Senior Donor Relations Officer (Asia)

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 and is dedicated to helping Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development despite the challenging circumstances they face. The agency is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donations. UNRWA is committed to gender balance and diversity within its workforce, actively encouraging applications from under-represented groups and individuals with disabilities. For more information about UNRWA, visit their official website at https://www.unrwa.org/.

Job Overview:
The Senior Donor Relations Officer (Asia) plays a crucial role in developing and implementing the agency's strategy for external relations and fundraising within the Asia region. This position involves managing relationships with key donors, ensuring a high level of responsiveness and service, and actively seeking innovative funding opportunities from both public and private donors. The officer will provide strategic counsel to senior management, negotiate agreements with donors, and draft project proposals in collaboration with field offices. The role also includes producing briefing materials for senior officials and promoting the agency's Resource Mobilization Strategy through concrete actions. The officer will participate in high-level missions to donor capitals and engage in major meetings and conferences, contributing to the agency's visibility and public awareness efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Donor Relations Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks including:

• Developing and implementing the region's strategy on external relations and fundraising.
• Managing relationships with key donors across Asia and ensuring high-quality service.
• Pursuing innovative funding opportunities from public and private donors.
• Providing counsel to the Director of Partnerships and senior management.
• Negotiating bilateral agreements and MOUs with donors.
• Drafting and reviewing project proposals and progress reports.
• Producing correspondence for fundraising and advocacy purposes.
• Creating briefing materials for senior management and other officials.
• Promoting and implementing the Resource Mobilization Strategy. 1
• Organizing and participating in senior-level missions and donor field trips. 1
• Developing outreach materials for public awareness and fundraising. 1
• Ensuring proactive coordination with various departments and offices regarding donor-funded projects and external relations activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in political science, international relations, public administration, law, economics, or a related discipline. Additionally, candidates should have at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in donor relations and fundraising, particularly within a national or international organization or development agency. A proven track record in fundraising within Asia is essential, along with at least five years of experience managing mid-size teams. Knowledge of the UN system and experience working with major Asian donors such as Japan, Korea, or China is desirable. Candidates should also indicate any outside activities they are involved in, as this information is required for the application process.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree from an accredited institution in political science, international relations, public administration, law, economics, or a related field is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree combined with additional years of qualifying experience may also be considered. All university degrees must be clearly stated in the application, and candidates must have relevant international experience outside of their home country, unless they are already serving as international staff members in the UN Common System.

Experience:
Candidates are required to have at least seven years of relevant experience in donor relations and fundraising, with a strong emphasis on experience within Asia. This experience should include a proven track record in fundraising and managing teams, as well as involvement in various outside activities that demonstrate engagement in relevant fields. Candidates must also have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside of UNRWA and their country of nationality.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking according to the UN Language Framework. Knowledge of a second UN language is desirable, and command of a major East Asian language is also considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a UN Regular Budget post with a contract duration of one year, which may be extended based on performance and organizational needs. Applications must be submitted through UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, and only fully completed applications will be considered. The agency emphasizes the importance of providing accurate information in applications, as any misleading information can lead to disqualification. UNRWA is committed to gender balance and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The agency maintains a non-smoking work environment and adheres to strict standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.