Advisor - UN & Global Donor Engagement

Job Posting Organization:
The Awards Management Unit (AMU) is a crucial part of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), responsible for identifying, securing, and managing all funding from government donors. The AMU acts as a bridge between donors and the IRC’s operational work on the ground, providing expert technical advice to colleagues delivering services worldwide. The unit ensures compliance with donor policies and procedures while managing risks associated with funding. The IRC’s Crisis Response, Recovery & Development department (CRRD), where this role is situated, leads the organization’s efforts in crisis-affected contexts globally. The IRC is dedicated to helping people affected by humanitarian crises and has been operational for many years, employing a diverse workforce across multiple countries.

Job Overview:
The Advisor - UN & Global Donor Engagement will report to the Director of European Donor Engagement and play a pivotal role in supporting the IRC’s Business Development (BD) Strategy. This position focuses on enhancing donor engagement and influence with key United Nations (UN) agencies, including UNHCR, OCHA, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UN Women. The Advisor will provide flexible business coordination for the broader portfolio and will be responsible for internal and external account management functions to support engagement with these donors. The role requires expertise and leadership in donor relations, coordinating with various teams on UN-related analysis, business development, and policy engagement. The Advisor will also support the development and implementation of strategies for proactive donor and partner relationships on behalf of the IRC, fostering positive working relationships across the organization, including with the Awards Management Unit, International Division (CRRD), and External Relations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The major responsibilities of the Advisor include supporting the development of comprehensive multi-year business development strategic plans for relevant UN agencies, with a focus on UNHCR, UNICEF, UN-OCHA, UNFPA, and UN Women. The Advisor will conduct research, generate data, and analyze priority donors within the engagement portfolio. They will collaborate with compliance, regional, and technical staff to review due diligence and support new UN donor assessment processes. The role involves identifying, researching, and updating relevant data and analysis on donor strategies and peer activities. Additionally, the Advisor will facilitate meetings between UN donors and IRC leadership, prepare briefing materials for key meetings, and represent the IRC at external events and forums. They will also maintain up-to-date knowledge of UN donor strategies relevant to IRC’s work, providing analyses of press releases and policies, and disseminating this information internally. The Advisor will track and maintain a register of UN donor engagement using Salesforce and contribute to the improvement of tools and resources for engagement and relationship building.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess experience in humanitarian or development business development, donor relations, policy, or advocacy, or a combination of these areas. Knowledge of working with or for UN and/or humanitarian and development donors is essential. Strong collaboration skills in a large organizational setting are required, along with excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to develop briefing documents. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced and changing environment with multiple stakeholders. Good analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail are necessary, as well as experience in reviewing policies and reports and producing guidance for relevant staff. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with others are also critical.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position typically includes a degree in international relations, public policy, development studies, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred, particularly for candidates with extensive experience in donor engagement and business development within the humanitarian sector.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience in the field, ideally with a minimum of several years working in donor relations, business development, or a related area within humanitarian or development contexts. Experience working directly with UN agencies or similar organizations is highly valued, as is a proven track record of successful engagement with high-level stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in additional languages relevant to the IRC’s work, such as French or Spanish, is considered a strong asset. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication skills in both written and spoken forms.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and candidates must have the right to work within the United States. The IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and encourages applications from individuals who can contribute to this goal. The recruitment process will include a screening call, followed by a first round panel interview and a second round panel interview, all conducted online. Compensation for this role is competitive and ranges based on various factors, including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget, with a specific pay range for the UK being £54,800 - £58,736.