Communications and Programmes Internship

Background

​​The Malaysia-UN SDG Trust Fund (Fund) is a partnership between the United Nations (UN) in Malaysia and MySDG Foundation, supported by the Ministry of Finance. It aims to encourage projects that make a positive impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Malaysia.

​The Fund supports projects that target people and communities who are at risk of being left behind. It encourages partnerships and collaboration across all sectors of society to ensure sustainable development benefits everyone. By focusing on local efforts, the Fund aims to improve the lives of people in different areas and groups, contributing to overalls progress in Malaysia. Its objective is to enable UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other non-state actors to make significant contributions towards achieving the SDGs in Malaysia.

​To effectively manage the Fund's operations and assist with supported projects, the Fund Secretariat under the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator (UN RCO) is seeking to hire the position of a Communications and Programmes Intern via UNDP.

​Under the direct supervision of the Communications, Monitoring and Evaluation Associate, the Intern will work closely with the Fund Secretariat team to provide overall support to the Fund on communications, monitoring and evaluation efforts as detailed out in the scope of work. The Intern will have direct reporting to the Fund Secretariat and overall to the UN RCO. The Intern will also consult UN RCO’s Head of Communications on all communications materials and content concerning the Fund.

​The Intern will support in promoting the Fund and generating interest as well as monitoring and keeping the Fund Secretariat informed of relevant news, feedback pertaining to the Fund and projects funded by the Fund.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assist in developing content for the Fund to be showcased on social media platforms as well as other promotional materials.
• Support in the development of content for promotional materials and social media posts (managed by UN RCO’s Head of Communications) including drafting captions and simple visual graphics.
• Monitoring social media platforms of grantees and stakeholders for mentions of the Fund.
• Assist with events on logistics and documentation which includes but not limited to managing RSVPs, capturing photos or short videos and documenting key highlights.
• Support in compilation and synthesizing of grantee monitoring documents for communication and monitoring & evaluation purposes.
• Conduct background research and media based due diligence on applicants to the Fund, and support the Secretariat in the review and processing of grantee applications, as required.
• To provide additional support to colleagues as needed.

Competencies

• A passion for social impact and sustainable development;
• Eager to apply a strong initiative for continuous learning and professional contribution to a dynamic team;
• Creativity in sourcing and consolidating data;
• Open to working on-the-ground with local communities including indigenous communities;
• Outgoing and proactive, initiative-taking person with a goal oriented mind-set;
• Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
• Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities and able to work with minimum supervision;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Proficient copywriting skills with ability to draft social media content, impact stories, etc;
• Experienced in digital monitoring to capture media mentions, with the ability to consolidate data into organized Excel dashboards for tracking and capturing.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• Currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree; or
• Have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a bachelor’s degree or equivalent studies; or
• Enrolled in a placement year / industrial placement / sandwich placement / traineeship programme and undertake the internship as part of this programme.

Field of study: ​​All academic backgrounds welcome, but preference will be given to candidates with mass communication, public relations, journalism, marketing, graphic design, media studies​​ or equivalent.

Language skills:

​​​Working competencies of Bahasa Malaysia and English​​ is required

Experience:

Technical skills:

• Knowledge and proficient use of Microsoft Office productivity tools is required particularly Excel, Powerpoint and Teams
• Knowledge and use of design tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)
• Basic to intermediate proficiency in shooting videos and/or editing software (CapCut, etc.)

Working Arrangements

• The Malaysia-UN SDG Trust Fund will provide a stipend in the amount of RM637.50 monthly in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship policy. All expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern or her/his sponsoring entity;
• The Malaysia-UN SDG Trust Fund accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
• Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed;
• Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UN during the period of the internship;
• Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of the internship. UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship. Interns must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan.
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UN in any official capacity;
• Interns are expected to work full time but flexibility is allowed for education programmes;
• Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.
• Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship.
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
• The purpose of the internship is not to lead to further employment with UNDP, but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.
• The intern will be evaluated at the end of the contract.

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

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