Individuals Fundraising Specialist

Individuals Fundraising Specialist

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

January 28, 2026February 3, 2026Switzerland
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and operates with a mission to ensure that every child has the right to hope. UNICEF employs thousands of individuals globally, working tirelessly to address the needs of children and families in various contexts, including emergencies and developmental settings.

Job Overview:
The Individuals Fundraising Specialist position is situated within the Country Office Development and Support (CODAS) section of the Private Fundraising and Partnerships Division (PFP) in Geneva, Switzerland. This role is pivotal in supporting fundraising efforts across various regions, including Eastern and Central Asia (ECA), East Asia and the Pacific (EAP), Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA), Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and West and Central Africa (WCARO). The incumbent will collaborate closely with Cluster and Country Office Managers, as well as various teams within UNICEF, to ensure that the necessary infrastructure for fundraising is established and optimized. The role involves strategic planning, development, and implementation of individual fundraising activities aimed at maximizing revenue potential and improving donor retention and lifetime value. The specialist will also be responsible for monitoring fundraising strategies, developing donor reporting, and maintaining market intelligence to enhance fundraising efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Individuals Fundraising Specialist include:
  • Collaborating with countries and Clusters to ensure the fundraising infrastructure is established, including negotiating contracts and KPIs with agencies and providers.
  • Coordinating the strategic planning and implementation of individual fundraising activities to optimize revenue potential.
  • Monitoring and facilitating the execution of fundraising strategies and work plans to meet established targets.
  • Developing and managing individual donor reporting and analysis to strategically grow income.
  • Keeping abreast of market developments and successful fundraising techniques used within UNICEF.
  • Working with creative designers to develop high-performing creative assets tailored for various markets.
  • Managing the optimization of donor journeys to enhance donor engagement and retention metrics.
  • Collaborating with the Business Intelligence specialist to optimize the Salesforce database and donor insights for effective communication strategies.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Individuals Fundraising Specialist position include:
  • An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or higher) in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Fundraising, Management, or a relevant technical field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted.
  • A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in Private Sector Fundraising, Management, or a related field.
  • Proven experience in delivering multimillion-dollar fundraising targets and establishing fundraising operations and infrastructure.
  • Experience working in developing markets or for a UNICEF regional or country office is essential.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead large teams to successful outcomes and establish fundraising infrastructure and procurement processes.
  • Experience with digital fundraising providers is an asset.
  • Proven ability to work in multicultural environments and with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or higher) in fields such as Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Fundraising, Management, or another relevant technical area. Alternatively, candidates with a first-level university degree and two additional years of qualifying experience may be considered. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of fundraising and management within a global context.

Experience:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in Private Sector Fundraising, Management, or a related technical field. This experience should include a strong track record of meeting and exceeding fundraising targets, particularly in developing markets or within UNICEF's operational framework. Proven experience in establishing fundraising infrastructure and leading teams is essential, as is familiarity with digital fundraising strategies and tools.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other UN official languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse and international environment.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is governed by UNICEF's policies and procedures, and individuals engaged under this contract will not be considered staff members. Payment for professional fees will be based on the submission of agreed deliverables, and UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if deliverables do not meet the required standards. Selected candidates must ensure they have valid visas and health insurance for the duration of the contract. Additionally, candidates are required to confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19 with a WHO-endorsed vaccine, although this requirement does not apply to those working remotely. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abilities.
Apply now
Similar Jobs