UNHCR Islamic Philanthropy UK: Officer Position in London
Are you passionate about humanitarian causes and deeply familiar with UNHCR Islamic Philanthropy UK initiatives? The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is seeking an experienced Officer, Islamic Philanthropy (PPH) to join its Private Sector Partnerships (PSP) team in London. This is a unique opportunity, therefore, to significantly impact the lives of millions of displaced individuals worldwide by leveraging the power of Islamic giving in the UK.
About UNHCR
UNHCR is a global leader dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. We operate in over 130 countries. Our mission, ultimately, is to provide vital protection and care to millions forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. Significantly, our work is almost entirely sustained by voluntary contributions from governments and private donors. Consequently, the need for continued support is paramount.
The Role: PPH Officer (UNHCR Islamic Philanthropy UK)
Based in UNHCR’s London office, you will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing UNHCR’s Islamic Philanthropy UK strategy within the UK. You’ll work closely with UK for UNHCR, our National Partner charity. Together, therefore, you will cultivate long-term partnerships with diverse stakeholders. These include, for instance, foundations, faith-based charities, institutional donors, Islamic financial institutions, and individual philanthropists.
This position sits within UNHCR’s Private Sector Partnerships Unit. This unit, moreover, is part of the Department of External Relations (DER), which mobilizes crucial resources for our global refugee response. You will report directly to the Senior PSP Officer (Europe). Furthermore, you’ll collaborate closely with the UK for UNHCR fundraising team, thereby ensuring cohesive efforts.
Key Responsibilities for UNHCR Islamic Philanthropy UK
As the PPH Officer (Islamic Philanthropy), your duties will include:
Identifying and Engaging Supporters for UNHCR Islamic Philanthropy UK
You will proactively identify and establish contact with potential Islamic philanthropy supporters. This includes, for example, leading Islamic financial institutions in the UK (banks, insurance firms, wealth management companies), corporate organizations with Muslim networks, Muslim charities, grant-giving bodies, membership-based groups, (U)HNWIs, and influential connectors. Consequently, you’ll support the prospecting process from initial meetings through to securing opportunities alongside UK for UNHCR counterparts.
Crafting Compelling Proposals
You’ll develop clear and compelling cases for support. Additionally, you’ll create tailored project proposals and reports. These materials, ultimately, will effectively solicit and report on Islamic funds, always aligning with the specific interests and priorities of Islamic philanthropists.
Building Relationships
You’ll foster and strengthen relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. This is crucial, since it guides and implements UNHCR’s Islamic Philanthropy strategy, and likewise supports UK for UNHCR’s efforts.
Refining Our Strategic Approach to UNHCR Islamic Philanthropy UK
You will contribute to refining UNHCR’s strategic approach to UNHCR Islamic Philanthropy UK. This involves, for example, strengthening the case for support across existing streams like Zakat, Sadaqah, Waqf, and Sukuk. Moreover, you’ll identify new opportunities for growth, thus expanding our reach.
Driving Implementation of UNHCR Islamic Philanthropy UK Initiatives
You’ll support the swift and effective implementation of the strategy. This entails helping UK for UNHCR build relationships and awareness among Islamic Philanthropy actors in the UK, thereby strengthening UNHCR Islamic Philanthropy UK initiatives. This includes, to illustrate, donor partners, (U)HNWIs, financial institutions, and Islamic institutions such as Zakat and Waqf Houses.
Event and Communication Programs for UNHCR Islamic Philanthropy UK
You’ll assist UK for UNHCR in establishing strong, creative, and regular events and communications programs. These initiatives, in turn, will provide vital cultivation, stewardship, and thanking opportunities for Islamic philanthropy partners throughout the year, specifically for UNHCR Islamic Philanthropy UK.
Providing Expert Guidance
You’ll offer guidance and advice on best practices in Islamic Philanthropy. Furthermore, you’ll provide recommendations on how UNHCR and UK for UNHCR can enhance credibility and transparency among audiences, consequently reinforcing UNHCR Islamic Philanthropy UK efforts.
Ensuring Accountability
You will support UNHCR in the monthly reconciliation process of received Islamic funding. This guarantees, first and foremost, utmost accountability in recording these funds. It also ensures accurate channeling to earmarked programs/beneficiaries and full transparency in reporting back to donors.
Maintaining Compliance
You’ll liaise with relevant internal UNHCR stakeholders to ensure ongoing compliance of relevant programs. Additionally, you’ll expand the internal scope of compliance by continuously identifying relevant UNHCR programs, thus broadening oversight.
Reporting and Transparency
You will ensure regular reports on the optimal and compliant utilization of Islamic funds by UNHCR are prepared professionally and promptly. Furthermore, you’ll assure external compliance reports are drafted and published by the relevant third party, ensuring full transparency.
Other Duties
You may also perform other ad-hoc functions as required.
Essential Qualifications and Experience for UNHCR Islamic Philanthropy UK
The ideal candidate will possess:
- Education: A University Degree in Finance, Islamic Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Development, Public Administration, or a related field is mandatory.
- Experience: A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience with an Undergraduate/Bachelor’s degree; alternatively, 5 years with a Graduate/Master’s degree; or 4 years with a Doctorate/PhD degree.
- UK Muslim Community Knowledge: Demonstrable knowledge of the Muslim community and networks within the UK is essential.
- Islamic Philanthropy/Finance Expertise: Proven expertise in Islamic philanthropy and/or Islamic finance in the UK or the wider Islamic world.
- Fundraising Experience: Proven experience in fundraising is required.
- Humanitarian/UN Knowledge: Good knowledge of humanitarian assistance and the UN environment.
- Project Management: Strong project management skills are a must.
Key Competencies for UNHCR Islamic Philanthropy UK
- Islamic Philanthropy & Financing: Excellent knowledge of Islamic Philanthropy and Financing Practices.
- Client Orientation & Networking: High client orientation, strong networking, and relationship-building skills are vital.
- Analytical & Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Negotiation: Excellent negotiation skills.
- Communication: Good written and oral communication and interpersonal skills are crucial.
- Languages: Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of Arabic is a plus, furthermore.
Location and Conditions
The successful candidate will be based at UNHCR’s office in London, UK. They will meet regularly with the UK for UNHCR team.
This is a full-time role (37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday). It comes with a yearly contract, valid until the end of the year, and the possibility of renewal. A part-time working arrangement (minimum 50%) may be considered upon mutual agreement with the selected candidate.
Application Process
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to the next stages of the recruitment process. First, shortlisted candidates will undergo an eliminatory written test. Those who successfully pass the test will then be invited for an interview with the panel.
For more information about UNHCR, please visit our website: www.unhcr.org.
Should you encounter any unexpected technical problems during the application process, please direct your questions to recruitment@case.unhcr.org for technical support (this applies to non-current UNHCR workforce members only).
Ready to make a difference and drive UNHCR Islamic Philanthropy UK efforts? Apply today and help us build a better future for refugees worldwide!
