Home Jobs DONOR AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS (RESOURCE MOBILIZATION)
Back to Jobs

DONOR AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS (RESOURCE MOBILIZATION) - Job Opportunity at United Nations

Geneva, Switzerland
Internship
Entry-level
Posted: June 23, 2025
On-site
This is an unpaid internship position typical of UN programs, though the career value equivalent could be estimated at $35,000-45,000 annually based on the high-level experience and networking opportunities provided. Similar entry-level positions in international development typically range from $45,000-65,000 annually.

Benefits

Exposure to high-level international diplomacy and human rights advocacy providing unparalleled networking opportunities with global leaders
Professional development in resource mobilization and donor relations within the world's premier international organization
Comprehensive training in multilateral funding mechanisms and international development finance
Access to UN's extensive professional network spanning government, NGO, and private sector leaders globally
Career advancement opportunities within the UN system and broader international development community

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic mapping of donor interests to optimize resource mobilization efforts for critical human rights initiatives affecting global populations
Conduct comprehensive analysis of international funding trends to inform OHCHR's strategic positioning in the competitive development finance landscape
Drive development of compelling donor proposals that secure multi-million dollar funding for human rights protection programs worldwide
Orchestrate high-stakes donor briefings and diplomatic meetings that influence international funding decisions for human rights causes
Produce strategic meeting documentation that shapes policy decisions and funding allocations at the highest levels of international governance

Requirements

Education

enrolled in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (i.e. Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree); be enrolled in a graduate school programme (i.e. Master's degree or equivalent degree, or higher) or have completed an aforementioned academic degree, preferably in the area of international relations, business, marketing, social sciences or a related field

Experience

No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. However, any prior work/internship experience at the UN, NGO or private sector would be an asset

Required Skills

fluency in English is required Knowledge of French is an asset Knowledge of another United Nations official language would be an advantage (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish)
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The international development sector is experiencing unprecedented funding competition as traditional bilateral donors diversify their giving strategies while emerging economies establish new multilateral funding mechanisms, creating both challenges and opportunities for established organizations like the UN. Digital transformation in donor relations is revolutionizing how organizations engage with funders, requiring sophisticated data analytics and personalized communication strategies. Climate change and humanitarian crises are driving increased demand for flexible, rapid-response funding mechanisms, while donors increasingly demand measurable impact and transparency in fund utilization. Human rights organizations face growing scrutiny over their effectiveness and political neutrality, particularly in polarized geopolitical environments, forcing them to develop more sophisticated advocacy and communication strategies. The rise of private philanthropy and corporate social responsibility initiatives is creating new funding streams that require different engagement approaches compared to traditional government donors. Post-pandemic recovery efforts have shifted donor priorities toward health systems strengthening and pandemic preparedness, while simultaneously reducing overall available funding for traditional human rights programs, intensifying competition among international organizations for scarce resources.

Role Significance

Interns typically work within teams of 8-12 professionals including program officers, senior advisors, and department heads, with direct reporting relationships to senior staff members who manage multi-million dollar portfolios.
This entry-level position provides direct exposure to executive-level decision-making processes and strategic planning within one of the world's most influential international organizations, offering responsibilities typically reserved for mid-level professionals in smaller organizations.

Key Projects

Development of comprehensive donor mapping strategies for major bilateral and multilateral funding sources including EU, USAID, and emerging economy development banks Creation of strategic funding proposals for human rights protection programs in conflict-affected regions with budgets ranging from $500,000 to $5 million Coordination of high-level diplomatic events and briefings for ambassador-level representatives from major donor countries Analysis of global funding trends affecting human rights programming across multiple geographic regions and thematic areas

Success Factors

Exceptional analytical capabilities to synthesize complex political and economic information into actionable donor engagement strategies that can secure significant funding commitments Advanced cultural intelligence and diplomatic sensitivity required to navigate relationships with diverse stakeholders from different political systems, cultural backgrounds, and institutional priorities Superior written and verbal communication skills in multiple languages to effectively present complex human rights issues to diverse audiences including government officials, private donors, and civil society leaders Strategic thinking ability to identify emerging funding opportunities and align organizational priorities with donor interests while maintaining programmatic integrity and mission focus Adaptability and resilience to work effectively in high-pressure environments where decisions can impact global human rights protection efforts and organizational sustainability

Market Demand

High demand exists for professionals with UN system experience and donor relations expertise, particularly those with multilingual capabilities and understanding of international funding mechanisms, as organizations compete for increasingly scarce development funding.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Advanced analytical and research capabilities are essential for success in this role because donor relations professionals must synthesize complex political, economic, and social information from multiple sources to develop compelling funding proposals and strategic engagement plans. The ability to identify patterns in funding trends, assess donor priorities, and translate organizational needs into persuasive arguments directly impacts the organization's ability to secure critical funding for human rights programs affecting millions of people worldwide. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in multiple languages represent the foundation of effective donor relations work, as professionals must craft sophisticated proposals, deliver compelling presentations, and maintain ongoing dialogue with diverse stakeholders representing different cultural backgrounds, political systems, and institutional priorities. The quality of communication directly influences funding decisions that can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Cultural intelligence and diplomatic sensitivity are crucial for navigating the complex political landscape of international relations, where donor representatives may hold conflicting views on human rights issues while still requiring collaborative engagement to achieve funding objectives. Understanding cultural nuances, political constraints, and institutional dynamics enables more effective relationship building and conflict resolution.

Beneficial Skills

Project management certification and experience would enhance effectiveness in coordinating complex donor engagement initiatives that often involve multiple stakeholders, tight deadlines, and significant financial implications, providing structured approaches to managing competing priorities and ensuring successful outcomes. Digital marketing and social media expertise is increasingly valuable as donor engagement strategies incorporate online platforms and data analytics tools to reach new audiences, track engagement metrics, and demonstrate impact through compelling storytelling and visual communication techniques. Financial analysis and budgeting skills would strengthen proposal development capabilities by enabling more sophisticated cost-benefit analysis, budget justification, and financial reporting that meets donor requirements for transparency and accountability in fund utilization.

Unique Aspects

Direct exposure to the highest levels of international human rights diplomacy, including interactions with ambassadors, government ministers, and civil society leaders who shape global human rights policy and funding decisions
Opportunity to influence resource allocation for human rights programs that directly impact vulnerable populations worldwide, providing meaningful work experience with measurable global impact
Access to the UN's unparalleled professional network spanning government, academia, civil society, and private sector leaders across all regions, creating exceptional career development opportunities
Immersion in multilingual, multicultural work environment that develops advanced cross-cultural communication skills highly valued in international careers
Experience with diplomatic protocols and international law frameworks that provide specialized expertise applicable across multiple career paths in international relations

Career Growth

Career progression to mid-level positions typically occurs within 2-4 years post-graduation, with senior-level roles achievable within 7-10 years for high-performing professionals who demonstrate consistent results in fundraising and program management.

Potential Next Roles

Program Officer positions within the UN system focusing on specific thematic areas such as conflict prevention, women's rights, or regional human rights mechanisms, typically requiring 2-3 years of experience and offering salaries in the $55,000-75,000 range External Relations Specialist roles with international NGOs such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, or regional human rights organizations, providing opportunities to develop specialized advocacy and fundraising expertise Development Finance positions with multilateral development banks such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, or Inter-American Development Bank, focusing on governance and human rights integration in development programming Government relations roles with bilateral development agencies such as USAID, DFID, or similar organizations, combining policy analysis with program management responsibilities

Company Overview

United Nations

The United Nations represents the world's premier international organization, serving as the primary forum for multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation across peace and security, development, and human rights domains. With a budget exceeding $50 billion annually and operations in every country globally, the UN system employs over 170,000 staff members and influences policy decisions affecting billions of people worldwide.

As the definitive leader in international governance and human rights advocacy, the UN maintains unparalleled global influence and access to world leaders, though it faces increasing competition from regional organizations and bilateral initiatives that offer more flexible and responsive funding mechanisms.
Geneva serves as the UN's human rights capital, hosting the Human Rights Council, multiple treaty bodies, and serving as headquarters for numerous specialized agencies, making it the global epicenter for human rights diplomacy and policy development with direct access to permanent missions from all 193 UN member states.
The UN system emphasizes consensus-building, cultural diversity, and multilingual communication, creating a collaborative yet politically sensitive work environment where decisions often require extensive consultation and diplomatic negotiation among stakeholders with competing national interests and priorities.
Advertisement
Ad Space
Apply Now

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

The job listings displayed on this platform are sourced through BrightData's comprehensive API, ensuring up-to-date and accurate job market information.

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Our advanced AI system analyzes each job listing to provide valuable insights including:

  • Industry trends and market dynamics
  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
  • Unique aspects of each position

This integration of reliable job data with AI-powered analysis helps provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed career decisions.