About SDSN

The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) has been operating since 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. We aim to accelerate joint learning and promote integrated approaches that address the interconnected economic, social, and environmental challenges confronting the world.

SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, the private sector, and civil society. It is directed by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs and operates through offices in New York, Paris, and Kuala Lumpur. The SDSN Asia office is hosted at Sunway University and operates under the leadership of Prof. Guillaume Lafortune, Vice President and Head of the Asia Office.

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated Special Assistant to support the Vice President on administrative, HR tasks and scheduling. In this role, you will provide high-level administrative support to the Vice President and Head, SDSN Asia. The role reports directly to the Vice President and works closely with the Director- Operations & Finance.

Working Arrangement: Full time, 1 year contract

Principal Responsibilities:

• Manage and coordinate the VP's calendar, appointments, and meeting coordination across multiple time zones.

• Arrange and coordinate business meetings, including venue bookings and catering logistics.

• Work with travel agencies to manage travel arrangements, including flights, accommodation, itineraries, visa applications, and related documentation and help the VP request all the necessary approvals.

• Compile invoices and claims for reimbursement related to the VP’s expenses.

• Support the VP in approving various claims and expenses submitted by staff members, in close coordination with the Director- Operations and Finance.

• Work with colleagues at SDSN Asia to support the preparation of large events and other activities and perform other tasks as needed.

• Liaise with SDSN Paris colleagues who work under the supervision of the VP as part of the Transformation Center when needed.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in human resource management, communications, public relations, business administration, or a related field.

• Requires 3 to 5 years of proven experience in executive support, corporate communications and public relations.

• Eligibility: Must be legally eligible to work and based in Malaysia.

• Communication Skills: Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages tailored to different audiences and communication channels.

• Language Proficiency: Excellent written and spoken English. Proficiency in other languages such as Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and/ or French would be an advantage.

• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in Google Workspace/MS Office.

• Time Management: Strong ability to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and support a dynamic executive schedule.

• Work Approach: Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to work independently with a high level of accuracy.

• Collaboration: Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, with experience working cross-functionally and managing relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

• Institutional knowledge: Knowledge of Sunway’s procedures, protocols and HR systems would be a strong plus.

Salary and application process:

Salary is commensurate with experience.

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter in English to the email address sdsn_kl@sunway.edu.my. . We will contact only those candidates whose profile meets our requirements.

Start Date: As soon as possible