Donor Relations Consultant - Asia-Pacific Region
Consultancy Contract.
Project Start Date: June 2026.
Project End Date: November 2026- Extension possible contingent on program and budget.
Level of Effort: 20 hours per week.
Deadline for Applications: 08 April 2026 at midnight CET
About CGIAR
CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food-secure future. CGIAR science is dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services. Its research is conducted closely with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations, and the private sector.
Brief background and objectives:
CGIAR’s Donor Relations and Business Development (DRBD) unit is responsible for driving strategic initiatives to engage with new and existing funders, secure sustainable funding, and diversify funding sources across CGIAR. To support this mission, DRBD is seeking a consultant with proven fundraising experience and an established network of contacts in the Asia-Pacific region to steward and expand a pipeline of potential investors in CGIAR programs.
The objective of this assignment is to work with CGIAR DRBD team and CGIAR’s regional champion(s) to develop a robust and actionable short-medium term engagement plan for Asia-Pacific development investment opportunities, build networks, develop a pipeline of funding proposals with promising prospects, and position CGIAR as a well-known actor in the region.
Requirements
Key responsibilities:
Duties and Responsibilities
The consultant will prepare an initial strategy, mid-term update, and final report for the contract and will engage with the DRBD team on a weekly basis through structured meetings. Tasks will include the following:
Intelligence gathering:
· Stay abreast of the regional and market-level political landscapes, and Official Development Assistance (ODA) and private funding trends. Including bilateral and triangular cooperation.
· Source and assess potential funding opportunities in the region to expand the funding base for CGIAR research and operations.
· Consolidate learning and data on funding opportunities and effective practices across the partnership to build a knowledge base that supports strategic development and capacity building.
Strategic Advice to DRBD and CGIAR Leadership:
· Develop and lead funder specific donor relation strategies targeting Asia-Pacific portfolio of donors (including Governments, Development Banks, and specialized Funds).
· Identify key events and moments where CGIAR and regional partners can advance shared objectives.
· Advise management on emerging opportunities and challenges related to donor funding to inform resource development and planning.
Engagement support and stewardship:
· Lead the implementation of the donor relations strategies and stewardship activities aligned to Asia-Pacific priorities, sensitive to political landscape, cultural nuances, and familiar with the local funding landscapes to achieve ambitious funding targets
· Collaborate with CGIAR champions and centers, research and innovation programs, and other internal stakeholders to share information and insights on donor interests, funding opportunities, and emerging research activities/projects to align research with funding.
Building up networks:
· Actively engage with key stakeholders in the region, including governments, parliaments, civil society, foundations and other relevant public and private organizations.
· Cultivate and support a network of champions and advocates in the region to grow awareness and investment pipelines.
Deliverables (where applicable):
The consultant is expected to deliver:
- Targeted engagement strategy for Asia-Pacific, including market prioritization (end of month 1)
- Presentation of engagement strategies to DRBD team (end of month 1)
- Markets engaged and plans activated (month 2-6)
- Weekly updates and participation in market meetings (on a weekly basis)
- Supporting documentation and engagement schedules for leadership visits and engagements at international fora (as needed)
- Final report (end of month 6)
Key competencies:
- Master’s Degree in public policy, social sciences, finance, international relations, or a related discipline.
- 5-10 years of proven experience developing and leading large, complex fundraising efforts with Asia-Pacific partners.
- Specialized experience in external/donor relations, fundraising, and resource mobilization for a public and/or non-profit organization, philanthropic, financial, or international organization.
- Proven track record implementing Government Relation strategies and unlocking ODA channels in support of bilateral and multilateral funding mechanisms
- Established network of contacts across the Asia-Pacific region.
- Excellent relation management skills.
- Exceptional written and verbal communications skills.
- Ability to work cross-functionally and internationally.
- Written and spoken fluency in English. Knowledge of at least one additional language from a major donor market in the region is highly desirable.
Benefits
All applications must be submitted online by clicking the 'Apply' button below. If you require assistance or face challenges in submitting your application, please email smo-bidding@cgiar.org with the position title in the subject line. Applications submitted through this email will NOT be accept.
Please ensure your resume and cover letter are in English and does not contain your marital status, age, or photograph. Documents provided in a language other than English will not be considered.
CGIAR is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational, and multi-disciplinary, collegial working environment. We consciously create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
We look forward to hearing from you!