Communications, Monitoring & Evaluation Associate

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 Office of the UN Resident Coordinator (UN RCO) is seeking to hire the position of a Communications, Monitoring and  Evaluation Associate (CME).

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Secretariat, the CME will work closely with the UN RCO Head of Office and Communications and Advocacy Officer, administratively reporting to the UNDP Operations Manager  and provide overall support to the Fund on communications and resource mobilization efforts as detailed out in the scope of work. The CME will have overall reporting to the UN RCO and indirectly to the Task Team and Steering Committee (SC) of the Fund.

This CME will undertake due diligence for potential applicants during each Call for Proposals cycle. This involves a comprehensive search for relevant news and social media content related to potential applicants.

Furthermore, the CME role requires active engagement with the public and stakeholders through various social media channels. This involves not only promoting the Fund and generating interest but also monitoring and keeping the Fund Secretariat informed of relevant news, feedback and public perception pertaining to the Fund and projects funded by the Fund.

The CME will also be responsible for closely monitoring the implementation, reporting and promotion of approved projects; and to monitor and highlight any negative media in connection with the Fund, its applicants, grantees and projects. Additionally, the CME will support the organization of and reporting on orientation, briefing and resource mobilization sessions related to the Fund. 

The CME will work under direct supervision of the Head of Secretariat. The CME will have overall reporting to the UN RCO and indirectly to the Task Team and Steering Committee (SC) of the Fund. The CME will administratively reporting to the UNDP Operations Manager. 

Provision of Communications Services

• Draft a communications strategy and work plan for the Fund, including activities to promote the Fund, the projects by the grantees and their results.
• Organize public awareness raising activities, consistent with the communications strategy.
• Work closely with the UN RCO, Task Team, Steering Committee, donors, and grantees in developing suitable communications and promotional materials, including for calls for proposals, resource mobilization, and communicating the value add of the Fund and impact of funded projects. 
• Develop, publish and diseminate effective communication products and promotional materials.
• Work closely with grantees of the Trust Fund in developing stories and communication materials on the results and impact of their projects and reports relating to the Fund.
• Monitor and manage public relations of the Fund and monitor the development and news of the Fund stakeholders and priority areas.
• Research, identify and engage with potential partners, develop opportunities for strategic partnerships and resource mobilization for the Trust Fund and manage relationships with existing partners.
• Organize required orientation, briefing and training sessions as well as resource mobilization events, including for the launch of calls for proposals, donor engagement, high-level field visits etc.
• Review grantee project reports, activity implementation reports, and site visits. Meet with communities and beneficiaries, and engage in written and oral communications with project stakeholders, beneficiaries, grant recipients and local communities to support M&E and communication plans.
• Assist in the monitoring of milestones and communicate key accomplishments of the projects to Fund stakeholders.

Provide Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Support

• In consultation with the Head of Secretariat, UN RCO and Task Team, develop a M&E framework and plans, track project indicators, prepare tools and collect and review monitoring data.
• Design and implement data collection and reporting protocols linked to project outcome indicators to support routine project progress reporting.
• Support data monitoring and its quality, tracking the progress of activities and identifying capacity building opportunities.
• Perform field visits as needed to monitor progress and ensure the quality of the data gathered by the grantee projects and to verify the accuracy of the reported data.
• Record, report and analyze data against indicators listed in the Fund’s Terms of Reference; and grantees’ Project Documents and their Results Framework, Work Plan and Budget indicators.
• Manage key interviews, survey and data collection, data review and analysis, and report writing.
• Assist the monitoring of gender markers, budget and monitoring of grantees’ communications plan.
• Assist in the preparation of quarterly and annual reports, in adherence to and compliance with project Results Framework, MPTFO Joint Programmes Reporting Standards and M&E frameworks as required by the Administrative Agent, Task Team and Steering Committee.

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

Business Management 

• Communication. Ability to 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.
• Partnerships Management, Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UN strategy and policies.
• Monitoring and evaluation. Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
• Project Management. Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals

Communications    

• Social Media management, Ability to represent and promote the UN brand in virtual communities and networks

Digital    

• Story telling. Ability to empathize with people’s perceptions, motivations, feelings and mental modes and craft narratives to build an emotive argument for change accordingly. Ability to present data, insights or information in compelling ways to mobilise resources, talent or action. Ability to choose media and channels that is fit for purpose to reach specific target audiences

• Additional certification communications is considered an asset