Donor Relationship Officer

Médecins sans frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, is an international humanitarian-aid non-governmental organization (NGO) and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. It is renowned for its projects in war-torn regions and developing countries facing endemic diseases.

The Donor Relationship Officer will be instrumental in supporting MSF Eastern Africa's fundraising efforts by managing donor acquisition, engagement, and stewardship, particularly for individual, corporate, foundation, and major donors, with a strategic focus on Islamic philanthropy. This involves building and managing a high-value donor portfolio, developing tailored cultivation plans, and drafting personalized communications. The officer will also contribute to implementing the Islamic philanthropy strategy, identifying and building relationships with relevant networks, and designing Ramadan and Zakat-specific fundraising appeals. Additionally, the role includes identifying new donor prospects, developing funding proposals, conducting prospect research, maintaining accurate CRM records, preparing performance reports, and ensuring compliance with MSF policies and regulations. The officer will also support junior team members, collaborate with other departments, and contribute to broader fundraising strategy.

1. Support donor acquisition, engagement, and stewardship, focusing on Islamic philanthropy.
2. Build and manage a personal portfolio of high-value and prospective donors.
3. Draft and oversee personalized donor communications and stewardship materials.
4. Plan and coordinate donor touchpoints, including meetings and events.
5. Track engagement outcomes and adjust stewardship based on feedback.
6. Contribute to implementing MSF Eastern Africa's Islamic philanthropy strategy.
7. Identify and build relationships with Islamic philanthropy networks and institutions.
8. Support the design and implementation of Ramadan and Zakat-specific fundraising campaigns.
9. Represent MSF in negotiations and manage partnerships with Islamic charitable organizations.
10. Ensure fundraising materials are culturally and theologically sensitive to Islamic giving principles.
11. Represent MSF at faith-based and philanthropic forums to strengthen its profile.
12. Identify and pursue new donor prospects and partnership opportunities.
13. Develop compelling funding proposals and concept notes.
14. Contribute to income diversification and long-term donor pipeline planning.
15. Lead prospect research on Islamic philanthropic organizations and high-net-worth Muslim donors.
16. Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in the CRM system.
17. Prepare regular briefing notes, performance reports, and presentations for management.
18. Ensure all donor engagement and gift acceptance comply with MSF policy and regulations.
19. Support the professional development of interns or junior team members.
20. Collaborate with Communications, Programmes, and Finance for accurate donor-facing materials.
21. Contribute to broader Fundraising team strategy and continuous improvement.
22. Represent MSF EA in different platforms within the MSF movement.
23. Integrate EDI & Safeguarding aspects into work responsibilities.
24. Recognize, respond to, and document any abuse or inappropriate behavior.
25. Proactively participate in the individual performance management process.
26. Embed duty of care principles into all initiatives and staff relations.

1. Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, International Relations, Communications, Islamic Studies, Business Administration, or a related field.
2. Strong, demonstrable knowledge of Islamic philanthropy mechanisms (Zakat, Sadaqah, Waqf) and faith-aligned giving practices.
3. Minimum of 2 years' professional experience in fundraising, donor relations, business development, or partnership management, preferably within an international NGO or humanitarian context.
4. Experience with reporting and donor management tools like CRM and Mailchimp is preferred.