Islamic Philanthropy Specialist

Deliverables · Updated Islamic Philanthropy strategy and implementation plan. · Zakat Board operational framework and annual Islamic Giving Report. · Integrated Ramadan and Dhul Hijjah campaign plans with IG team. · New high-value partnerships secured, and pipeline expanded. · Performance dashboard tracking Islamic Giving KPIs. · Strengthened internal capacity and market insight. · The consultant will work 22 days/month, Sunday–Thursday, at regular Amman office hours unless otherwise agreed.

If the consultancy is taking place remotely, the consultant is expected to travel to UNRWA Headquarters in Amman for one week every three months.

The duration of the consultancy is for 12 months, with possible extension, subject to need and budget availability.

The Islamic Philanthropy Lead will spearhead UNRWA’s Islamic Giving strategy, integrating Zakat and Sadaqah-based fundraising across High Value and Individual Giving streams. The role ensures UNRWA’s Islamic Giving is strategically positioned, theologically sound, and effectively governed to maximize income and impact. The role focuses on strategic leadership, coordination, and growth of Islamic Philanthropy, with delivery implemented in close collaboration with IG, HV, Communications, and Field Office teams as well as Public Partnerships colleagues, ensuring alignment across private and public sector engagement. Working under the supervision of the Chief, Private Sector Partnerships Division (PSP), the Islamic Philanthropy Lead is supported by the Chief, Individual Giving, High Value, Communications, Public Partnerships and Business Intelligence teams, ensuring dedicated technical and operational backing for delivery in a transversal, matrixed set-up cutting across PSP pillars and interfacing with Public Partnerships. The incumbent will: 1. Strategy & Market Growth • Design and implement UNRWA’s Islamic Philanthropy strategy, ensuring alignment with IG and HV growth plans. • Identify and expand opportunities in high-potential markets, including GCC countries and key Muslim and diaspora audiences, while expanding into emerging opportunities globally. • Develop tailored entry strategies based on market scans, audience insights, and emerging opportunities in partnership with Business Intelligence and external experts. • Support the preparation and coordination of UNRWA’s engagement in key Islamic Philanthropy forums, conferences, and donor networks contributing to UNRWA’s positioning as a trusted Zakat and Sadaqah partner. 2. Partnerships & Institutional Engagement • Prospect, cultivate, and steward high-value Islamic partnerships—including philanthropists, corporations, Islamic banks, foundations, and Zakat institutions. • Develop compelling proposals and cases for support tailored to Islamic partners, ensuring cultural and theological alignment. • Support the Zakat Board secretariat function, including coordinating meetings, preparing documentation, facilitating compliance with Zakat governance standards, and following up on Fatwa and certification processes. • Produce the annual Islamic Giving Report consolidating data, impact, and visibility across all streams. 3. Campaign Integration & Individual Giving • Co-lead the design and delivery of Islamic campaigns (Ramadan, Dhul Hijjah, Zakat, and Sadaqah) in collaboration with the Individual Giving and High Value teams. • Ensure messaging, donor journeys, and appeals are culturally resonant and aligned with Islamic principles. • Integrate Islamic Giving KPIs into shared dashboards and performance reports to ensure transparent tracking of results. • Support creative development and communications materials for Islamic audiences in partnership with the Communications team. 4. Governance, Cross-Team and Cross-Pillar Coordination • Serve as the focal point for Islamic Giving across PSP, ensuring coherence across IG, HV, Comms, and Field Offices and strong alignment with Public Partnerships to leverage synergies across funding streams. • Develop clear KPIs and accountability frameworks for Islamic income, reporting, and compliance. • Liaise with recognized Islamic scholars and certification bodies to ensure compliance with Sharia principles and strengthen institutional credibility. • Coordinate with Field Offices on delivery of Zakat-funded programmes and ensure governance standards are met. • Provide regular briefings and reports to PSP management, ensuring progress is measurable, visible, and actionable. • The role operates through a matrixed coordination model across Individual Giving (IG), High Value (HV), Communications, and Field Offices, among others, and requires close collaboration with Public Partnerships to ensure complementarity and maximize overall resource mobilization. 5. Knowledge & Capacity Building • Develop internal guidance and tools on Islamic Giving best practices, donor engagement, and cultural sensitivity. • Build PSP and partner capacity on engaging faith-based audiences. • Stay informed of global Islamic Philanthropy trends, Sharia rulings, and market developments to maintain UNRWA’s leadership in the field.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE • At least 5 years of relevant experience in Islamic Philanthropy, fundraising, or partnership development, including international exposure. A candidate for an international post must have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and outside the country(s) of which the candidate is a national or holds citizenship, a passport or a national identity number is required. • Proven experience in cultivating relationships with Islamic financial institutions, philanthropists, and faith-based organizations. • Strong understanding of Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic giving mechanisms, including governance and compliance requirements. • Experience in designing and implementing Islamic giving campaigns and donor engagement strategies. • Experience in coordinating cross-functional teams and working in complex institutional settings. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS • Familiarity with the humanitarian or development landscape in key Islamic philanthropy markets. • Experience with UN agencies or National Committees. • Knowledge of Arabic is an asset. • Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM systems.

Excellent command of spoken and written English and Arabic.

COMPETENCIES : • Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills. • Strategic thinker with results orientation. • Cultural and theological sensitivity. • Excellent written and verbal communication. • Collaborative and accountable leadership style with strong ability to work across teams and functions. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE : • Expected start date as soon as possible. • This consultancy is equivalent to P3 level- rate is $314/day.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.