Manager, Strategic Partnership and Fundraising

The Manager, Strategic Partnerships and Fundraising is responsible for leading on all strategic partnerships and fundraising efforts for the Asia-Pacific Scout Region (APR). The role will be the focal point for driving new and existing regional partnerships, including UN agencies, inter-governmental organizations, the private sector, as well as other non-governmental organisations working in the field of youth development and non-formal education.

Working in the Business Development Practice Team, in close collaboration with the Director, Strategic Partnerships and Fundraising, the role will lead the implementation of the partnerships, fundraising and advocacy actions of the WOSM Business Development Strategy in the Asia-Pacific Support Centre. The role will coordinate the regional resource mobilisation efforts to support the Region and National Scout Organisations (NSOs) within APR through the strategic projects with key partners, in line with the Regional Triennial Plan and Business Development Practice Team work plan.

Responsibilities

·       Lead the development of external funding opportunities within APR and coordinate proposal development with relevant teams, including the wider Business Development Practice Team, the Regional Scout Foundation and the Regional Director.

·       Maintain strategic oversight of key partnerships and advocacy efforts in APR, including the mapping of current and potential partners and funding gaps in NSOs.

·       Develop and implement plans to advance Scouting’s mission by strengthening existing partnerships and initiating new ones across APR.

·       Oversee and report on new business and partnership activities in APR in collaboration with the Regional Director and the practice team.

·       Communicate key partnership requirements and project progress to both internal and external stakeholders, in collaboration with the communications team.

·       Develop fundraising strategies and resources to support NSOs within APR.

·       Manage engagement with external partners and high-level guests at Regional Events to position World Scouting as a leading educational youth movement.

·       Draft talking points, briefings, and presentations for the Regional Director for key external meetings.

·       Collaborate with the advocacy and policy sub-team to ensure APR advocacy and policy efforts are aligned with the Strategy for Scouting and the Business Development Strategy.

·       Support the Regional Youth Representatives initiative as part of the advocacy and partnerships efforts in the region, in collaboration with the advocacy and policy pillar of the business development practice team.

·       Evaluate and the monitor the impact of partnerships, fundraising and advocacy efforts to enable continuous learning and improvement.

Job requirements

Qualification and experience

Education

·       Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, public relations, communications, development studies or other related fields or equivalent experience.

·       Knowledge in topics such as youth development, sustainable development, key regional issues in the Asian continent.

·       Knowledge of the key methodologies and theoretical frameworks for project development and management in the non-governmental sector.

·       Knowledge of the workings of the UN and other inter-governmental organisations.

·       Fluency in English is essential. Command of another official language of WOSM would be considered an asset.

Professional experience

·       At least four years of experience developing impactful and strategic partnerships in regional and national contexts.

·       Experience of fundraising with institutional donors and the private sector.

·       Experience in establishing and managing relations with various stakeholders.

·       Experience of implementing advocacy strategies in a national or international contexts.

·       Experience of working in community-based interventions.

·       Experience of working with volunteers is desirable.

·       Experience with working in decentralized, non-profit and/or international environments would be considered an asset.

Technical skills 

·       Ability to manage high volumes of projects within tight deadlines and high attention to details.

·       Strong communication skills, able to persuade and empathize with the audience.

·       Relationship builder and entrepreneurial, with excellent stakeholder management skills.

·       Excellent drafting and writing skills.

·       Ability to work and co-operate within an international and multi-cultural framework.

·       Comfortable in using standard business software and cloud-based apps (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Slack, Dropbox, Smartsheets, Fluxx).

Personal qualities

·       Emotionally mature with strong interpersonal skills: ability to navigate a variety of cultures and contexts, and to negotiate with people having strong opinions while maintaining respectful relationships.

·       Comfortable with working in multiple teams, self-motivated, able to work autonomously under minimum supervision, open to input and feedback.

·       Service-oriented approach, focused on getting things done and prioritise the customer experience in interacting with the World Scout Bureau.

·       Dynamic, trustworthy, open-minded with good psychological and political understanding.

·       Capable, as a paid staff member, of working with Scout volunteers at national, regional, and world levels.

·       Willing to travel occasionally and to work to work during evenings and at weekends as the need arises

·       Meticulous with good problem-solving skills and attentive to details.

Summary of Employment

Terms and conditions

The WSB offers a range of tangible and intangible benefits. This is a full-time position with a contract of two years and an option to extend the contract, subject to agreement by both parties.

• The salary - paid on a fortnightly basis - will be appropriate to the seniority of the role.

• The position will be based in the Asia-Pacific Support Centre, Makati City, Phillippines, however, a remote working scheme within the region maybe considered.

• Contractual hours of work are a minimum of 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Additional hours may be required for the effective performance of the role. The successful candidate must be willing to work in the evenings and on weekends, when necessary.

• Annual leave and public holiday entitlement as per the law in the country where the position is based and the WSB Leave Policy.

• The WSB has a pension plan, education scheme, and a medical insurance plan. Full details will be provided on employment.

• Relocation support will be provided for international appointments.

The offer of appointment will be subject to:

• Three satisfactory references.

• Confirmation of eligibility to work in the agreed duty station (or the ability to obtain the appropriate work permits, at the WSB’s expense).

The confirmation of appointment will be subject to:

• Background check, including verification of criminal record and relevant qualifications.

• Satisfactory completion of the probation period (three months).

How to apply

Applications should be submitted no later than 23:59 Kuala Lumpur time (UTC+8) on
31 May 2025 and should include:

1.      A curriculum vitae with full details of education and career history.

2.      A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, relating your skills, knowledge and experience to the requirements of the job description. Please also outline any expectations with regard to duty station.

3.      Contact information of at least two people who can provide employment references.

Applications should be submitted using the online application form. Interviews will be taken on a rolling basis.

Immediate availability is an asset, the role is envisioned to start as soon as possible. If required, a period of remote work could be considered prior to relocation.

The World Scout Bureau (WSB) is an equal opportunity employer and strongly believes in and practices diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment where all qualified candidates will receive equal consideration in applying for job opportunities and subsequent career advancement. Our employment practices are open to everyone, regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. We believe that fostering an inclusive culture and embracing diverse perspectives strengthens innovation and growth within WSB. We encourage people of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities, to apply for the job opportunities created and announced by WSB.