External Relations Officer (Donor Relations Officer)

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located within the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to assist in the investigation and prosecution of persons responsible for the most serious crimes under International Law committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 (IIIM) located in Geneva, Switzerland. Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Staff, the incumbent will implement fundraising strategies established by the Office and will contribute to strengthening IIIM- Syria's partnerships with governments and intergovernmental organizations, as well as with other stakeholders and contribute to building new ones. The incumbent will negotiate contributions with IIIM-Syria's main donors (governments, intergovernmental organizations) and monitor their implementation. S/he provides feedback to the Chief of Staff and Head of the IIIM and advice to IIIM-Syria staff on fundraising and resource mobilization issues as appropriate. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: 1) Develops and maintains key strategic partnerships with donors (governments and intergovernmental organizations) in order to achieve a broad donor base for IIIM-Syria by: a) Developing an in-depth understanding of donors' (governments and intergovernmental organizations) human rights, development and humanitarian policies and analyses opportunities for enhanced cooperation with IIIM-Syria; b) Leading and developing fundraising and outreach strategies for governments and intergovernmental organizations; c) Organizing and participating in donor briefings virtually or in person when required. 2) Contributes to ensuring an office-wide consistent and coherent approach to fundraising by: a) Providing advice to the Head and other members of the Leadership Team on office-wide fundraising policies, strategies and approaches. Keeping assigned donor profiles updated. Accompanying the Head and other members of the Leadership Team as appropriate in meetings with donor representatives for fundraising purposes; b) Preparing various written outputs like briefing notes, strategic and position papers for the senior management as requested. Drafting correspondence for donors; researching, compiling, maintaining and updating information on donor relations; c) Ensuring, in cooperation with the Administrative Section and other relevant units that UN rules and procedures are duly respected; d) Monitoring the use of contributions in order to provide accurate and relevant information to donors. Informing donors in writing or orally about implementation of ongoing projects and future planned needs in order to ensure maximum funding stability for IIIM-Syria activities; e) Coordinating compliance with the IIIM-Syria's donor reporting obligations. Maintaining a calendar of reporting deadlines. Preparing narrative reports, incorporating input from programme managers, in compliance with specific donor requirements. 3) Serves as focal point for portfolio of donors (governments and intergovernmental organizations) and others to generate and encourage the highest level of donor contributions by: a) Negotiating contributions and funding arrangements with donor governments and intergovernmental organizations: preparing funding submissions; coordinating the presentations of strategies and programmes to the donors with IIIM-Syria programme managers, including during annual consultations; b) Reviewing and following-up on funding agreements with all donors; c) Together with the External Relations Officer, assisting in the conceptualization of effective communications, including visuals, to convey results and key messaging to donors. 4) Contributes to the organizational effectiveness of IIIM-Syria by: a)Representing the Head in relevant meetings, when requested; b) Participating in the planning and preparation of Section's annual budget and work programme; c) Assisting the Chief of Staff in any of her/his tasks as required. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the international donor community and familiarity with the UN system, (especially regarding Financial Rules and Regulations). Knowledge of institutional mandates and donor governments. Knowledge of IIIM-Syria’s mandate and activities. Demonstrated ability to analyze problems and present arguments in a clear, conscience and tactful manner, both orally and in writing. Good negotiating skills. Shows pride in work and in achievements, is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. EducationAn advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in social and political science, public administration, business administration and management, economics, international relations, or related fields is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in human rights/humanitarian or development work, out of which five years of experience in donor relations and resource mobilization is required. Experience in donor relations in the UN common system is required. Proven experience in negotiating with donors and/or governments is required. Experience in results-based management is required. Working experience with enterprise resource planning systems and fund management tools or other similar systems is desirable. Experience in developing partnerships with non-traditional donors (e.g. foundations, private sector entities, individuals) is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French or Arabic or Chinese (Mandarin) or Spanish or Russian is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).