Donor Relations Specialist, Conakry

General

Description of assignment title: Donor Relations Specialist
Assignment country: Guinea
Duty stations: Conakry
Work location: On UN premises
Expected start date: 12/14/2026
Expected end date: 06/13/2027
Sustainable Development Goal: 17. Partnerships for the goals
Host entity: UNICEF
Modality: Onsite
Type: International
Volunteer category: Specialist UCoS from Apr2026
Work schedule: Full-time
Number of Assignments: 1

Details

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.

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.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 18 - 80
Required experience: 3 years
Nationality: Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience: 3 years

Languages:

• French, Level: Fluent, Required
• English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level: Bachelor's degree in International relations, political science, communications, international development or other relevant technical field.

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

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.

Area(s) of expertise: Administration, Partnerships, resource mobilisation, Communication, advocacy, public information
Driving license: -

Other information

Volunteerism is understood as a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good, for which monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.

Living conditions and remarks

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.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Reasonable accommodation

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

In addition to duty station-specific vaccine requirements, appointments are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their contracts.

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