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, focusing on delivering essential services such as 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 inclusivity in its workforce, 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 region's strategy on external relations and fundraising. This position involves managing relationships with key donors across Asia, ensuring a high level of responsiveness and service. The officer actively seeks innovative funding opportunities from both public and private donors in the wider Asia region. The role requires providing strategic counsel to senior management, negotiating bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with donors, and drafting project proposals in coordination with field offices. The officer is also responsible for producing briefing materials and talking points for senior management, promoting the Agency's Resource Mobilization Strategy, and organizing senior-level missions to donor capitals. Additionally, the officer contributes to the development of outreach materials and media to enhance public awareness and fundraising efforts, ensuring proactive coordination with various departments and field offices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Donor Relations Officer's duties include:

• Contributing to the development and implementation of the region's strategy on external relations and fundraising.
• Managing relationships with key donors across Asia and providing high-quality service.
• Actively 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 project proposals and progress reports in collaboration with field offices.
• Producing briefing materials and talking points for senior management.
• Promoting the Agency's Resource Mobilization Strategy through concrete actions.
• Organizing and participating in senior-level missions to donor capitals and major meetings. 1
• Contributing to the development of outreach materials for public awareness and fundraising. 1
• Ensuring proactive coordination with concerned departments and timely follow-up on donor-funded projects and external relations activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least seven years of progressively responsible and relevant 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. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of experience managing mid-size teams. Knowledge of UNRWA and the wider UN system is desirable, as is experience working with major Asian donors such as Japan, Korea, or China. Candidates must also indicate their current involvement in outside activities, which may include employment, consulting, board memberships, public speaking, teaching, and voluntary work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree from an accredited educational institution in political science, international relations, public administration, law, economics, or a related discipline is required. A first-level university degree combined with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates must also have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and their country of citizenship, as well as a valid passport or national identity number.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in donor relations and fundraising, with a focus on working for national or international organizations. This experience should include a proven track record in fundraising efforts specifically within Asia. Additionally, candidates must have at least five years of experience managing mid-size teams, demonstrating leadership and organizational skills.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. 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, subject to the possibility of further extension. Applications must be fully completed in UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, and late applications will not be accepted. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The agency also welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities. A roster may be created from this selection exercise, allowing successful candidates to be eligible for future appointments to similar posts. UNRWA does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes the importance of providing accurate and complete information in applications.