Donor Relations Consultant - Middle East Region

Type of contract: Consultancy

Duration of contract: June 2025-December 2026

Deadline for applications: 10 June 2025 at 05:00 pm CET

Late applications will not be considered

CGIAR’s Donor Relations and Business Development (DRBD) unit is responsible for driving strategic initiatives to engage with new and existing funders, secure sustainable funding, and diversify funding sources across CGIAR. To support this mission, DRBD is seeking a consultant with proven fundraising experience and an established network of contacts in the Middle East region to steward and expand a pipeline of potential investors in CGIAR programs.

The objective of this assignment is to work with CGIAR DRBD team and CGIAR’s regional champion(s) to develop a robust and actionable short-medium term engagement plan for Middle East development investment opportunities, build networks, develop a pipeline of funding proposals with promising prospects, and position CGIAR as a well-known actor in the region.

Requirements

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant will prepare an initial strategy, mid-term update, and final report for the contract and will engage with the DRBD team on a weekly basis through structured meetings.

Tasks will include:

Intelligence gathering:

o   Stay abreast of the regional and market-level political landscapes, and ODA and private funding trends. Including bilateral and triangular cooperation. 

o   Source and assess potential funding opportunities in the region to expand the funding base for CGIAR research and operations. 

o   Consolidate learning and data on funding opportunities and effective practices across the partnership to build a knowledge base that supports strategic development and capacity building. 

Building up networks:

o   Actively engage with key stakeholders in the region, including governments, parliaments, civil society, foundations and other relevant public and private organizations. 

o   Cultivate and support a network of champions and advocates in the region to grow awareness and investment pipelines.  

Strategic Advice to DRBD and CGIAR Leadership:

o   Develop and lead funder specific donor relation strategies targeting Middle East portfolio of donors (including Governments, Development Banks, and specialized Funds). 

o   Identify key events and moments where CGIAR and regional partners can advance shared objectives.  

o   Advise management on emerging opportunities and challenges related to donor funding to inform resource development and planning. 

Engagement support and stewardship:

o   Lead the implementation of the donor relations strategies and stewardship activities aligned to Middle East priorities, sensitive to political landscape, cultural nuances, and familiar with the local funding landscapes to achieve ambitious funding targets

o  Collaborate with CGIAR champions and centers, research and innovation programs, and other internal stakeholders to share information and insights on donor interests, funding opportunities, and emerging research activities/projects to align research with funding.

The successful candidate will have:

• Detailed knowledge of Middle East funding markets and opportunities
• Established contacts in the region with ability to activate new channels
• A track record as a trusted partner with a strong regional reputation

Essential qualifications and skills include:

• MA in Development, International Relations, Political Science, Business, Communications, or related studies, or related field.
• 5-10 years of proven experience developing and leading large, complex fundraising efforts with Middle East partners.
• Established network of contacts across the Middle East.
• Excellent relation management skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and internationally.
• Written and spoken fluency in English / Arabic is required.

Benefits

All applications must be submitted online by clicking the 'Apply' button below. If you require assistance or face challenges in submitting your application, please email smo-bidding@cgiar.org with the position title in the subject line. Please note we will not accept applications through this email. 

Please ensure that your resume and cover letter are in English and do not contain your marital status, age, or photograph. Documents provided in a language other than English will not be considered.

CGIAR is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational, and multi-disciplinary, collegial working environment. We consciously create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

All received applications will be acknowledged; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. 

We look forward to hearing from you!