Donor Relations Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established by the United Nations General Assembly, is dedicated to advocating for children's rights, meeting their basic needs, and expanding their opportunities for development. The organization operates globally, focusing on the protection and development of children, particularly in developing countries. UNICEF's mission is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, emphasizing the importance of children's rights as universal imperatives for human progress. The organization mobilizes resources and political will to ensure that children's needs are prioritized, especially in emergencies. UNICEF Bangladesh has significantly scaled up its operations in response to crises such as the Rohingya crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing its funding from approximately $60 million to over $150 million annually. The Partnerships Unit has been established to enhance fundraising efforts and manage donor relations effectively, ensuring that UNICEF can deliver impactful programs for children.

Job Overview:
The Donor Relations Officer will play a crucial role in the resource mobilization and partnerships team at UNICEF Bangladesh. This position is essential for ensuring that the funding needs of the organization are met while maintaining high standards in fundraising activities and donor reporting. The officer will work closely with various program sections and the Cox’s Bazar team to support the development of high-quality proposals and reports that align with donor expectations. The role involves updating and maintaining donor reporting requirements, providing quality assurance for proposals, and ensuring compliance with donor conditions. The officer will also be responsible for monitoring fund utilization and grant expiry, conducting research on donors, and coordinating donor engagements. This position is vital for sustaining UNICEF's humanitarian and development interventions, as timely and accurate donor reporting is critical for maintaining funding and credibility.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Donor Relations Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Update and maintain information on donor and program reporting requirements, ensuring timely inputs and submissions of proposals and reports.
• Collaborate with relevant sections to prepare high-quality concept notes, funding proposals, and donor reports, standardizing formats and ensuring adherence to donor requirements.
• Provide quality assurance for proposals and reports, including gathering information, editing, and branding.
• Ensure visibility requirements are communicated and collected for reporting purposes.
• Support sections in submitting grant extensions and program change requests to donors.
• Monitor funds utilization and grant expiry in collaboration with the Budget Unit.
• Conduct research on donors and prepare briefing notes and presentations for donor meetings.
• Coordinate donor engagements and provide training to staff and partners to improve proposal and report quality.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure team success, including support with various reports.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Donor Relations Officer position should possess strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams. They should demonstrate ethical awareness and a commitment to UNICEF's core values of care, respect, integrity, trust, accountability, and sustainability. The candidate should also have experience in resource mobilization, donor relations, and report writing, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality proposals and reports. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential, as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as international relations, development studies, public administration, or a related discipline is required. A master's degree would be an advantage. The educational background should provide a solid understanding of donor relations, resource mobilization, and the principles of humanitarian and development work.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 3-5 years of relevant experience in donor relations, resource mobilization, or a similar role within an international organization or NGO. Experience working with UN agencies or in a humanitarian context is highly desirable. The candidate should demonstrate a strong understanding of donor requirements and reporting standards, as well as experience in managing donor relationships and coordinating fundraising activities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of UN agencies. Knowledge of Bengali is an advantage, as it will facilitate communication within the local context. Additional languages may be beneficial but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and is a full-time role. The contract duration and specific compensation details are not specified in the job posting. The role may involve occasional travel to field locations, particularly to Cox’s Bazar, to support donor engagements and program activities. The living conditions in Dhaka are conducive for international staff, with access to good medical services, educational facilities, and modern amenities.