Communications Assistant (Malaysian Nationals Only)

Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below:

Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates) 
Tier 2: Staff holding UNDP temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts and Expert and Specialist UNVs with host entity 
UNDP
Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

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 Communications Unit is to adopt UNDP’s global communication strategy to a local context and the Country Office development priorities. Through the production of high-quality communication materials and innovative use of relevantly targeted communication channels (internal and external), the Communications team works collaboratively to position UNDP as a leader in the development arena, promote visibility of UNDP programme outcomes/development results, mobilize support for Sustainable Development Goals in the country, and practice delivery as one UN. UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

I. Support the Content Creation & Management
•    Draft, edit, proofread, and publish content for diverse communication channels including social media, websites, newsletters, intranet, and press releases.
•    Support the production of creative content for campaigns (basic visuals, social media graphics, simple layouts, and short-form videos) in line with UNDP branding guidelines.
•    Assist in adapting and repurposing existing content (e.g., resizing graphics, formatting documents, editing captions) for different platforms and audiences.
•    Provide logistical and coordination support for communications activities, including liaising with vendors, photographers, and printers when needed.
•    Help maintain communications assets and content libraries (photos, videos, design templates, and publications).
•    Provide general administrative support to the Communications team, including scheduling, preparing meeting notes, and supporting reporting tasks.

II. Support the Social Media & Digital Platforms Management
•    Draft simple communication materials such as social media posts, event announcements, and captions, under the guidance of the Communications Analyst and Head of Communications
•    Ensure all digital content for websites, intranet, and social media complies with UNDP’s branding, style, and accessibility standards under the guidance of Head of Communication.
•    Support the management of the Impact Venture Hub (Malaysia Chapter), including alumni onboarding and liaising between investors and ventures.

III. Provide support with Media Relations & Campaigns
•    Support logistics for media events, interviews, and press conferences, ensuring smooth delivery and stakeholder engagement.
•    Support the planning, organization, and implementation of communication campaigns and advocacy initiatives to enhance awareness of UNDP’s mandate, goals, and results (e.g., UN Day, thematic observances).
•    Support campaign materials for marketing, outreach, and awareness-raising initiatives in collaboration with relevant teams and partners.
•    Track and report on campaign performance, highlighting results and lessons learned.

IV. Support to Knowledge Management & Internal Communications
•    Gather, compile, and archive communication materials, publications, and knowledge products from various teams for future use.
•    Maintain an information database, including a photo and multimedia library, ensuring resources are properly catalogued and accessible.
•    Upload, update, and maintain content on internal databases, intranet, and websites.
•    Support knowledge-sharing initiatives by supporting engagement sessions, briefings, and seminars with internal and external stakeholders.

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

Institutional Arrangement

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Communication, the Communications Assistant will be supporting the full spectrum of communication tasks and activities. Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Communications and Communications Analyst, the Communications Assistant supports the implementation of the corporate communications strategy, as well as the design and implementation of the Country Office communications and publication strategies, which are geared to influence the development agenda, promote public and media outreach, and mobilize political and financial support for UNDP.

The Communications Assistant works in close collaboration with the CO Programme, Operations and project teams, staff of other UN Agencies, UNDP Communications Region and HQ staff, government officials, national and international and local media, multi-lateral and bilateral donors, and civil society to ensure successful implementation of UNDP’s communication strategy.

Competencies

Core : 

• Achieve Results:    LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline 
• Think Innovatively:    LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements  
• Learn Continuously:    LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback 
• Adapt with Agility:    LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible  
• Act with Determination:     LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident 
• Engage and Partner:    LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships 
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion:    LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination  
   

Cross functional and technical  : 

• Business Management - Communication:  Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
• Communications - Campaign Management : Ability to produce and implement communications and advocacy campaigns which lead to impactful change
• Communications - Brand & quality management :  Ability to position a UNDP brand and uphold it to a high level of quality
• Communications - Media Relations: Ability to develop media relations across all aspects of media work including relationships with media and preparing media materials such as messages
• Communications - Multimedia Production:   Ability to create and combine images, text and audiovisuals to produce multimedia content
• Communications - Web and social media analytics : Ability to analyse and interpret data and statistics to measure web and social media performance

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

• Secondary education is required.
• University degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in Communication, International Relations, Public Administration Media Relations, Public Relations, Journalism, Publishing, Media and Cultural Studies, Digital Media and Multimedia Production or any related/relevant field will be given consideration but not a requirement.

Experience : 

• Minimum of 4 years (with secondary education) or 1 year (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant communications experience providing communication packages at the national level to promote the activities of an international development organization.  
   

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 developing informative blogs, feature articles, impact/human interest stories and social media posts.
• Experience in developing social media assets and platforms, designing visuals for communication purposes
• Knowledge of website management tools and proficiency with design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro).
• Basic understanding of branding and visual identity is an asset. 
   

Required Language(s) : 

Fluency in English and Bahasa Melayu is required. 
 

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.

Scam alert

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