External Relations Officer – Donor Relations

About the role

The External Relations Officer (Donor Relations Officer) will be based in Geneva within the Office of the Assistant Secretary‑General of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM). Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the incumbent will design and execute fundraising strategies, strengthen existing donor partnerships and develop new ones, and negotiate contributions to support IIIM‑Syria’s mandate.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with current and prospective donors, analysing their policies and identifying opportunities for cooperation.
• Lead fundraising and outreach initiatives with governments, intergovernmental organisations and other potential donors, including virtual and in‑person briefings.
• Provide advice to senior leadership on fundraising approaches, update donor profiles and prepare briefing notes, strategy papers and reports.
• Negotiate funding arrangements, prepare submissions and monitor the use of contributions to ensure compliance with UN rules and donor reporting obligations.
• Represent the Head in relevant meetings, contribute to annual budget planning and support the Chief of Staff as needed.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in social sciences, public administration, economics, international relations or related field.
• Minimum seven years of professional experience, including at least five years in donor relations and resource mobilisation within the UN system.
• Fluency in English and Arabic (UN Level III); French at least at UN Level II is desirable.
• Strong knowledge of the international donor community, UN financial rules and the IIIM‑Syria mandate.

Required skills

• Enterprise resource planning systems
• Fund management tools
• Results‑based management