UNICEF is recruiting a Fundraising Officer in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for a nine-month appointment. Applicants need a relevant degree and one year of experience. Apply by 5 November 2026.
Background & Job Description
UNICEF is inviting applications for a Fund Raising Officer, NO-A, under a nine-month Temporary Appointment in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The opportunity is based within UNICEF Sri Lanka and focuses on strengthening private-sector fundraising and partnerships to support programmes for children.
The successful candidate will help identify potential corporate partners, foundations, philanthropists and other private-sector stakeholders. The role also involves researching funding opportunities, developing proposals, maintaining fundraising records and supporting engagement with existing and prospective partners.
UNICEF offers staff professional development opportunities and an attractive compensation and benefits package. The position is advertised under the National Officer category, and applicants should carefully review the residency and work authorisation requirements before applying.
Job Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | UNICEF |
| Opportunity | Fund Raising Officer |
| Vacancy number | 596497 |
| Position reference | #138888 |
| Level | NO-A / NO-1 |
| Location | Colombo, Sri Lanka |
| Contract type | Temporary Appointment |
| Duration | 9 months |
| Functional area | Fundraising |
| Application deadline | 5 November 2026 |
| Salary | Not specified in the supplied vacancy information |
| Official application | UNICEF Careers |
Tasks and Responsibilities
The Fundraising Officer will support UNICEF Sri Lanka’s efforts to expand private-sector funding and partnership opportunities. Key responsibilities include:
Prospect research and partner intelligence: Researching potential donors, businesses, foundations and philanthropic organisations to identify suitable partnership opportunities.
Fundraising and proposal development: Helping translate UNICEF programme priorities into funding proposals, concept notes and partnership presentations.
Partner engagement: Supporting communication with prospective and existing partners and contributing to relationship management and stewardship.
Pipeline management and reporting: Maintaining fundraising databases, tracking opportunities, monitoring progress and preparing reports.
Networking and communications: Supporting private-sector networking events, partnership activities, communications and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
The officer will work with programme and communications colleagues under the guidance of UNICEF Sri Lanka’s Resource Mobilization Officer.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Education
Applicants must hold a completed bachelor’s degree or equivalent first-level university qualification in one of the following fields:
- Business Administration
- Marketing
- Communications
- Economics
- International Development
- Social Sciences
- A related discipline
Work Experience
At least one year of relevant professional experience in fundraising, partnerships, business development, corporate relations, marketing, communications or stakeholder engagement is required.
Essential Skills
Candidates should demonstrate experience or skills in partnership development, stakeholder engagement, prospect research, proposal writing, preparing presentations and briefing notes, event coordination, and using Microsoft Office and other digital tools.
Strong research, writing, communication, organisation and interpersonal skills are also required. Applicants should be able to maintain databases, track multiple activities and follow up on tasks effectively.
Desirable Experience
Knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil is an advantage. Experience working with businesses, foundations, business associations or philanthropic organisations may also strengthen an application.
Additional desirable knowledge includes corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities, sustainability, corporate social investment, fundraising databases and the development of funding proposals with programme teams.
English proficiency is required.
Additional Information
Applications close on 5 November 2026, according to the vacancy announcement.
UNICEF states that its staff benefits include paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities. The exact salary and full benefits package for this particular appointment are not specified in the supplied vacancy information.
Important work authorisation note: The vacancy is a National Officer position. UNICEF states that it does not facilitate visas or work authorisation for candidates applying for National Officer and General Service positions. Candidates should therefore check that they meet the applicable residence and work authorisation requirements for Sri Lanka.
How to apply: Visit the official UNICEF Careers website and search for vacancy 596497, titled Fund Raising Officer, NO-A, #138888, TA (9 months), Colombo – Sri Lanka. Review the complete job description and submit your application before the deadline.
UNICEF does not charge applicants a recruitment or application processing fee at any stage. Applicants should be cautious of anyone requesting payment in exchange for recruitment assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the UNICEF Fundraising Officer vacancy?
It is a nine-month Temporary Appointment focused on fundraising, private-sector partnerships and resource mobilisation for UNICEF Sri Lanka.
2. Where is the position based?
The duty station is Colombo, Sri Lanka.
3. What qualifications are required?
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent first-level university qualification in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Economics, International Development, Social Sciences or a related field.
4. How much work experience is required?
At least one year of relevant experience in areas such as fundraising, partnerships, business development, corporate relations, marketing, communications or stakeholder engagement is required.
5. Is knowledge of Sinhala or Tamil compulsory?
English proficiency is required. Knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil is listed as an advantage rather than a mandatory requirement.
6. How long is the appointment?
The advertised Temporary Appointment lasts nine months.
7. What benefits does UNICEF provide?
UNICEF highlights an attractive compensation and benefits package. Its listed staff benefits include paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. The exact package for this vacancy is not specified in the supplied information.
8. Can UNICEF arrange a visa for international applicants?
The vacancy states that UNICEF does not facilitate visas or work authorisation for National Officer positions. Applicants should check whether they already meet Sri Lanka’s applicable requirements.
9. What is the application deadline?
The advertised closing date is 5 November 2026.
10. How can I apply?
Search for vacancy number 596497 on the official UNICEF Careers website and follow the application instructions.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This vacancy may suit candidates with experience in fundraising, corporate partnerships, communications or business development who want to contribute to UNICEF’s work for children. The opportunity offers exposure to donor engagement, resource mobilisation and collaboration with programme teams. Applicants should confirm the work authorisation requirements and full appointment terms before applying.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares career and education opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UNICEF and does not recruit on the organisation’s behalf. Applicants should confirm all eligibility criteria and application details through the official UNICEF careers website.
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