Senior Associate, Program Engagement

SUMMARY 

USA for UNHCR is seeking a relationship-centered and highly detail-oriented Senior Associate, Program Engagement to support the development of complex funding opportunities and donor-facing materials that strengthen stewardship across corporate, foundation, and civil society partners. This role is responsible for developing highly technical proposals and detailed budgets. It is also essential to ensuring donors and prospects fully understand the strategic rationale and measurable impact of their generosity. 

The Senior Associate, Program Engagement is responsible for producing concept notes, highly technical proposals and grant applications, and impact reports, while serving as a key liaison between USA for UNHCR fundraisers and UNHCR focal points. This position requires strong editorial expertise, stakeholder management skills, and the ability to  facilitate negotiations involving competing priorities, and deliver donor-facing materials in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead the coordination of assigned funding opportunities from conception through delivery, including project managing, tracking, drafting, and finalizing detailed and technical proposals, budgets, grant applications, and reports, ensuring content is compelling, accurate, and aligned with donor strategies.   

• Act as a liaison between fundraisers and UNHCR focal points, maintaining strong relationships, transparent communication, and smooth coordination to advance donor cultivation and stewardship.   

• Lead ongoing and detailed communication with UNHCR and internal stakeholders throughout the opportunity development process to negotiate project terms ensuring objectives, timelines and deliverables are clearly defined, agreed upon, and met. 

• Lead structured input-gathering processes across fundraisers, UNHCR focal points, and other stakeholders; synthesize diverse information; conduct detailed reviews to identify gaps, risks, and inconsistencies; and develop clear, defensible proposal approaches and recommendations under tight timelines and limited visibility. 

• Ensure strict compliance with USA for UNHCR and UNHCR policies, donor requirements, technical specifications, and reporting obligations, including detailed conducting quality reviews prior to submission.

• Develop and maintain working knowledge of UNHCR programs, emergencies, and thematic priorities to proactively identify opportunities and strengthen donor-facing materials. 

• Write compelling evergreen content (as assigned) tailored for specific audiences across the Development team.   

• Contribute to standardized workflows, resource materials, and process improvements to streamline collaboration, enhance efficiency, and elevate organizational practices in funding opportunity development. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS  

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE    

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred  

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in grant writing, project or grant management, international programs, or fundraising and donor relations  

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, Salesforce or similar CRMs, and project management tools such as Jira  

• Proven ability to develop technical donor materials including proposals, grants, budgets, and impact reports  

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex and technical information into clear, compelling content  

• Strong knowledge of grant management, project management principles, proposal development processes, and corporate and foundation fundraising  

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high priority projects in a fast paced environment with strong attention to detail, follow through, and adaptability 

• Strong problem solving abilities, attention to detail, with skill in communicating clearly and collaboratively across teams and managing multiple priorities.  

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, respond quickly to evolving needs, and maintain an inclusive, growth-oriented team environment  

• Commitment to providing high quality customer service to internal and external stakeholders  

• Understanding of refugee issues, humanitarian programs, and global affairs  

WORK LOCATION    

Hybrid + Washington, DC + May also involve travel to some locations within the company’s region of operations.   

COMPENSATION    

$39.42 - $46.32 per hour, based on a 35-hour work week.  

APPLICATION DEADLINE  

Please apply immediately or by April 8, 2026.  

WHY YOU'LL WORKING HERE 

We're proud to be consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work, a reflection of our deep commitment to employee well-being, growth, and purpose. Our benefits are designed to support your whole life, not just your work life. While specific offerings may evolve over time, highlights currently include: 

• Comprehensive health coverage, including employer-paid employee medical options (traditional and HSA plans) 

• Flexible savings accounts, including FSA and HSA 

• Industry-leading 401(k) match 

• Lifestyle Spending Account to support your wellness 

• Mental and financial wellness resources 

• Paid time off, including a paid winter break and sabbatical leave at key milestones 

• Volunteer Time-Off to support your community engagement 

• Professional development support 

• Access to tools like Headspace for mindfulness and mental health 

Please note: Benefits are reviewed regularly and subject to change. 

DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS    

USA for UNHCR will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.    

USA for UNHCR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Refugees and all other protected classes are encouraged to apply. 

DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS