Associate Donor Relations Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting is for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), an organization established to protect and support refugees and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR's mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. The organization operates in over 130 countries, with a workforce of more than 18,000 employees dedicated to providing assistance and protection to millions of refugees and displaced individuals. UNHCR was established in 1950 and has since been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, advocating for the rights of refugees and working towards durable solutions for their plight. The organization is committed to upholding the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence in its operations, striving to create a world where every person can live in safety and dignity.

Job Overview:
The Associate Donor Relations Officer plays a crucial role within the UNHCR, focusing on maintaining proactive dialogue with governmental donors and UN agencies. This position is essential for building relationships, raising awareness, and mobilizing political and financial support for UNHCR's work and priorities. The incumbent will be responsible for pursuing opportunities for donor engagement, strengthening partnerships, and identifying fundraising opportunities. The role requires a deep understanding of UNHCR's operations, particularly in high-profile and emergency situations, to effectively serve the information needs of donors. The Associate Donor Relations Officer will work closely with the Senior Donor Relations Officer and other units within the Public Partnerships and Financing Service (PPFS) to ensure that donor requirements are met and that UNHCR's funding needs are communicated effectively. This position is vital for supporting the organization's fundraising strategies and ensuring that donor contributions are tracked and managed appropriately.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Donor Relations Officer include assisting in maintaining close dialogue with donor governments, providing information on UNHCR operations and financial requirements, and responding to ad hoc requests from donors. The incumbent will keep abreast of UNHCR's global operations, focusing on high-profile and emergency situations to serve donor information needs. The role involves identifying new donors and funding sources, drafting internal and external correspondence, and preparing submissions for specific funding requests. The Associate Donor Relations Officer will monitor and track donor contributions, assist in implementing fundraising strategies, arrange meetings with donors, and prepare reports using UNHCR's information management systems. Additionally, the incumbent will provide guidance on UNHCR's involvement in humanitarian financing and support the Field in engaging with Refugee Response Plans. The role may also require performing regional focal point duties and managing risks related to donor engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Associate Donor Relations Officer position must possess a minimum of three years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, two years with a graduate degree, or one year with a doctorate. Essential qualifications include experience in external engagement with donors, UN agencies, and partners, as well as professional work experience in field operations. Knowledge of UNHCR's operational arrangements, relief programs, and funding needs is crucial. Desirable qualifications include experience in fundraising and program management, strong research and report writing skills, and an understanding of major donor perspectives and requirements. Functional skills required for the position include resource mobilization techniques, donor reporting systems, strategic communication, and networking abilities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Associate Donor Relations Officer position includes a degree in International Relations, Political Science, Social Sciences, Journalism, Communication, Public Policy, or a related field. Candidates must have completed their university education with a Bachelor's degree as a minimum requirement, with advanced degrees being advantageous for the role.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position includes a minimum of three years of relevant experience for candidates with an undergraduate degree, two years for those with a graduate degree, and one year for those with a doctorate. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in external engagement with donors and UN agencies, as well as professional work experience in field operations. Familiarity with UNHCR's operational needs and fundraising strategies is highly desirable.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also required. Candidates should possess at least a B2 level of proficiency in the required languages, with fluency in Korean being essential for applicants from Korea.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Junior Professional Officer (JPO) role and is reserved exclusively for candidates with Korean nationality. The application deadline is June 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM CEST. The position is full-time and based in Nairobi, Kenya, under the direct supervision of the Senior Donor Relations Officer. Candidates must submit a complete application in English, including a letter of interest, proof of education, and English proficiency test scores. Additional requirements include a certificate of military service for male applicants and documentation for low-income applicants or persons with disabilities. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to a safe and respectful working environment, adhering to UNHCR's core values and principles.