UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Donor Relations Officer is part of a team which strives to maintain a responsive and proactive dialogue with donor governments and regional and local donors, in order to build relationships, raise awareness and mobilize political and financial support for UNHCR’s work and priority actions. This function involves pursuing opportunities for donor engagement, strengthening partnerships, sustaining support and leveraging additional fundraising opportunities. The incumbent will also identify opportunities to diversify income streams, grow current level of contributions, as well as requirements to protect and sustain donor income. S/he will also provide support to counterparts in other operations, especially to offices dealing with emergency situations to be able to serve donors’ information needs on all aspects of UNHCR’s work.
The incumbent’s primary role is pursuing opportunities for donor engagement, strengthening partnerships, sustaining support and fundraising opportunities. Due to the specific nature of these responsibilities, Donor Relations Officer posts are based only in Geneva Headquarters, major donor capitals or Regional Bureaux. S/he with also provide support to counterparts in Field Operations, especially to offices dealing with emergency situations.
The incumbent reports to a senior staff in the function of Donor Relations and/or External Engagement; the reporting relationship may vary and depends on the size and structure of the office/operation. S/he may supervise professional and/or general service staff.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
– Maintain responsive and proactive dialogue with donor governments in order to build relationships, ensure regular communication, manage substantive annual bilateral consultations with donor governments, and raise awareness and support for UNHCR’s priority actions.
– Identify and leverage donors’ key areas of interest, priorities and concerns as they influence funding decisions and their partnership with UNHCR.
– Identify and access new funding opportunities and sources.
– Monitor use of contributions; take necessary action to satisfy donor requirements and ensure earmarking is respected.
– Monitor earmarking levels and alert country offices/regional offices/DRRM/PSP as relevant of potential excessive or minimal earmarked contributions.
– Provide donor counterparts with information on UNHCR operations including responding to donor governments’ ad hoc requests in coordination with other stakeholders in UNHCR.
– Draft internal and external correspondence, including talking points and briefing notes for senior management as necessary, to support them in advocacy, negotiation and follow-up of contributions with donors.
– Organize, coordinate and facilitate donor briefings, donor missions and missions by UNHCR staff as relevant in order to support fundraising and donor engagement.
Additional duties for positions in Headquarters
– Establish targeted donor engagement strategies to strengthen partnerships, sustain support and leverage additional fundraising opportunities in coordination with donor capitals, Regional Bureaux and the Executive Office.
– Identify opportunities to diversify income streams, grow current level of contributions, as well as requirements to protect and sustain donor income where at risk within donor portfolio.
– Continuously review actions and strategies for assigned donors with a specific focus on monitoring and analysing: key decision points, donor policies on humanitarian assistance, potential for accessing transition and development funding sources, and situation of organizations competing with UNHCR for funds. Develop and maintain donor profiles and plans.
– In collaboration with respective Bureaux, Divisions and UNHCR Offices, prepare submissions for specific funding from donors or provide other information donors might require in determining their financial support to UNHCR.
– Negotiate contributions advocating for quality funding, striving for timeliness, predictability and maximum flexibility; negotiate, draft and follow up on bilateral agreements with donors, striving to reduce risk, exposure and reporting burdens.
– Liaise, coordinate and provide information and guidance to counterparts in the Regional Bureaux; ensure that Bureaux and operations implement and actively support UNHCR corporate fundraising priorities; represent donor interests, communicate donor requirements and concerns to Divisions and Bureaux.
– Supervise the recording and tracking of contributions.
– Follow-up the funding situation of specific programme areas and update the corresponding funding and projection tables. Share funding tables with relevant Bureaux, Divisions and Offices to build common understanding on funding status and needs.
– In collaboration with respective Bureaux, Divisions and UNHCR Offices, prepare narrative and financial reports on contributions, in compliance with specific donor requirements. Actively contribute to donor recognition efforts as needed, in collaboration with other colleagues.
– Facilitate DRRM training events for field staff as required.
– Keep abreast of UNHCR’s operations world-wide with a specific focus on emergency situations to be able to serve donors’ information needs on all aspects of UNHCR’s work.
Additional duties for positions in major donor capitals
– Establish targeted donor engagement strategies to strengthen partnerships, sustain support and leverage additional fundraising opportunities in coordination with DRRM and the Regional Bureau.
– Identify opportunities to diversify income streams and grow current level of contributions.
– Develop and cultivate network of counterparts and influencers, including in relevant ministries, parliament and local government.
– Continuously review actions and strategies with a specific focus on monitoring and analysing: key decision points, donor policies on humanitarian assistance, potential for accessing transition and development funding sources, and situation of organizations competing with UNHCR for funds. Develop and maintain donor profile and plan.
– In collaboration with the respective Bureau, Divisions and UNHCR Offices, prepare submissions for specific funding from donor or provide other information donor might require in determining their financial support to UNHCR.
– Represent donor interests, communicate donor requirements and concerns to Divisions and Bureaux.
– Actively contribute to donor recognition efforts as needed, in collaboration with other concerned colleagues.
– Keep abreast of UNHCR’s operations world-wide with a specific focus on emergency situations to be able to serve donors’ information needs on all aspects of UNHCR’s work.
Additional duties for positions in Regional Bureaux
– Develop country or regional strategies to raise locally available funds, including from UN pooled funds.
– In collaboration with DRRM, develop appropriate, high-quality funding submissions, information papers and donor reports; in collaboration with DRRM and country offices, support the negotiation of – contributions from local funding sources, including CERF and country-based pooled funds, striving for timeliness, predictability and maximum flexibility.
– Liaise with respective country offices to have regional understanding of the funding needs as well as funding priorities amongst different countries.
– Ensure aligned messaging on UNHCR’s funding requirements, priorities and policies. Ensure that the Bureau and operations implement and adhere to UNHCR corporate fundraising priorities and procedures.
– Function as contact point for donors in the region and ensure the Bureau’s reflexive outreach to relevant counterparts and embassies, including by senior staff. In collaboration with DRRM, develop appropriate, high-quality funding submissions, information papers and donor reports.
– Implement and coordinate donor recognition efforts in the region, in collaboration with the other concerned colleagues/DRRM.
– Support Bureau management and DRRM in responding in a timely and substantive manner to issues involving the integrity of UNHCR operations.
– Review and edit all relevant narrative and data information for presentation in the Global Appeals and Global Reports as well as any other UNHCR appeal or report documents.
– Contribute to regional funding appeals, HRPs, RRRPs, and other similar mechanisms, in coordination with DRRM.
– Facilitate DRRM training events for Field and Bureaux staff as required.
– Keep abreast of UNHCR’s operations in the region in order to establish UNHCR as a reference point and meet donors’ information needs on all aspects of the work of the Office.
– Support the resource allocation and reallocation process.
– Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.
– Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P4/NOD – 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
International Relations;
Political Science;
Social Sciences;
Journalism;
Communication;
Public Policy;
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified.
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Experience in strategic external engagement with donors, UN agencies, partners and governments. Ability to build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Understanding of humanitarian programming and demonstrated ability to effectively advocate.
Desirable
Good understanding of the role of the UN in humanitarian emergencies, its agencies and ways of working. Good research, policy analysis and report writing skills. Track record in resource mobilization and first-hand experience in managing donor relations. Clear understanding of the workings of major donor perspectives, requirements and standards. Knowledge of UNHCR’s policies on programme management, resource allocation, financial rules, as well as UNHCR¿s information systems and databases.
Functional Skills
MG-Resource Mobilization Techniques and Guidelines
ER-Donor Reporting and Related Tracking Systems
ER-Donor Relations – Humanitarian Financing
*CO-Strategic Communication
SO-Networking
*CO-Drafting and Documentation
*CL-Strategy Development and Monitoring
CO-Reporting skills
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile
The desired candidate has the following profile:
• A strong track record mobilizing financial support for humanitarian assistance from donor governments, regional and /or local donors and other UN funding sources.
• Proven experience developing effective resource mobilization strategies encompassing government donor stewardship, retention, and acquisition.
• Current understanding of key humanitarian donor perspectives, requirements and standards as well as an overview of key development donors.
