Deadline for ApplicationsFebruary 14, 2026
Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)D
Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
Non Family with Residential Location
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeUNOPS IICA1
Target Start Date2026-02-01
Terms of ReferenceThe ideal candidate is a resilient, politically astute, and results-oriented professional with strong experience in donor relations, partnerships, and resource mobilization in complex humanitarian settings. The candidate demonstrates the ability to operate effectively in harsh living and security conditions, manage sensitive relationships with national authorities, and position UNHCRโs work within the Sahelโs evolving political and security context.
Core Competencies & Experience
Operating Environment & Resilience
โข Proven ability to live and work under harsh conditions, including extreme weather, limited infrastructure, and heightened security constraints
โข Strong stress management skills with the ability to perform under pressure and meet tight deadlines in volatile environments
โข Experience working in high-risk or fragile contexts, particularly in the Sahel or similar regions
Donor Engagement & Sensitive Relations
โข Demonstrated capacity to manage sensitive and high-level relations with government authorities, diplomatic missions, and donors
โข Strong diplomatic skills and discretion when navigating politically complex and sensitive environments
โข Ability to align donor engagement with national priorities while upholding humanitarian principles
Refugee Context & Durable Solutions
โข Solid experience in protracted refugee situations, including:
o Search for durable solutions (resettlement, local integration, voluntary repatriation)
o Engagement with development actors to promote humanitarianโdevelopmentโpeace (HDP) linkages
โข Strong understanding of displacement dynamics in long-term refugee-hosting contexts
Emergency Response & Internal Displacement
โข Essential experience in emergency response, particularly in contexts characterized by:
o Frequent internal population movements
o Displacement caused by attacks from non-state armed groups (NSAGs)
โข Ability to rapidly adapt donor strategies and messaging to fast-evolving emergencies
Strategic & Political Analysis
โข Strong political acumen with the ability to analyze and interpret the Sahel security and political landscape
โข Capacity to translate political and security developments into strategic donor engagement and risk-informed funding approaches
โข Experience producing analytical briefs, talking points, and situational updates for senior management
Qualifications
โข Advanced university degree in International Relations, Political Science, Development Studies, Economics, Communications, or a related field
โข Minimum 3โ5 years of relevant professional experience in donor relations, external relations, or partnerships in humanitarian settings
โข Prior experience with UNHCR or another UN organization is highly desirable
Languages
โข Fluency in English and French (written and spoken) โ essential
โข Knowledge of additional languages is an asset
Personal Attributes
โข High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism
โข Strategic thinker with strong analytical and communication skills
โข Proactive, adaptable, and able to work independently in demanding contexts
โข Strong commitment to UNHCRโs mandate and humanitarian values
Standard Job Description
Associate Donor Relations Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Associate Donor Relations Officer is part of a team that maintains proactive dialogue with governmental donors or UN agencies and organizations, as well as with the regional and local donors aiming at building relationships, raise awareness and mobilize political and financial support for UNHCR's work and priorities.
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.
S/he is supervised by the Senior Donor Relations Officer and receives guidance from Public Partnerships and Financing Service (PPFS) Chief of Sections and from the Head of Service. S/he may receive indirect guidance from other units within PPFS, Divisions in Headquarters or Regional Bureaux.
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
- Assist in maintaining close dialogue with, and providing information to, donor governments on UNHCR operations and financial requirements, including in response to donor governments' ad hoc requests for information.
- Keep abreast of UNHCR's operations worldwide, with a specific focus on high-profile and emergency situations, to be able to serve donors' information needs on all aspects of UNHCR's work.
- Assist in identifying and accessing new donors and funding sources as per PPFS strategy.
- Assist in drafting internal and external correspondence, including briefing notes for HC, Head of PPFS to support them in negotiations and follow up of contributions with donors.
- Assist in implementing and reviewing actions and strategies, and maintaining donor profiles and plans.
- Monitor recording and track engagement of contributions and take necessary actions to satisfy donor requirements.
- Help prepare submissions - in collaboration with respective Bureau, Divisions and UNHCR Offices - for specific funding from donors or provide other information donors may require in determining their financial/political support to UNHCR.
- As needed, help Bureaux/Regional Offices/Country Operations with input for their fundraising strategies, in line with DER/PPFS strategic directions.
- Arrange meetings for donors and, where applicable, organize annual bilateral consultations with donor governments.
- Prepare reports using UNHCR information management systems (COMPASS, Cloud ERP, Power BI - Results Data Portal and Wordkay, data portal, funding updates, etc.) as necessary in a timely and efficient manner.
- Provide editorial support and facilitate the finalization of fundraising publications produced by PPFS or the Bureaux, including appeals and other reports.
- Provide support and guidance to the Field on engagement in the Refugee Response Plans and Humanitarian Response Plans.
- Provide guidance and advice on UNHCR's involvement at the IASC on humanitarian financing.
- Perform regional focal point duties as required, including compiling funding-related TPs and background notes on the region for senior management missions and meetings with donors; review funding updates.
- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year 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 external engagement with donors, UN agencies, partners, governments. Professional work experience in field operations. Knowledge of UNHCR's operational arrangements, its relief programmes, the funding needs and priorities.
Desirable
UNHCR fund- raising and programme management experience. Good research, policy and report writing skills. Experience in managing donor relations. Understanding of the workings of major donor perspectives, requirements and standards.
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
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.
Required Languages French
,
,
Desired Languages
,
,
Additional Qualifications
SkillsCO-Digital content production, CO-Drafting and Documentation, CO-Editing, CO-International Media Contacts, CO-Journalism (incl. print, broadcast, photography, video, layout & graphics), CO-Preparation of key messages/talking points/speeches, CO-Public Speaking, CO-Spokesperson skills, CO-Strategic Communication, CO-Video production for digital platforms (including news organizations), Key Messaging, Operational Reporting, Photography, Strategic Communication Planning
EducationBachelor of Arts: International Relations, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Bachelor of Arts: Public Professions
Certifications
Work Experience
Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance
RemoteNo