Associate PSP Officer – Islamic Philanthropy

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UNHCR Regional Office in Riyadh is seeking applications from qualified individuals for the following Job Opening:**

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Position Title: Associate PSP Officer – Islamic Philanthropy
Position Grade: LICA-9 (equivalent to NOB) – Saudi Nationals Only
Position Number:** UNOPS contract**
Duty Station: Riyadh
Date of Advertisement: 28 January 2022
Deadline: **21 March 2022

Background Information:

With displacement crises reaching unprecedented levels and causing significant surges in funding needs, UNHCR has been considering alternative sources of funding, including contributions motivated by various faiths, or in other words, Faith-based Philanthropy. In this context, UNHCR’s Private Sector Partnerships Division (PSP) has been successfully exploring Islamic Philanthropy (IP), including Zakat (obligatory annual alms), Sadaqah (voluntary contributions) and Waqf (Islamic endowments). For the purpose, UNHCR has in place a global long-term IP strategy. Given the annual growth of IP income and engagement activities for UNHCR in the MENA region, UNHCR is looking to expand this experience in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) as a priority IP market in MENA while developing local expertise to build on the success of UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund, scope the local landscape and pave the way to expand this initiative to KSA PSP MENA IS looking for an incumbent to manage relations with a diverse array of internal and external stakeholders, with the main aim of increasing IP funds received by UNHCR from KSA. S/He preferably has proven fundraising experience and connections in the sectors of IP and Islamic banking/ finance in KSA. He/ she is expected to support in further shaping UNHCR’s approach to IP in KSA, and in the engagement with relevant internal and external stakeholders crucial to the realization of UNHCR’s IP target of $80M by 2025 from the MENA region alone. The role requires incumbent to be able to connect, build and maintain strong and trusting relationships with others; and able to demonstrate a high level of personal integrity and emotional intelligence, S/he needs to communicate clearly and persuasively and to be capable of convening important constituencies and leverage these relationships to accomplish goals of UNHCR.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Senior Private Partnerships and Philanthropy Officer for KSA and in coordination with the Senior PPH Officer – Islamic Philanthropy in the MENA region, the Associate PSP Officer – Islamic Philanthropy will be responsible for:

• Implementation: Scale UNHCR’s IP activities in KSA, through identifying new donors and fundraising to support UNHCR’s programmes. This includes fundraising from Waqf foundations, financial institutions, and high net worth donors, among other donor types.
• Support the development of institutional partnerships to advance the IP strategy in Saudi Arabia with relevant educational, research, and charitable institutions.
• Manage relationships with and properly steward existing IP donors and partners to ensure the realization of a mutually beneficial long-term partnership.
• Be responsible for drafting, both in English and Arabic, all communication relevant to the IP prospect pipeline in KSA, this includes but is not limited to proposals, reports and letters.
• Represent UNHCR at relevant forums, conferences and events that support advancing the IP strategy. Serve as a thought leader on IP for both internal and external audiences.
• Prepare, as required, regular progress reports including key developments, financial projections, pending proposals and potential challenges to be addressed.
• Update on regular basis the Salesforce database with relevant prospect information including thematic interests, donation opportunities, contact information and essential communication (meetings, emails, calls, etc.)
• Support the organization of local events that aim to raise the profile of UNHCR’s IP programme, including the local launch of annual and mid-year IP reports.
• Perform other functions as needed.

Essential Minimum Qualifications and Professional Experience Required:
Education
• University Degree in Finance, Islamic Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or other related fields.
Work Experience
• Minimum 3 years experience with graduate degree, or 2 years of experience with master’s degree relevant to Islamic Philanthropy.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, revenue generating business development, strategic partnership development through engaging the private sector, corporate and private foundations, or high net worth individuals, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
• Strong preference for Islamic Philanthropy and / or international organization experienced.
• Demonstrated experience with high level networking and representing organizations externally.
• Experience working with and collaborating with large teams.
• Working with cross functional/regional teams a plus.
• Experience managing the production of fundraising or business development materials from creating concept notes to developing and communicating them to different audiences.
Required Skills and Competencies:
• Strong fundraising skills required, and knowledge of Islamic philanthropy and finance strongly preferred
• High client orientation, networking, and relationship-building skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent negotiation skills.
• Excellent written, oral communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong project management skills.
• Team player
• Fluency in Arabic is required, strong written and verbal English required.