1. General Background
The Private Sector Partnerships Service (PSP) sits within UNHCR’s Division of External Relations (DER) and is responsible for mobilizing resources and other forms of support from the private sector. UNHCR has developed a Private Sector Fundraising Strategy 2018-2025 with the overall goal of raising $1 billion annually from the private sector by 2025. (Due to the extraordinary results following the Ukraine crisis, this target was met in 2022 and the Private Sector Engagement Strategy is currently under revision). The current strategy focuses on both Individual Giving and Partnerships and Private Philanthropy (PPH) and identifies priority fundraising markets and regions. The Private Partnerships and Philanthropy Strategic Framework 2018-2025 – a subset of the PSP strategy – presents a vision and objectives for the engagement of PPH donors, mainly with corporates, foundations and HNWIs.
The strategic framework lists Japan as one of the priority markets for PPH. UNHCR’s National Association Partner in Japan, Japan for UNHCR (J4U) has been steadily increasing donations across all donor segments, expecting to reach $13,1M in total donation amount in 2023. J4U launched their MJD stewardship program with one dedicated staff member in 2020 which underpinned donation growth. In 2023 J4U’s MJD programme income is expected to reach over $1.9m. Peer comparisons suggest that there remains significant room to grow MJD contributions for J4U and J4U. J4U managed to steadily increase their Corporate giving over the past years yet Major Donor giving is still lagging behind.
The incumbent is expected to be a significant element into expanding the potential of PPH in Japan with major donors and (U)HNWI. He/she will work in close collaboration with Japan for UNHCR (J4U) to acquire and develop relationships with potential new major donors and (U)HNWI in Japan and related circles including wealth advisors, private banks, giving networks and other key influencers in the private philanthropy sphere in Japan. The goal of this role is to grow the current MJD income by focusing on outreach towards new major donor & (U)HNWI prospects.
The incumbent will be under the supervision of Senior PSP Officer (Asia & Pacific), embedded into the PPH team at J4U, and will work very closely with the existing J4U MJD staff member to fulfil his/her functions to ensure a strategic, coordinated, and efficient approach and maximize the impact. The incumbent will liaise with the regional team for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok and other fundraisers in the region.
The incumbent will be based in Tokyo, Japan, and hosted in the offices of Japan for UNHCR.
2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment
In coordination with Japan for UNHCR and PSP Asia Regional, the incumbent is expected to:
1. Work to acquire and develop relationships with new MJD and (U)HWNI prospects in Japan to obtain financial support for UNHCR programs globally.
2. Identify new MJD and (U)HNWI prospects, develop a pipeline, an engagement strategy leading to financial support.
3. Implement cultivation and stewardship activities to develop long term partnerships.
4. Identify key stakeholders influencing the decision-making process for MJD and (U)HNWI prospects in Japan.
5. Develop engagement strategies to develop relationships with these key influencers to obtain financial support for UNHCR programs globally.
6. Identify key engagement opportunities, including events, speaking opportunities in Japan, to raise J4U and UNHCR’s profile amongst MJD and (U)HNWI and to expand J4U’s network.
7. Working closely with the PPH team of J4U and the Board of J4U, including exploring existing corporate relationships, their CEO’s and their senior leadership and J4U Board members networks to identify new MJD and (U)HNWI opportunities within our existing networks.
8. Work with Japan for UNHCR and colleagues at regional and HQ level to develop compelling products for MJD and (U)HNWI prospects in Japan (including presentations, pitches, proposals and reports). This should include ensuring that reporting and updates are provided to PPH partners in a timely manner and in a way that showcases the achievement of the goals agreed with the donor.
9. To support the existing MJD staff member on reporting and planning in Japan, including to the PSP annual planning process, as well as providing input to any national MJD strategies.
10. Maintain detailed records of engagement and plans, using relevant systems to monitor progress in the development of partnerships, while ensuring strict compliance with data protection regulations as might be applicable to Japanese donors’ personal information. This should include maintain appropriate records on all PPH accounts in the appropriate J4U’s CRM system.
11. Make sure UNHCR’s engagement with new prospects and stakeholders in Japan is thoroughly vetted through UNHCR’s Due Diligence Process, to ensure the selection of optimal partners and optimal partnerships.
12. Perform any other related duties that may be required.
3. Monitoring and Progress Controls
Accountability
● PPH programme in Japan is generating increased income from MJD and (U)HNWI to support UNHCR’s activities worldwide.
● J4U network and awareness within MJD, (U)JHNWI and key influencers is expanded in Japan.
● Engagement strategies targeting MJD and (U)HNWI in Japan, including its associated income targets and other goals, and related circles is successfully implemented, achieved and reported on in a timely manner.
● The expenditure budget for PPH activities under the incumbent’s responsibility is efficiently utilized.
Authority
● In collaboration with J4U MJD existing staff member, devise a short to medium-term strategy and implementation plan to acquire and develop new MJD and (U)HNWI partnerships in Japan.
● Together with J4U, develop engagement strategies new MJD and (U)HNWI prospects.
● Insofar as agreed with J4U and in coordination with existing J4U MJD staff member, lead on management of new MJD and (U)HNWI.
● Attend and present at meetings with prospective partners to promote an accurate understanding of UNHCR’s work and its financial and other needs.
4. Qualifications and Experience
a. Education
● High School Diploma or university degree (BA) in business, marketing, international relations, development, political science or a related discipline
b. Work Experience
Required:
● Minimum 4 years of relevant work experience for High School Diploma or minimum 2 years of experience for Bachelor degree or higher.
● Experience with developing and implementing private sector fundraising/engagement plans or strategies
● Experience in managing private partnerships
● Experience in managing high-level meetings and events
● Experience in coordinating multiple stakeholders both internal and external.
● Experience in understanding how to reconcile different needs and interests and negotiate for mutually beneficial outcomes.
● Experience in developing products for private sector audiences, including writing and editing letters, proposals, appeals, reports, acknowledgements, briefings, and any other products targeting private sector entities
● Experience in explaining complex issues to external audiences in an appealing and concise manner.
Desired:
● Experience in an international environment
● Experience with private philanthropy fundraising and / or wealth management
● Experience in developing new (private philanthropy) partnerships / business development / outreach
● Experience in engaging MJD and (U)HNWI
● Experience within the UN system or an INGO
c. Key Competencies
Required:
• Fluency in Japanese and good knowledge of English (written/oral/comprehension).
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, be self-motivated, and results-oriented with a strong sense of accountability.
• Ability to focus and thrive in a highly dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
• Service-oriented with networking and relationship-building skills.
• Good written and oral communication and interpersonal skills both in Japanese and English.
• Proven ability to meet fundraising targets and to negotiate and secure partnerships with private donors.
Desired:
• Access to a network of business contacts at senior management level in Japan and an established network in the private sector fundraising sector in the region.
• Ability to negotiate and secure partnerships for a high monetary value (> 1,000,000 USD preferably cash).
• Knowledge of UNHCR programmes and activities, particularly at field level.
Standard Job Description
Required Languages
Japanese
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,
Desired Languages
,
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Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
Certifications
Work Experience
Other information
This position doesn’t require a functional clearance
How to apply
For a full job description and to apply, interested candidates are requested to visit
The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).
Closing date of receipt of applications: 7 February 2024 (midnight Geneva time)