Job Description

On-site + Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia MYR 1 - MYR 5,874 per month UNU-IIGH

Job description

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About United Nations University

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. UNU's mission is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.


For the past four decades, United Nations University (UNU) has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU's work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

About the Institute (UNU-IIGH, Kuala Lumpur)

UNU-International Institute for Global Health is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-IIGH was established in 2005 with the mission to advance evidence-based policy on key issues related to sustainable development and global health. UNU-IIGH aims to build knowledge and capacity for decision-making by UN agencies, UN programmes and Member States towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Leveraging its position within the UN, UNU-IIGH works with a network of academic, policy and civil society experts to serve as a platform for critical thinking and exchange of knowledge and tools for policy influence and consensus-building. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu/iigh.

Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Director, the successful candidate is entrusted with the following responsibilities:

Ensure proper coordination of day-to-day operations of the Office of the Director

Work in close collaboration with colleagues from UNU Centre (Headquarters) to ensure an efficient flow of information, actions on instructions and agendas. Liaise with the UN and other international and national institutions in the preparation of contributions to UN reports and coordination mechanisms. Ensure effective and efficient functioning of the Director's office, full confidentiality in all official communication, maintenance of protocol procedures, management of information flow, and follow-up on deadlines and commitments. Work in close liaison with other staff and networks with external organizations. Manage scheduling of the director and maintains Director's files. When needed, undertake representational duties on behalf of the Office of the Director. Plan and co-ordinate arrangements for meetings and receptions relating to the Office of the Director in coordination with other units, including preparing and/or processing administrative requests/documents. Coordinate and monitor multiple and diverse activities and work processes to ensure that management directives and decisions are properly carried out and products are delivered in a timely manner. Take full responsibility for time and travel management and scheduling on behalf of Director, arranging appointments and preparing background/briefing material for official meetings and travel missions. Acts as travel liaison for Director's official missions. Effectively prioritize and resolve related conflicts and competing demands. Perform a variety of administrative duties including preparing and/or processing administrative requests/documents (e.g., travel requests, expense claims, vouchers, visa applications, etc.). Independently handle a wide range of complex information requests and inquiries, respond or draft responses to these queries. Exercise quality control function for outgoing documents and electronic content; proofread and edit texts (for adherence for format, grammar, punctuation, and style). Screen and prioritize incoming correspondence; draft responses where appropriate and monitor and follow up on actions to be taken. When required, serve as a communications link on behalf of the Office of the Director by keeping relevant persons informed by conveying directives, reports, status updates, and other relevant information, bringing sensitive and urgent matters to the attention of the appropriate personnel. Support the Directorate in presentations to intergovernmental bodies and other meetings through background research, briefing notes, slides, relevant documentation, etc. Compile and analyse data from a variety of sources (including UNU's ERP System), summarizing and presenting conclusions for review by the Directorate.

2. Act as liaison with the International Advisory Board of UNU-IIGH

Arrange annual IAB meetings, coordinating with other staff as required Act as travel liaison for the IAB members Prepares minutes of the meetings for circulation and maintain board files.

3. Assist in Administrative Support

Arrange staff meetings and bilateral meetings with Research Leads, prepare agenda and minutes of minutes for circulation and follow-up actions Provide substantive administrative support in managing priorities and workflow of the office for official functions and office activities Assist in coordinating program and project planning, preparation, implementation, monitoring and closure under the Directorate. Assist the Head of Operations in preparing, analyzing programme, project budget in Quantum when needed Assist in managing quality control checks for all outgoing documents

4. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director

Competencies

Values:

Inclusion

- Take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity.

Integrity

- Act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards.

Humility

- Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others.

Humanity

- Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.

Behaviours:

Connect and Collaborate

- Build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN

Analyse and Plan

- Seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action

Deliver Results with Positive Impact

- Hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves

Learn and Develop

- Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others

Adapt and Innovate

- Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

Qualifications

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Required Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in business or public administration or any other discipline relevant to the mission and operations of the Institute. 5 years of relevant work experience related to public administration or programme management, preferably in an international environment. Possess leadership, problem solving skills and ability to maintain office records in an accurate and systematic manner. Demonstrated experience in the use of MS Office applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, etc.) Knowledge and experience in using an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and any web-based management system is an asset Experience in drafting complex reports, communications, and presentations is required. Ability to perform a broad range of specialized activities including data/schedule management, maintenance of protocol, information flow Ability to create, edit and present information in clear and presentable formats, using appropriate IT functionality Ability to handle a large volume of work possibly under time constraints Ability to handle establish, build and sustain effective relationships with clients, demonstrating understanding of client's perspective; ability to anticipate client needs and addresses them promptly Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity Knowledge or experience in a health-related field would be a significant advantage. Fluency in oral and written English is required; working knowledge of Bahasa Malaysia and/or any other United Nations official languages is an asset.

Desirable

Experience with government senior officials or senior level officials in the UN with a thorough knowledge of UN operations, structure and administrative procedures is a distinctive advantage. Familiarity with the UN system is an asset. Knowledge of United Nations administrative processes and procedures is desirable. Other Desirable Skills: Initiative, strong conceptual abilities, sound judgment, drafting ability, resilience, and an interest in development work. A self-starter who can multi-task and work under minimal supervision with high resilience.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a national PSA contract. UNU offers a competitive compensation package, including a monthly net salary of RM6,899.58 commensurate with the candidate's experience and qualifications. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.



UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of contract holders.

Duration of contract

The duration of the initial contract is 12 months. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration of a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.


Applicant must be a Malaysian resident holding a valid passport and /or identity card, or a valid Resident Permit to work and live in the country.

Expected Start Date:

As soon as possible

How to Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

Apply via the apply link; fill out the

UNU P11 Form

(please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations or else, will be disqualified); provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.

You may wish to refer to the

UN Values and Behaviours Framework

for more information.

Application Deadline: 12 October 2025 (11.59pm MYT)

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks, and references.

Special Notice

PSA holders do no hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a "staff member" as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations. PSA holders may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised.


UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply. UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. If you have supervisory function you need to have awareness on gender related issues.

Information about UNU rosters

UNU 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 UNU at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam warning

UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.