Islamic Philanthropy Specialist

Client of United Nation careers

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.