Senior PPH Officer

December 22, 2025

H (no hardship)

FamilyFamily

PR4

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-12-08

Senior PPH Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Private Sector Partnerships Service (PSP) sits within UNHCR's Division of External Relations (DER) and is responsible for mobilizing resources for refugees from the private sector. UNHCR has developed a Private Sector Fundraising Strategy 2018-2025 which has the ambition of growing PSP into a service capable of generating $1 Billion annually and identifies priority fundraising markets and regions.
As part of this strategy, and in order to achieve the ambitious objectives of mobilizing necessary resources for UNHCR, PSP's Private Partnerships and Philanthropy (PPH) Section develops and strengthens long-term partnerships with companies, foundations and private philanthropists ('PPH donors'). As part of a wider fundraising team, the primary role of PPH colleagues is to seek various forms of support from PPH donors: securing funding for UNHCR programmes and projects will be considered priority, but the work also includes leveraging the capacities of these partnerships beyond funding, in order to build long-lasting holistic partnerships bringing various forms of support to UNHCR and to persons of concern, such as advocacy, visibility, expertise, innovation and public engagement.

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
- Lead on the engagement with a portfolio of PPH donors, and set strategic directions for all activities relevant for the acquisition and strengthening of partnerships and relationships with them, ensuring that a dynamic pipeline is in place and regularly assessed and updated.
- Nurture, develop and oversee existing relationships which are part of the incumbent's portfolio, and ensure that they are leveraged to their full potential, and donor requirements are fulfilled, while assessing the continued benefit of the partnership(s) to UNHCR.
- Define income targets, projections and KPIs for relationships and partnerships with PPH donors, in line with the Global PPH Strategic Framework, and perform strategic analyses and provide an insight onto delivery and management of partnerships.
- Be responsible and accountable for the performance of PPH specific activities, to check that income is on track as per the targets established, to guarantee donor satisfaction and to report back on the successful implementation of activities against plans and priorities.
- Ensure that records on relationships are accurate and up-to-date on Salesforce, and capture all relevant information and communications with donors.
- If applicable, manage the PPH team, and ensure they are delivering upon their individual targets and objectives.
- Build solid stewardship plans aimed at increasing engagement of existing donors and ensuring that they will remain loyal to the organisation in the long term; and, when requested, make recommendations to management regarding strategic directions in matters related to PPH.
- Act as the main UNHCR focal points for the donors and partners which are part of the incumbent's portfolio, and respond to all queries about them, providing input and briefing notes, as required. This includes being the main focal point for negotiations on funding and grants, brokering communications between the donor/partner and relevant internal functions as required, and ultimately being responsible and accountable for the accurate recording, tracking and implementation of contributions, and for the fulfilment of UNHCR obligations under the grant agreement signed.
- Participate in and organize high-profile events attended by existing and potential donors to expand networking opportunities and/or as part of cultivation or stewardship plans.
- Work with PSP management in the identification of key industrial sectors to be approached within a determined PSP market; and contribute to the development and implementation of the PPH components of the local PSP/PPH strategy.
- Be responsible for the PPH section of the PSP team's PSP Annual Plans and Budgets.
- Monitor and assess the success of PPH activities according to approved plans; and provide reporting on PPH investment and performance as required. This includes monitoring income raised, assessing the health of pipelines and examine the continue accuracy and reliability of income projections to ensure PPH targets are met.
- Maximize visibility opportunities for UNHCR by exploring opportunities arising from the interaction with influent/affluent donors/prospects, and making recommendations to PSP management in this regard when requested.
- Represent PPH interests towards the rest of PSP and local and regional UNHCR Representatives, ensuring that PPH's work is understood and promoted internally.
- In collaboration with the Shared Value Partnerships Unit in Geneva, explore and establish non-financial components of relationships and partnerships when warranted for the purposes of donor engagement and loyalty, and if those components are in line with PSP objectives and UNHCR needs.
- The incumbent of the position will perform in direct link with the broader PSP country market plans and context, including effective collaborating on and working towards non-direct cash elements together with IG and campaigns, such expanding network for other purposes like in-kind, free publicity, CRM or location access for face-to-face frontliners.

Private Philanthropy
- Lead on the development of relationships with private philanthropists, major donors, HNWIs, and ultra UNWIs; and, as delegated, identify priorities and establish clear frameworks for engagement, as part of the local private sector engagement strategies, and annual plans.
- Manage a select portfolio of philanthropic relationships; develop and implement bespoke care plans for donors to ensure that donors are engaged with the organization. This can include keeping donors informed of issues and locations that interest them, organizing participation in UNHCR or refugee-related events, planning communications and media opportunities and leading on the organization of missions.
- Lead on the organization of high-level, tailored events for major donors and HNWIs, and engage with potential and existing donors at high-profile events.
- Ensure the quality and accuracy of materials prepared for major donor audiences, directing the coordination with relevant internal stakeholders to ensure materials and messaging are in line with UNHCR priorities and branding.
- Develop strategies and plans to engage major donors, and HNWIs in a specific market, in line with the PSP Global Strategy and the PPH Strategic Framework.
- Keep up to date with the latest philanthropic trends and, as appropriate, commission research and screenings on wealthy individuals to ensure that further opportunities to increase the portfolio of potential major donors/HNWIs are identified and researched.
- Develop programmes and initiatives to enhance the donor's supporter journey, including working with Individual Giving colleagues to design and implement strategies and activities to upgrade and transition appropriate middle donors to the major donor/HNWI programme.
- Set strategies and processes designed to establish and/or strengthen philanthropic relationships with major donors and HNWIs with the aim of ensuring donors reach their peak giving level.
- If appropriate, lead on the major donor/HNWI segment of legacy and planned giving programmes, in close collaboration with Individual Giving colleagues.
- Regularly coordinate with colleagues in UNHCR HQ and other PSP offices to identify potential areas of collaboration to engage major donors and HNWIs, and to find opportunities for synergies.

Foundations
- Lead on the development and strengthening of relationships with foundations; and, as delegated and in collaboration with the supervisor, identify priorities and establish clear frameworks for engagement of foundations. This can include keeping updated on the philanthropic calendar, such as gatherings of foundations and philanthropic networks and circles, as well as of key deadlines for applications of major foundation grants.
- Be responsible for the quality and accuracy of the submission of applications for foundations grants, and ensure that the grant is in line with UNHCR standards and fulfils the donor's criteria and requirements.
- Manage a select portfolio of foundations relationships; and develop and implement foundations-specific cultivation and stewardship plans.
- Keep informed of the latest philanthropic trends, and, if applicable, work with the supervisor commission research on foundations to ensure that opportunities are identified and researched, and that products developed for foundations audiences are targeted;
- Create and develop materials for foundations, in line with donor interests, ensuring that they are designed to achieve maximum results.
- Represent UNHCR/PSP in events for foundation and philanthropic networks and/or events in which senior foundations leaders are attending, and/or prepare for UNHCR senior leadership's participation in such events, if applicable.
- Develop, lead and track performance on joint advocacy and communications plans with foundations in support of stewardship goals in order to raise awareness about and increase visibility of the programmes supported by the foundations, about UNHCR and about the refugee cause.
- Develop guidance and training on foundation cultivation, stewardship and new business approaches; and ensure that case studies and best practices in foundations relationships are recorded and disseminated, thus supporting internal communications, coordination and planning.
- If applicable, develop of a strategy to engage foundations or foundation networks, ensuring that they are in line with the PSP Global Strategy and the PPH Strategic Framework, and with UNHCR's organization-wide or sectoral strategic directions and priorities.

Corporates
- Lead on the acquisition and development of partnerships with corporates and corporate foundations, identify priorities and clear frameworks for engagement.
- Design and implement initiatives and materials for corporate audiences; and prepare and deliver pitches, briefings and presentations which communicate to corporate partners' representatives, in an accurate, timely and persuasive manner, relevant information on UNHCR's programs and activities.
- Manage a select portfolio of corporate partnerships, and develop and lead on cultivation and stewardship plans to ensure that their competencies are leveraged for the benefit of UNHCR and persons of concern, that the partnership is achieving its full potential, and that that corporate partners can access partnership benefits in line with UNHCR's benefits matrix.
- Assess possibilities for and lead on the delivery of joint initiatives with corporate partners, such as cause-related marketing campaigns, joint communications and employee engagement plans.
- If applicable, identify, explore and seize opportunities for in-kind donations from corporates, keeping in mind applicable UNHCR policies, and assessing whether the acceptance or rejection of the donation is strategic in light of cultivation and stewardship goals.
- If applicable, work with the Shared Value Partnerships Unit to identify opportunities for non-financial engagement with potential and existing corporate partners.
- Be responsible for the delivery of relevant, accurate and timely information and reports to partners on UNHCR's programs and activities including on-time reporting of the impact of their contributions.
- Ensure that corporate fundraising, partnership and social responsibility case studies and materials are recorded and disseminated for learning and internal communications purposes.
- Lead on the development and maintenance of case for support for corporate partnerships, working with the relevant units to develop materials for external presentation.
- If applicable, develop a strategy to engage corporations and corporate foundations, in line with the PSP Global Strategy and the PPH Strategic Framework.

- 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
Marketing, Communications, Journalism,
International Relations, Economics, Business Administration/Management,
Social Sciences, or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Fundraising
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
- Relevant professional experience in private sector fundraising and/or partnerships and/or managing relationships with donors and/or external partners, with exposure to an international environment and/or with humanitarian organizations.
- Possess expertise and up-to-date knowledge of existing and new fundraising/partnership management techniques, and of major trends in the philanthropic landscape.
- Experience in project management, with a proven track record of successfully implementing plans requiring expert knowledge at times.
- Experience in leading fundraising teams, and/or in managing multiple colleagues with different skillsets and areas of responsibility.
- Proven ability to keep track of performance, and meet or exceed targets.
- Ability to establish and implement strategies and plans according to priorities, to manage and mitigate risks, and to balance different and sometimes competing needs and interests.
- Experience in managing and coordinating between multiple stakeholders, with an ability to multi-task, manage time, keep with tight deadlines, and to thrive in a high-pressure environment.
- Ability to produce high-quality written materials tailored to specific audiences.

Desirable
- Experience in starting up and/or managing private sector partnership and/or individual donor relationships in new and/or challenging markets.
- Experience in a UN field location and/or in a developing country.
- Knowledge of humanitarian and/or development programming.
- Knowledge of and experience in a specialized area of fundraising, such as legacies, planned giving, or cause-related marketing;
- Familiarity with SharePoint 365 platform.
- Familiarity with CRM systems, ideally Salesforce.

Functional Skills
CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community
IT-Business Intelligence (BI)
IT-Computer Literacy
PS-Emergency Fundraising
PS-Fundraising - High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI)
PS-Fundraising (incl. operations, programmes)
PS-Fundraising from foundations
PS-Fundraising materials production and management
PS-Management of Private Sector Fundraising Investments in new markets
PS-Managing corporate partnerships
PS-Middle donor programme development and management
PS-Partnerships / Individual Giving Programmes
PS-Private sector fundraising and partnerships
(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.

The ideal candidate is a strategic and relationship-centered senior professional with extensive experience developing private-sector fundraising markets and working with semi-autonomous national fundraising entities or networks.
They bring significant of progressive experience in business development, private fundraising, or partnerships—ideally within humanitarian or international development contexts—and have a proven track record in driving revenue growth, shaping market strategies, and enabling partners to strengthen performance.

Skilled in diplomacy and stakeholder engagement, they excel at building productive relationships with leadership, boards, and senior private-sector counterparts while navigating complex governance structures. The candidate is an inclusive and inspiring people manager who can lead a diverse team, foster collaboration, and promote accountability. They possess strong analytical and financial skills, deep understanding of fundraising channels and brand governance, and the ability to translate insights into actionable support for national markets. They demonstrate high integrity, cultural awareness, resilience, and a strong commitment to UNHCR’s mandate and humanitarian principles.

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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:

The Senior PSP Officer leads a team responsible for supporting NAP in developing, strengthening, and implementing their market development strategies. The work requires maintaining a holistic, cross-cutting perspective across Partners, income streams, supporter engagement functions, and global priorities, ensuring coherence and alignment within a matrix structure.  

The role serves as a coordination hub function, ensuring that National Partner market strategies reflect income stream priorities, global PSP growth drivers, and UNHCR-wide objectives. 

The position guides NAPs in analysing market opportunities, identifying appropriate targets, planning investments, and determining how their strategies relate to global priorities. It involves reviewing strategic plans, financial plans, and forecasts; supporting the allocation of investment funds; and helping partners determine where to allocate resources to achieve both gross and net revenue growth while maintaining quality of income. The role monitors quarterly results; identifies issues, blockages, or opportunities; and initiates deep dives where necessary.  

The Senior PSP Officer ensures ongoing coordination and structured support to National Partners, helping create an environment that enables effective and sustainable fundraising growth. The incumbent works closely with income stream teams to ensure their priorities and expertise are systematically integrated into NAP development plans, without directly managing fundraising activities. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Lead the NAP Market Development team, providing strategic direction, coaching, and performance management. 

• Develop and oversee market development strategies that strengthen National Partners’ fundraising performance and long-term revenue growth. 

• Maintain strong relationships with National Partners, supporting strategic planning and alignment with PSP priorities. 

• Guide the development of business plans, annual targets, KPIs, and investment proposals, ensuring data-driven performance monitoring. 

• Identify market opportunities and risks, offering tailored support to improve acquisition, retention, and income diversification in close collaboration with HQ fundraising units.  

• Ensure compliance with partnership agreements, brand guidelines, and due diligence processes across National Partner markets. 

• Coordinate cross-functional support from PSP HQ and regional teams to address National Partner needs and strengthen fundraising and communications work. 

• Lead knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives, including training, best-practice exchange, and development of tools and guidance. 

• Review financial plans and budgets, monitor investments, and support partners to improve financial management and forecasting. 

• Contribute to global PSP strategy development, ensuring National Partner needs and market insights inform planning. 
  
  

Living and Working Conditions:

Geneva is classified as a Category H duty station with all amenities and excellent infrastructure.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration/Management, Bachelor of Arts: Communication, Bachelor of Arts: Economics, Bachelor of Arts: International Relations, Bachelor of Arts: Journalism, Bachelor of Arts: Marketing, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science

Certifications

Fundraising - Other

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Managing performance, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

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

Compendium

Flash Vacancy Notice

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance