External Relations Officer / Donor Relations Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) established to assist in the investigation and prosecution of individuals responsible for serious crimes under law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 201

• The IIIM operates with a mission to ensure accountability for these crimes and to support the pursuit of justice for victims. The organization is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and is part of the broader United Nations system, which emphasizes human rights, humanitarian assistance, and international law. The IIIM is committed to upholding the principles of impartiality and independence in its operations, and it collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, intergovernmental organizations, and civil society, to achieve its objectives. The organization aims to strengthen international cooperation in addressing serious violations of human rights and to promote the rule of law in conflict-affected areas. The IIIM is staffed by a diverse team of professionals dedicated to advancing its mission and operates in a challenging environment that requires strategic thinking and effective resource mobilization.

Job Overview:
The External Relations Officer / Donor Relations Officer will play a crucial role in implementing fundraising strategies established by the IIIM. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of Staff and will be responsible for strengthening partnerships with governments, intergovernmental organizations, and other stakeholders. This position requires a proactive approach to building new relationships and negotiating contributions with key donors. The officer will also provide strategic advice to the Chief of Staff and IIIM-Syria staff on fundraising and resource mobilization issues. The role involves developing an in-depth understanding of donor policies and identifying opportunities for enhanced cooperation. The officer will be expected to contribute to a coherent office-wide approach to fundraising, ensuring compliance with UN rules and procedures, and monitoring the implementation of contributions. The position demands strong communication and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to analyze complex issues and present clear arguments. The officer will also represent the IIIM in relevant meetings and assist in the planning and preparation of the Section's annual budget and work programme.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: 1) Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with donors, including governments and intergovernmental organizations, to achieve a broad donor base for IIIM-Syria. This includes understanding donor policies, leading fundraising strategies, and organizing donor briefings. 2) Ensure a consistent approach to fundraising across the office by advising leadership on policies and strategies, preparing written outputs for senior management, and monitoring compliance with donor reporting obligations. 3) Serve as the focal point for a portfolio of donors, negotiating contributions, preparing funding submissions, and coordinating presentations of strategies to donors. 4) Contribute to the organizational effectiveness of IIIM-Syria by representing the Head in meetings, participating in budget planning, and assisting the Chief of Staff as required. The role requires a collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively within a team to achieve organizational goals.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a comprehensive understanding of the international donor community and familiarity with the UN system, particularly regarding financial rules and regulations. The incumbent should possess strong analytical skills, good negotiating abilities, and a commitment to professionalism. The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is essential, as is the capacity to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders. The officer should demonstrate persistence in overcoming challenges and a commitment to gender perspectives in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in social and political science, public administration, business administration and management, economics, international relations, or related fields is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of international relations and donor engagement.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in human rights, humanitarian, or development work is required, with at least five years specifically in donor relations and resource mobilization. Experience within the UN common system is essential, along with proven negotiation skills with donors and governments. Familiarity with results-based management and experience with enterprise resource planning systems or fund management tools is desirable. Additionally, experience in developing partnerships with non-traditional donors, such as foundations and private sector entities, is advantageous.

Languages:
English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in either French, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish, or Russian is desirable. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages will enhance the officer's capacity to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and contribute to the IIIM's mission.

Additional Notes:
The job does not specify the contract duration or seniority level, but it is implied that the position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description, but candidates can expect to be part of a reputable international organization with a commitment to professional development and a supportive work environment.