Donor Engagement Advisor - Gulf Partnerships

Role overview

People in Need Zambia is hiring a Donor Engagement Advisor to support the expansion of its programmes by building stronger partnerships with donors across the Gulf region. The appointment is for one year, with the option to extend the contract.

The position is based in the Middle East, with Lebanon, Jordan, or the UAE as possible locations; Dubai is the preferred base. The role includes travel across the Gulf, Africa, and the Middle East, and the expected start is as soon as possible. The post reports to the Regional Director for Africa and the Middle East.

People in Need is a Czech-based international NGO that has been delivering humanitarian and development support in more than 20 countries since 1992. It is among the largest organisations of its type in Central and Eastern Europe and works to strengthen civil society, promote human rights, and advance social inclusion in communities across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.

What the role involves

This position focuses on increasing the organisation’s reach and funding by cultivating relationships with Gulf-based donors and shaping external engagement around the organisation’s regional priorities and field presence.

• Develop and sustain high-value relationships with key donors, foundations, and strategic partners in the Gulf.
• Lead external representation efforts so the organisation is positioned effectively in line with its operational footprint and priorities.
• Create and implement targeted engagement plans for humanitarian and development stakeholders and donors in the Gulf region.
• Work with donors and partners to shape programme ideas and organisational positioning before funding calls are released.
• Represent the organisation in meetings, bilateral discussions, and relevant sector forums.
• Connect donor intelligence, engagement planning, and programme priorities to support stronger regional fundraising outcomes.
• Spot, monitor, and help progress funding opportunities from Gulf donors in coordination with regional and country teams.
• Track donor trends, funding interests, and partnership approaches while maintaining visibility on priority stakeholders and opportunities.
• Lead the creation and presentation of concept notes and strategic pitches that align donor priorities with organisational goals.
• Collaborate closely with regional, country programme, and headquarters teams to coordinate engagement and opportunity development.

Candidate profile

The ideal applicant brings substantial experience in humanitarian or development settings, along with a strong background in donor engagement and business development. Familiarity with Gulf donors or other non-traditional funding sources would be beneficial.

The role calls for excellent stakeholder management, persuasive communication, and the ability to convert programme realities into viable funding opportunities. English fluency is essential, and Arabic would be an advantage.

What the organisation offers

• A role within a respected humanitarian organisation operating in complex and demanding contexts.
• A strategic opportunity to contribute directly to diversifying funding streams.
• Close collaboration with senior leadership and country programme teams.
• The chance to work with emerging and non-traditional donors.

Pay and benefits

• Salary is determined under the organisation’s pay scale and HR policies, with the cost of living in the home location taken into account.
• 25 days of annual leave.
• 10 sick days.
• Accommodation provided by the organisation.
• Travel costs reimbursed, including travel back to the country of residence once every 6 months of work.
• Visa and vaccination costs reimbursed, with support during the visa process.
• Medical check-up costs reimbursed before and after deployment.
• Travel health insurance covering medical treatment, including repatriation.
• 24/7 online medical support.
• Free online psychological counselling.
• Free access to e-learning resources and the PIN Learning Hub.
• Global induction training from PIN.
• Additional capacity-building support, including Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) where relevant.

Conditions and screening

All employment offers depend on satisfactory references and appropriate background screening, which may include criminal record and terrorism finance checks. The organisation has a strong commitment to preventing sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse, financial misconduct, and any other inappropriate behaviour, and expects staff to follow its code of conduct and key policies. Staff will be required to complete the relevant training.

The organisation also encourages applications from people of diverse backgrounds and is committed to diversity and gender equality.

Application process

Applicants should submit a CV and a short cover letter through the organisation’s application form. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis, and the position will close once filled.