Programme Assistant – Policy Engagement

Details

Mission and objectives

UNDP works in more than 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience to sustain development results. UNDP has been present in Malawi since 1964.
Working closely with the Government of Malawi, civil society and the private sector, UNDP’ s work aims to contribute to economic growth, sustainable environmental management, and democratic governance and accountability in Malawi.
UNDP’s Country Programme Document is closely aligned to the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MDGS III) and supports Malawi’s aim to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
UNDP ‘s programme is designed to address the interlinked issues of poverty, inequality and vulnerability to shocks and is managed within two portfolios:
Responsive Institutions and Citizen Engagement which works towards strengthening effective, accountable and inclusive governance that promotes civic engagement, respect for human rights, rule of law, peace and democracy. It also works towards strengthening data generation and analysis.
Resilience and Sustainable Growth which focusses on enhancing economic innovation, inclusive business, job creation, and renewable energy access. It also works towards helping Malawi adapt to climate change and build resilience to disasters.

Context

The UNDP is implementing a Private Sector Development Programme (PSDP) that aims to contribute to Government’s efforts to accelerate the country’s transition to a productive, competitive, and resilient nation. The programme is aligned with SDG 8 to “Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all” and SDG 9 to: “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. The PSDP deploys a suite of instruments including the Malawi Innovation Challenge Fund (MICF), the Growth Accelerator and newly created instruments (Green Economic Transition Facility, Impact Investment Fund and Business Incubation) as part of the continuum of the entrepreneurial journey, from early to growth stage enterprises.
Furthermore, the programme includes a dynamic element focused on policymaking, aiming to create a conducive business environment for Malawi’s private sector. This particular aspect will gain greater significance in the upcoming PSD programme, which is set to span from 2024 to 2028. Under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator (Inclusive/Green Business), and in close collaboration with Programme Analyst, the Programme Assistant will provide administrative and programmatic support to the implementation of project activities in accordance with UN Financial and Project Management Rules and Procedures and, in doing so, contribute to the efficient implementation of the programme.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Programme Coordinator (Inclusive/Green Business) or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Programme Assistant – Policy Engagement will:
1. Support upstream policy initiatives aimed at accelerating a conducive business environment in liaison with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and other related MDAs;
– Assist in advancing upstream policy initiatives aimed at fostering a favourable business environment, and collaborating with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Environment, Natural Resources, Labor and Finance.
– Supports initiatives related to the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
– Facilitates engagement on the Guided Trade Initiative with The Ministry of Trade, in collaboration with the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
– Supports UNDP’s legal support to Ministry of Justice to in order to accelerate the advancement of various legislative initiatives, such as the SEZ Bill, MSME Bill, Investment and Export Promotion Bill, Competition and Fair-Trading Bill, amongst other.
– Supports ad hoc requests related to upstream policy work and initiatives as received by Technical Agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders support the preparation of research papers on issues related to the business enabling environment.
2. Lead on the completion of outstanding Legislation work with Ministry of Trade and Industry support towards the Buy Malawi Strategy (BMS);
– Support to completion and finalization of the Anti-smuggling and counterfeiting Bills in conjunction with appropriate stakeholders i.e. CFTC, MBS, MRA etc.
– Support to adoption and roll-out of the Automated Trade Licensing system and any other related tasks.
– Leads on the Buy Malawian, Build Malawi exit strategy and supports the preparation of a sustainability plan.
– Perform other duties and task as requested related to the implementation of the programme.
3. Provide Administrative support to the Private Sector Development Project.
Assists in Procurement process for the projects as requested.
– Assists with logistical and administrative arrangements for project management and quality assurance meetings such as Steering Committee Meetings, Review meetings etc.
– Maintains a filing system for all programme documents including quarterly reports, financial reports including payment vouchers and delivery reports, and project asset inventory.
– Performs other duties and tasks as requested related to the implementation of the programme.