• Sound knowledge of UNHCR’s policies on programme management, resource allocation, financial rules, as well as UNHCR’s information systems and databases.
• An understanding of humanitarian programming and the role of the UN in humanitarian emergencies, its agencies, and ways of working.
• Proven experience working on collaborative initiatives with UN agencies and civil society partners.
• Demonstrated strong analytic, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills.
• Strong collaboration skills working with multiple stakeholders
• Excellent written skills and ability to advocate persuasively and effectively.
• Ability to build productive, trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
French
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:
Nature of Position
The Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa located in Dakar currently covers 11 operations with established offices, namely Burkina Faso, Cameroon MCO, CAR, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal MCO. Countries where there is no permanent presence are covered by MCOs, specifically the Cameroon MCO covers also Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Sao Tome & Principe; the Senegal MCO covers (Benin, Cape Verde, the Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo).
The Bureau will be accredited to ECOWAS and the regional body for the Central Africa region, ECCAS. It will liaise closely with UN regional entities. The region has English-speaking and also French speaking countries. Full proficiency in both English and French is thus mandatory.
The region is host to some 13.4 million people who are forcibly displaced or Stateless. Of the 2 million refugees in the region, women and children comprise 81 per cent, and Chad is the largest refugee-hosting country, followed by Cameroon. Across the region, the effects of climate change have intensified conflict over resources and exacerbated food insecurity among forcibly displaced and stateless persons
Although there has been some VOLREP movements and small-scale spontaneous returns in the region, the current trends in population movements are expected to continue in 2023 and 2024 with limited prospects for solutions.
The Bureau’s role: managerial oversight, technical guidance and support to operations in the region.
In addition, the incumbent of the position should co-ordinate closely with other units in the Bureau, promote collaboration and diversity in a multicultural environment and contribute to a positive work environment.
The incumbent of the position will be expected to travel on missions to remote field-locations, some of which may have challenging living and working conditions as well as security constraints.
Living and Working Conditions
Dakar, the capital of Senegal, is home to a population of over one million people. Dakar has reasonable medical facilities, offering both general and specialist care in accordance with international standards.
Dakar is classified by the United Nations as an “A” family duty station, which implies access to all basic services and most recreational activities and facilities. Living conditions are comfortable and services are available.
While the asylum practice in the West Africa are rather generous, it is self-evident that the operational and political environments in the region present unique challenges in terms of security, governance and socio-economic outlooks to the UN in general, and UNHCR in particular.
The region houses a variety of political and UN coordination mechanisms that demand a significant amount of time to ensure that UNHCR remains relevant. Notable among these structures are United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, headed by an SRSG, the Regional UNDG, and Regional offices for WFP, UNICEF, OCHA, UNWOMEN, FAO, etc.
Donors also have regional platforms in West Africa.
The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory and vaccination cards should be presented upon entering Senegal. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended.
The country is at the level of Security 2, which corresponds to “Low”, with the exception of the Casamance natural region (administrative regions of Kolda, Sadhiou and Ziguinchor) where acts of banditry are often reported but also the presence of elements of the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) and unexploded ordnance (UXO). All United Nations personnel must scrupulously comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment to Senegal. Thefts and burglary are the main incidents against UN personnel. Although the security situation in Dakar and other urban centres is generally calm, some incidents of political unrest do occasionally take place.
The currency used in Senegal is Franc CFA (XOF). Many hotels, restaurants and large businesses in Senegal accept the main international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic telling machines found in all the major cities.
The Senegalese government has initiated a project for a common UN House in Diamniadio, for the use of United Nations services and offices, located in the new administrative city of Diamnadio, situated 40 km outside Dakar. The incumbent is expected to be part of the office relocation project.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA): Communication, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Journalism, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Public Policy, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Social Science
Certifications
Work Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Bi-annual Compendium 2023 Part B – October 2023
Additional Information
Functional clearance
This position doesn’t require a functional clearance
How to apply
For a full job description and to apply, interested candidates are requested to visit
The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).
Closing date of receipt of applications: 9 November 2023 (midnight Geneva time)