Job Description

Please note that this vacancy is only open to eligible staff members who have been individually notified of their eligibility to apply for positions advertised in the Accelerated Posting Compendium.

June 12, 2026

A (least hardship)

Family

PR4

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-05-26

Senior Donor Relations Officer

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/Public Partnerships and Financing Service/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 Public Partnerships and Financing Service 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 the Public Partnerships and Financing Service 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 the Public Partnerships and Financing Service, develop appropriate, high-quality funding submissions, information papers and donor reports; in collaboration with the Public Partnerships and Financing Service 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 the Public Partnerships and Financing Service, 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/Public Partnerships and Financing Service.
- Support Bureau management and the Public Partnerships and Financing Service 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 the Public Partnerships and Financing Service.
- Facilitate Public Partnerships and Financing Service 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.

Essential Attributes:
• Substantive experience in humanitarian work with emphasis on operational aspects and donor relations.
• Brings extensive experience and demonstrated knowledge of program functions and management of project proposals .
• Excellent written and oral communication and drafting skills in both Spanish and English
• Experience mobilizing resources effectively.
• Proven experience to present complex matters to a wide range of audiences, including donors, authorities, civil society organizations, private sector, and refugee led-organizations.

Desirable Attributes:
• Proven leadership, coordination and managerial skills.
• Ability to motivate and coordinate teams and effectively liaise between different units and country / field operations.
• Excellent knowledge of the regional context related to the challenges and opportunities posed by various humanitarian situations and mixed movements in the Americas.
• Experience in multi-functional teams.
• Excellent diplomatic skills and political awareness.

Spanish

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

This position is based at UNHCR’s Regional Bureau for the Americas in Panama City. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Senior External Relations Officer and play a key leadership role within the external engagement team. S/he will provide direct support to the Senior Strategic Planning and Management Coordinator and collaborate closely with Senior Operations and Programs Officers.

The Senior Donors Relations Officer will be responsible for the design and implementation of a regional resource mobilization strategy and provide support to operations in funding proposal development and funding pipeline tracking and management. S/he will also provide a key role in the overall tracking of tightly, softly and un-earmarked funding as well as support operations in monitoring their fundraising against existing OL’s.

S/he will also closely coordinate her/his work with all the external relations and reporting officers across the Americas region and shall promote the maintenance of a regional community of practice to exchange good practices and lessons learned. Along with the Senior External Relations Officer and team, s/he will liaise with colleagues in DER and in donor capitals on resource mobilization issues and strategies. The Senior Donor Relations Officer will also coordinate with PSP colleagues in the region to promote synergies and generate more funding opportunities for the Operations in the Americas.

The incumbent will be in close contact with donors in the region and will lead internal and external donor reporting exercises in a difficult and challenging financial situation where UNHCR will need to seize opportunities to disseminate and communicate internally and externally the work being done in the Americas.

S/he will be requested to provide a high level of leadership and coordination within the external engagement team which brings together communications, external and donor relations, and reporting functions. S/he will also make important contributions to the integration of communications and donor relations, for example ensuring compelling briefings and content for donor audiences. And finally, s/he will ensure close coordination with programme and operational units in overall fundraising for the operations.

Living and Working Conditions:

Panama City is classified as a Category “A” duty station (family duty station) with security threat ratings raging from low for Armed Conflict and Terrorist threats to Substantial for Crime and Civil Unrest, while the exposure to hazards has been assessed as Moderate in Panama City. The city offers good infrastructure, including reliable health services, housing, banking, transportation, telecommunications, and recreational facilities. Goods and services are widely available, although the cost of living is relatively high compared to other countries in the region, particularly for housing and healthcare.

UNHCR offices are in the Ciudad del Saber (City of Knowledge), a green campus area outside the city centre, which also hosts other UN agencies, international schools, NGOs, and research centres. A variety of accommodation options are available both near the office and in central Panama City, ranging from modern apartments to family housing. The city is a regional transportation hub, with direct flight connections to mostly all countries in the Americas, as well as regular international routes.

There is a wide range of international schools, several of which follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, making it a suitable location for families. Recreational options include shopping malls, restaurants, and a dynamic nightlife. While cultural activities are limited, Panama offers proximity to natural attractions. Beach and ocean hobbies are available on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts that are reachable within an hour, and hiking opportunities are available close to the city and in other parts of the country.

Overall, Panama provides a safe and stable living environment with good amenities and connectivity, although staff should consider the relatively high cost of living when relocating.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Fundraising Strategies, Operations Management, Resource Mobilization

Bachelor of Arts: Communication, Bachelor of Arts: International Relations, Bachelor of Arts: Journalism, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Bachelor of Arts: Public Policy, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science

Certifications

Annual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Internally Displaced Persons, Working with Persons of Concern: Others of Concern, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Stateless

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

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Accelerated Posting Compendium 2026 - Part B

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance