Donor Relations Specialist

Host entity: UNICEF

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Administration, Partnerships, resource mobilisation, Communication, advocacy, public information

Application deadline: 24/11/2026

Mission and objectives

UNICEF works in the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children and adoles-cents – and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere. Across more than 190 countries and terri-tories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive and fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. Before, during and after humanitarian emergencies, UNICEF is on the ground, bringing lifesaving help and hope to children and families. Non-political and impartial, we are never neutral when it comes to defending children’s rights and safeguarding their lives and futures.

UNICEF Office was established in Guinea in 1986. The main office is based in Conakry and three (3) zone offices are located in Kankan, Labé, and Nzérékoré. The main area of intervention is: Health, Nutrition, Water/Hygiene / Sanitation, Education , protection and social inclusion.

UNICEF Guinea started in 2018 the current programming cycle (CPD) covering the period from 2018 to 2022. The main pillars of this program of cooperation signed between the Government of Guinea and UNICEF are: (i) good governance for sustained development of human capital; (ii) sustained economic growth and inclusive; (iii) inclusive development of human capital; and (iv) sustainable de-velopment natural resources. The programme is aligned to the national development plan and the UN cooperation framework in Guinea.

Assignment context

UNICEF is committed to ensuring special protection for the most disadvantaged children – victims of war, disasters, extreme poverty, all forms of violence and exploitation, and those with disabilities.
Partnership and Resource Mobilization are a priority for UNICEF Guinea. The need to enlarge the partners portfolio and to retain the existing ones is pressing to reach the results for children in Guinea.
The Country Office need an additional staff to support the efforts to strengthen the relationships with existing and potential partners in Guinea for six months .
The UNV will be supporting resource mobilization efforts from the donor engagement, proposals development and the grant reporting.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Partnership Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Donors Relations and Reports Officer will:

Partnership and Resource Mobilization:
• Contribute to maintaining in-depth knowledge and familiarity with current and potential partners and relevant stakeholders, contributing to a database of key contacts and UNICEF's knowledge base on partnerships and resource mobilization.
• Contribute to the promotion of new partnership and resource mobilization opportunities with institutional donors and the private sector.
• Contribute to the development of fact sheets, newsletters, donor updates, case studies, specific donor portfolio appeals, and other program information for current and potential donors, as well as organizing visits to UNICEF programs.
• Contribute to the conceptualization and drafting of project proposal outlines and concept notes, as well as their quality control.
• Contribute to organizing donor events for the country office to amplify the work of UNICEF Guinea.
• Prepare inputs for the programme management team as well as country management team meetings.
• Prepare and give input for the partnership meeting with the representative.

Reporting:
• Contribute to the quality assurance of all donor reports, checking data accuracy and compliance with UNICEF standards and guidelines.
• Review and, if necessary, rewrite draft donor reports and proposals in English.
• Prepare a monthly reporting tracker and share it with section chiefs.
• Ensure that reports are submitted to donors on time.

Skills and experience

• A minimum of three years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: programme management, communication, resource mobilization, partnerships, and fundraising; two years of which should be in developing countries.
• Experience in raising funds and drafting reports for donors or other relevant programmes is required; experience working with donors is an asset, as is experience working in the United Nations (UN ) or other international development organizations.

Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge :
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated; ability to work with minimum supervision and under tight deadlines;
• Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain;
• Sound security awareness;
• Have affinity with or interest in child-centered programmes and the mandate of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Planning and organizing effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;
Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values

Living conditions

Guinea is in West Africa and is capital is Conakry which is largest city and the main economic and financial centre of activities with a high population density.
Climate: Guinea has most of the time a tropical monsoon climate, and a rainy season is influenced by the harmattan. Temperature average is 29°C-30°C, the rain season is from June to October. May June is the beginning of the rainy season in Conakry. Heavy thunderstorms and strong winds are typical for the season.
Population: the population size was approximately 13.6 million in 2023. The population of Guinea is comprised of about 24 different ethnic groups, with Fulani who make up 40% of population. Other major ethnic groups include Mandingo, Susu, Kissi, Kpelle and non-African groups.
Religion: about 85% of the population is Muslim, the other religions practiced are Christian, Hindu and others.
Safety: Guinea is generally a safe country to visit, but there are times when persist socio- political crises with frequent violent demonstrations, especially in Conakry. It is advised to not circulate during the night. Safety Guidelines have been elaborated and are updated by UNDSS Office for reference.
Currency: the local currency is the Guinea Franc (GNF), 1 GNF is about 0,0012 USD.
The country provides for an interesting and enriching environment but also requires a mature level of social-cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in potentially harsh conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.