Internals Only: Gulf Region Donor Engagement Specialist

Your mission

The role leads War Child Alliance Foundation’s (WCAF) engagement with institutional and strategic donors in the Gulf region, driving the development of partnerships and funding opportunities to support organisational growth and impact. It is responsible for shaping and implementing the Gulf donor engagement approach, strengthening War Child’s positioning in the region and contributing to portfolio development and income generation. Working under the direction of the Head of Institutional Funding & Grants Delivery, the role coordinates engagement across WCAF teams and FMs, ensuring aligned approaches, effective relationship management and progression of partner and funding opportunities in a developing donor market.

• Under the leadership of the Head of Institutional Funding & Grants Delivery, lead the delivery and implementation of the Gulf Engagement Strategy, translating strategic priorities into actionable engagement plans, partnerships and funding outcomes.
• Lead the development and management of donor relationships across the Gulf region, strengthening War Child’s positioning and ensuring coherent and targeted engagement across key stakeholders.
• Drive pipeline development and opportunity identification in the Gulf market, proactively shaping and advancing funding opportunities in a relationship-driven and evolving donor landscape.
• Lead the planning and coordination of donor engagement across the Alliance, ensuring alignment between WCAF, Members and country teams on Gulf-related opportunities and partnerships.
• Use donor intelligence, market insights and trend analysis to inform engagement and opportunity development, ensuring positioning is aligned with donor priorities and regional dynamics.
• Oversee the progression of Gulf funding opportunities, working closely with Programme Funding Advisors, Account Managers and Proposal Quality to ensure timely and coordinated development of proposals.
• Coordinate internal stakeholders and partnerships, ensuring effective collaboration, clear roles and strong information flow across teams involved in Gulf engagement.
• Support the development of partnership models and collaboration approaches suited to the Gulf context, enabling effective engagement with a diverse range of actors.
• Ensure appropriate use of systems and alignment with organisational processes, working in coordination with Compliance & Performance to support visibility, tracking and reporting of Gulf opportunities.
• Represent War Child in external Gulf-facing engagements, networks and forums, strengthening relationships and expanding the organisation’s presence and partnerships in the region.

Role-specific responsibilities and context

• Act as the primary strategic focal point for Gulf donor engagement, leading coherent and coordinated engagement across the Alliance and ensuring alignment with organisational priorities.
• Under the leadership of the Head of Institutional Funding & Grants Delivery, lead the delivery and implementation of the Gulf Engagement Strategy, translating strategic priorities into actionable approaches, partnerships and funding outcomes.
• Lead market development in the Gulf region, driving proactive engagement and positioning in a relationship-driven donor environment and expanding War Child’s presence across priority donors and partners.
• Shape and establish partnership approaches suited to the Gulf donor context, including engagement with foundations, government-linked entities and regional actors, positioning War Child effectively within an evolving funding landscape.
• Drive early-stage opportunity positioning and relationship development, proactively identifying, influencing and advancing funding opportunities in contexts where formal pipelines may not yet exist.
• Lead the progression of Gulf opportunities into viable funding outcomes, working collaboratively across WCAF, Members and country teams to develop partnerships, structure opportunities and support proposal processes aligned with organisational priorities.

Your profile

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE
Education

• Relevant degree in international development, public policy, business administration or related fields.

• Experience in administrative support, program coordination or research in an NGO;
• Development or humanitarian setting experience;
• Familiarity with donor engagement and grant management preferred.

• Excellent English;
• Proficiency in French or another relevant language is a plus.

• Understanding of institutional donor systems (multilateral & bilateral);
• Aid-sector trends;
• Project management tools;
• CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce).

What we offer

• Location: We work with global teams with members based in different locations. War Child currently operates in Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Colombia, DR Congo, Germany, Jordan, Lebanon, the occupied Palestinian territory, South Sudan, Sweden, Syria, Uganda, Ukraine (soon to be registered), and Yemen. We also have offices in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Preference is given to applicants who reside and have valid working permits. War Child does not offer relocation.
• Type of Contract: Local contract with salary and secondary labour conditions based on the in-country salary scale; local terms and conditions will apply.
• Internal applicants may apply.

Why you should apply

• Meaningful Impact: Contribute directly to improving the lives of children and families affected by conflict through quality education and long-term, sustainable change.
• Professional Growth: Join a dynamic organisation that values learning, innovation, and professional development, with opportunities for capacity building and growth through the role and War Child’s global network.
• Global Reach: Play a key role in scaling a groundbreaking programme across multiple conflict-affected contexts worldwide.
• Collaborative & Inclusive Culture: Work alongside passionate, mission-driven colleagues in a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace that prioritises safety, fairness and equal opportunity for all.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications (CV and motivation letter in English) by June 26, 2026. We are reviewing submissions on a rolling basis, so early applications are strongly recommended.