Donors Relations Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East, established to provide assistance and protection to Palestine refugees. With over 30,000 staff members, UNRWA operates in five areas of operation, focusing on education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance. The agency is dedicated to helping Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development despite the challenging circumstances they face. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual contributions. The organization emphasizes the importance of neutrality, impartiality, and integrity in its operations, and it is committed to achieving gender parity and diversity within its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Donors Relations Officer plays a crucial role in managing relationships with a portfolio of donors and is responsible for organizing and participating in missions to donor capitals and UNRWA fields. This position requires a high level of customer service to local donor representatives and officials, as well as the ability to gather market research on target countries to assess their fundraising potential. The officer will actively pursue innovative funding opportunities and develop country strategy papers in close coordination with senior management. Additionally, the role involves preparing briefing documents for senior management, ensuring accurate dissemination of information regarding UNRWA’s functions, and contributing to the Agency’s Resource Mobilization Strategy. The officer will also monitor the implementation of projects funded by various donor countries and negotiate bilateral agreements and project proposals, ensuring timely submission of reports and enhancing the quality of proposals and report writing.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage relationships with a portfolio of donors and organize missions to donor capitals and UNRWA fields.
• Provide high-level customer service to donor representatives and officials.
• Conduct market research on target countries to assess fundraising potential.
• Develop country strategy papers and work plans in coordination with senior management.
• Prepare briefing documents for senior management, including the Commissioner-General and other relevant members.
• Disseminate accurate information regarding UNRWA’s functions among government officials, media, and civil society.
• Analyze and edit project progress reports and draft correspondence for fundraising and advocacy.
• Contribute to the implementation of the Agency’s Resource Mobilization Strategy.
• Monitor the implementation of projects funded by donors and negotiate agreements and proposals. 1
• Liaise with Field Offices and donors for proposal preparation and ensure timely submission of reports. 1
• Provide guidance to enhance the quality of proposals and report writing. 1
• Strengthen UNRWA’s brand profile with donors through effective communication tools and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in political science, international relations, business or public administration, law, economics, development, or humanitarian studies. Additionally, at least five years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, donor relations, political analysis, or project management in the context of the UN or international organizations is required. Candidates must also declare any affiliations that could impact their neutrality and independence in their duties for UNRWA.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited institution in relevant fields such as political science, international relations, business administration, law, economics, development, or humanitarian studies is required. A first-level university degree combined with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible and relevant experience in fundraising, donor relations, political analysis, and/or institutional cooperation project management. Furthermore, candidates must have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and their country of citizenship unless they are already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of another United Nations language is desirable but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is a UN Regular Budget post with a contract duration of 2 years, with the possibility of extension. The incumbent will be required to travel within the Agency’s area of operations. Applications must be fully completed in UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, and late applications will not be accepted. UNRWA encourages applications from qualified candidates with disabilities and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. The agency does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is a non-smoking work environment.