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Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

UNDP multi-country office of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam provides technical assistance, policy and technical advisory services to the Governments of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam in their efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG); in partnership with development partners, financial institutions, private sector and civil society.

In Malaysia, UNDP’s programme priorities and partnerships are defined and operationalized through the Country Programme between Government of Malaysia and UNDP to support and contribute to the development priorities and results envisioned in the 5-year Malaysia Plan. Malaysia is currently implementing the Twelfth Malaysia Plan 2021-2025 (12MP), which is anchored around three key themes namely resetting economy, strengthening security, wellbeing and inclusivity; and advancing sustainability to achieve economic growth and transform Malaysia into a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable country.

The role of the Country Office SDG Impact, Innovation and Finance (SIFI) Unit is to adopt UNDP’s global communication strategy to a local context and the Country Office development priorities. Through data‑driven insights, innovative financing approaches, and strategic partnership development, the SIFI Unit works to position UNDP as a catalyst for systemic, future‑smart development solutions in Malaysia. The Unit strengthens UNDP’s technical leadership by supporting resource mobilization efforts, advancing private sector engagement, and generating knowledge products that inform programming and policy priorities. By integrating research, horizon scanning, stakeholder intelligence, and analytical work, the team supports the Country Office in shaping impactful programme pipelines aligned with national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Unit collaborates closely across thematic pillars—including Governance and Inclusive Growth, and Nature, Climate and Energy—as well as with cross‑cutting functions such as Partnerships, Gender, Monitoring, and Communications. UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary and matrixed arrangements to strengthen horizontal collaboration and ensure a coherent, integrated development response.

Duties and Responsibilities

Data Analytics and Horizon Scanning

Research, Insights & Knowledge Management

Partnerships, Stakeholder Engagement & Resource Mobilization
 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The incumbent will be under the supervision of the Head of SIFI and will work closely with the operations team, programme colleagues, UNDP HQ and regional, government counterparts, technical experts, financial institutions, private sector partners, multilateral and bilateral donors and civil society to ensure the successful implementation of UNDP programmes. 
 

Competencies

Cross Functional & Technical Competencies

Ability to create clarity around UNDP value proposition to beneficiaries and partners and to develop service offers responding to client needs based on UNDP’s organizational priorities and mandate

Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

•    Secondary education is required. 
OR
•    University degree (bachelor’s degree) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Sustainable Development or related fields will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
 

Experience:

•    Minimum of 4 years (with secondary education) or 1 year (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant data analytics, research, partnerships, or programme support within an international development, private sector, or related analytical environment.  

Required skills :

•    Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc), database packages, and web-based management systems such as ERP is required.
 

Desired skills :

•    Experience in engaging technology providers or data stewards on local issues about data sharing, ecosystems, and political/structural/systemic factors affecting data uptake for development is an asset
•    Knowledge of website management tools, proficiency with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Canva, Flourish, Power BI, or GIS software) and knowledge of AI, Machine Learning, JavaScript, web scraping, big data, or sentiment analysis is an asset.
•    Experience in facilitating workshops and capacity building sessions is an asset.
•    Experience in policy analysis, pipeline development and/or project management is an advantage
•    Experience in quantitative and qualitative research, data analysis, and familiarity with research software (e.g., R, Python, SPSS) is an advantage
 

Required Language(s)

Fluency in English and Bahasa Melayu is required.

** This vacancy is open to Malaysian nationals only.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection [link removed]

Scam alert

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