Senior Donor Relations Officer (Asia)

Organizational Context

UNRWA is the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff across five areas. It seeks committed personnel to make a tangible difference for vulnerable communities. The Senior Donor Relations Officer (Asia) reports to the Director of Partnerships, playing a key role in the agency's external relations and fundraising efforts.

Job Purpose

The Senior Donor Relations Officer (Asia) is responsible for developing and implementing the region's external relations and fundraising strategy, managing key donor relationships across Asia, and ensuring a high level of service. This role actively seeks innovative funding opportunities from public and private donors, provides strategic counsel to senior management, and negotiates bilateral agreements and MOUs. The position involves drafting and reviewing project proposals, correspondence, and briefing materials to support fundraising and advocacy efforts. The officer will promote the Agency's Resource Mobilization Strategy through missions, participation in conferences, and donor field trips, contributing to increased public awareness and funding.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement regional external relations and fundraising strategies. Manage and maintain relationships with key donors in Asia, ensuring responsiveness and high service levels. Proactively identify and pursue innovative funding opportunities from public and private sources. Provide strategic advice to the Director of Partnerships, Director of External Relations, and senior management. Negotiate bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with donors. Coordinate with field offices to negotiate and draft project proposals, and review/edit proposals and progress reports. Draft fundraising and advocacy correspondence, and prepare briefing materials and talking points for senior officials. Promote and execute the Agency's Resource Mobilization Strategy through missions, participation in meetings, and donor field trips. Contribute to outreach materials and media for public awareness and fundraising, including donor brochures and visibility plans. Ensure coordination with relevant departments and offices on contributions, donor-funded projects, and external relations activities.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive, relevant experience in donor relations and fundraising for a national or international organization is required, with a proven track record in fundraising within Asia. At least five years of experience managing mid-size teams is also required. International experience outside of UNRWA and one's home country is necessary for international posts, unless already serving within the UN Common System.

Skills

UN Core Values (Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity). Core Competencies (Communication, Working with People, Drive for Results). Functional Competencies (Creating and Innovating, Planning and Organizing, Analyzing). Leadership Competencies (Creating and Maintaining Impact and Partnership, Managing Complexity and Change).

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