Volunteer Research and Analytical Support

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Established in 1945, UNESCO aims to build peace through international cooperation in education, sciences, and culture. The organization plays a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 201

• UNESCO's mission is rooted in the belief that peace begins in the minds of individuals, and thus, it focuses on fostering a culture of peace through educational initiatives and cultural exchanges. With a history that dates back to the aftermath of World War II, UNESCO has evolved to become a global leader in promoting education, cultural heritage, and scientific collaboration across its member states. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, engaging with various stakeholders to enhance educational systems and cultural understanding.

Job Overview:
The volunteer position is designed to support the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen in its strategic objective of expanding and strengthening its donor base. This role is particularly focused on engaging with regional philanthropic institutions, foundations, and development partners. The volunteer will contribute to UNESCO's global efforts in resource mobilization and strategic partnerships by building a comprehensive knowledge base around donor priorities, funding mechanisms, and partnership trends. The work will be integral to the office's broader program of donor intelligence gathering, pipeline development, and proposal support. The volunteer's contributions will help inform the design of engagement strategies, preparation of funding proposals, and articulation of value propositions tailored to specific donor profiles. This position is crucial in a context where the office is managing multiple concept notes and aligning its programming with emerging donor interests in areas such as education, climate resilience, cultural heritage protection, and digital transformation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The volunteer will undertake a variety of tasks to provide research and analytical support, including: conducting desk research on regional and global donors, including foundations, funds, and private sector entities; mapping current funding priorities, thematic focus areas, and geographic scope of key regional donors; compiling donor profiles, funding trends, and partnership models relevant to UNESCO’s areas of work; identifying upcoming calls for proposals or expressions of interest; and preparing briefing notes or short digests to support internal discussions and donor engagement planning. The volunteer will work under the guidance of the Partnerships Officer and will not be expected to directly contact donors. The expected outputs of this assignment include donor profiles and research notes, structured donor mappings, and updates on emerging opportunities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this volunteer position should possess strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and concise formats. Familiarity with donor landscapes, funding mechanisms, and partnership models is highly desirable. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a proactive approach to problem-solving and possess excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks effectively. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, as the volunteer will be preparing briefing notes and research outputs for internal use. Additionally, a keen interest in international development, education, and cultural heritage will be beneficial for this role.

Educational Background:
A background in international relations, development studies, social sciences, or a related field is preferred for this volunteer position. Candidates should ideally be pursuing or have completed a degree in one of these areas, as this will provide the necessary theoretical framework and understanding of the global context in which UNESCO operates. Relevant coursework or experience related to research methodologies, donor engagement, or project management will be advantageous.

Experience:
While prior experience in research or donor engagement is not mandatory, any relevant internships or volunteer experiences in international organizations, NGOs, or similar settings will be considered a plus. Candidates should demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to the dynamic environment of international cooperation and development. The role is suitable for individuals looking to gain practical experience in research and analytical support within a reputable international organization.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all research outputs and communications will be conducted in English. Knowledge of Arabic or French would be considered an asset, as it may enhance the volunteer's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and resources relevant to the Gulf region and UNESCO's work.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position, and as such, it may not offer financial compensation. However, it provides valuable experience and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects within UNESCO. The role may be part-time or full-time, depending on the availability of the volunteer and the needs of the office. The position is based in Qatar, and candidates should be prepared to work in a multicultural environment, collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders.