External Relations Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the largest UN 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 committed 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 gender balance and diversity within its workforce, encouraging applications from under-represented groups and individuals with disabilities. For more information, visit their official website at https://www.unrwa.org.

Job Overview:
The External Relations Officer is responsible for managing relationships with a portfolio of donors, organizing and participating in missions to donor capitals and UNRWA fields, and ensuring high levels of customer service to local donor representatives. The role involves gathering market research to assess fundraising potential, preparing briefing documents for senior management, and disseminating accurate information about UNRWA's functions. The officer will contribute to the Agency's Resource Mobilization Strategy and support senior managers in policy-level discussions with Member State civil servants. Additionally, the officer will monitor the implementation of projects funded by various donors, negotiate agreements, and provide guidance to Field Offices and Headquarters Departments to enhance proposal quality. This position requires proactive coordination with various departments and stakeholders to ensure timely follow-up on donor-funded projects and external relations activities.

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 local 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 of the Executive Office.
• 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.
• Organize donor field trips and participate in discussions with Member State civil servants. 1
• Monitor the implementation of projects funded by various donors and negotiate bilateral agreements. 1
• Liaise with Field Offices and donors for proposal preparation and review final drafts for submission. 1
• Work with Finance Department and Programme Directors to verify information for proposals. 1
• Ensure timely submission of progress and final reports to donors. 1
• Strengthen UNRWA's brand profile with donors through communication tools and reporting. 1
• Coordinate with concerned departments and ensure timely follow-up on contributions and projects.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in political science, international relations, business or public administration, law, economics, development, or humanitarian studies.
• 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.
• At least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and outside the country of citizenship, unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System.
• Candidates must declare any current or past affiliations that could impact their neutrality or independence in performing their duties for UNRWA.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited institution in fields such as political science, international relations, business or public administration, law, economics, development, or humanitarian studies. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of international relations and the operational environment of UNRWA.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of progressively responsible and relevant experience in areas such as fundraising, donor relations, political analysis, and institutional cooperation project management. Candidates must also 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. Experience in East Asia is considered desirable, indicating a preference for candidates with a broader understanding of international dynamics and donor relations.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, and proficiency in Japanese is desirable, indicating an advantage for candidates who can communicate effectively in multiple languages, especially in donor relations.

Additional Notes:
This is a Project Funded position with a Fixed Term contract for one year, with the possibility of extension based on need, funds, and performance. The incumbent may be required to travel throughout UNRWA’s five fields of operation as operational requirements dictate. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce and strongly encourages female candidates to apply. Applications must be submitted through UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, and only fully completed applications will be considered. Late applications will not be accepted. The agency does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates are urged to provide accurate information in their applications.