Head of Partnership Research & Assurance
Head of Partnership Research & Assurance

Head of Partnership Research & Assurance

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) Home office possible
U

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic plans for UNICEF UK’s fundraising growth and manage high-value partnerships.
  • Company: Join UNICEF UK, a leading charity dedicated to improving children's lives worldwide.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a commitment to personal development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in philanthropy while collaborating with passionate teams.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in fundraising operations and strong analytical skills required.
  • Other info: This hybrid role offers a dynamic work environment at our London office.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

As Head of Partnership Research & Assurance, you will drive ambitious funding growth for UNICEF UK. Collaborating with leaders across Partnership, Philanthropy, Ambassador Relations, Media, Advocacy, and Soccer Aid teams, you will support high-value relationships and partnerships. You will also work with UNICEF global functions on research and due diligence to optimize efficiency. This role requires expertise in prospecting and due diligence, clear communication with stakeholders, and ensuring sector-leading operations. Your advanced skills will enable the creation of donor strategies and high-quality analysis.

What we will expect you to achieve

Lead the development and delivery of strategic plans and priorities for the Partnerships Research & Assurance Team ensuring measurable connection to the ambitious growth in the UUK strategy.

Collaborate with leaders in Philanthropy and Partnerships teams to take shared responsibility for end-to-end delivery of fundraising results. Utilise technical competence and skilled judgement in achieving this.

Lead a high performing-team to deliver sector leading prospect research and due diligence and provide technical expertise and surge support to both functions as required. Provide creative challenge so PRA remain at the cutting-edge of established practice, as well as innovating.

Represent Partnerships Research & Assurance (and PIPA as appropriate) in projects relating to compliance and information governance, bringing knowledge and expertise from best-practice across the sector as well as strong technical knowledge of, for example, GDPR.

Build collaborative, integrated and strong relationships with teams across UNICEF UK, with a particular emphasis on high value fundraising. Understand and anticipate the strategic priorities and business critical activities of the P&P Directorate, ensuring that the requirements of these teams for prospect research and due diligence are met.

Take an active role as part of the management team within Programme Impact & Partnership Assurance department, engaging with departmental and organisational initiatives on EDI, team building and learning and development.

Demonstrate and model a commitment to our shared values, behaviours and inclusive practices (known as ) in all aspects of your work.

BEHAVIOURS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Effective Behaviours

Leadership

Promotes a results focused culture, engaging and guiding others to achieve ambitious goals. Translates strategic direction into medium- and long-term plans and objectives for own team and department, leading effective change management as required. Manages complex relationships with multiple stakeholders to deliver results.

Analytical

Builds systems and collects data that enable interrogation and analysis of data to manage risk and maximise opportunity for fundraising. Takes a problem-solving approach to priorities and sustains focus on work that will have the greatest impact on agreed aims.

Efficiency and effectiveness

Develop systems and ways of working that enable teams to anticipate and manage high volumes of workflow with competing deadlines while ensuring risks are mitigated and quality is maintained. Seek process innovations where possible.

Creating and innovating

Draws on current and actively-maintained sector knowledge and innovative approaches to create processes and operations solutions that can support ambitious growth in philanthropy and partnership income.

Supporter driven and mission aligned.

Is committed to children and their rights and motivated to work towards achieving a world that is fit for every child

Relevant experience

Demonstrable experience of successfully leading a prospect research and due diligence or fundraising operations function at a large UK charity, Higher Educational institution or fundraising organisation. Track-record of cross-departmental working at leadership level in large organisations to achieve successful outcomes.

Extensive experience of translating data and insight into actionable outputs, to develop and implement a prospect research strategy to enhance prospect pipelines supporting ambitious fundraising growth.

Proven experience of leadership and management of business operations in a complex organisation, with a successful track record of translating strategy into achievable and measurable operational outcomes.

Experience of navigating changing marketplace and legislative landscape to identify new operational paths for enabling functions for fundraising.

Experience working in a networked/federated structure of organisations, especially those operating in an international context.

Specific knowledge and skills

Excellent understanding of complex fundraising organisations, in particular a deep knowledge of the processes and sensitivities of managing a philanthropy programme aimed at high-net-worth individuals. Ability and confidence in using judgement, and leading teams, in these contexts.

Comprehensive understanding of prospect research principles and ethics. Ability to source, manipulate, interpret and communicate data relating to donor propensity, affinity and ability to give, and to use these data to support the creation of meaningful donor strategies.

Strong, up-to-date knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, including GDPR, FoI and other legal and regulatory features of fundraising compliance and prospect and due diligence operations. Knowledge of emerging trends and new precedents, and experience in working across teams with expert colleagues to manage processes, in the application of these.

Strategic planning, project management and problem-solving skills. Knowledge of innovation processes, and of agile working methods, is desirable.

Leadership, collaboration and communication skills. Commitment to continuing learning and development and/or coaching.

Hours: 35 hours per week. Other flexible arrangements will be considered

Disclosure Level: Basic. This role involves no direct or indirect work with children

Reports to: Director of Partnerships and Programmes Intelligence

Location: Hybrid, working from home and at 1 Westfield Avenue, London E20 1HZ

Head of Partnership Research & Assurance employer: UNICEF

UNICEF UK is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where your contributions directly impact the lives of children worldwide. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development and innovation in a hybrid working environment at our London office. Join us to be part of a mission-driven team that values creativity, strategic thinking, and a results-focused approach to fundraising.
U

Contact Detail:

UNICEF Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Partnership Research & Assurance

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarize yourself with UNICEF UK's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to children’s rights and how they operate will help you align your approach and demonstrate your passion for their cause during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the fundraising and philanthropy sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can connect with individuals who have experience in high-value partnerships, as they may provide insights or referrals that could benefit your application.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on the latest trends in fundraising and donor engagement strategies. Being knowledgeable about innovative practices will not only enhance your discussions but also show your proactive approach to driving growth in philanthropy.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex environments. Highlight your experience in managing stakeholder relationships and delivering results, as these are crucial for the Head of Partnership Research & Assurance role.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Partnership Research & Assurance

Strategic Planning
Prospect Research Expertise
Due Diligence Skills
Stakeholder Management
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Fundraising Strategy Development
Leadership and Team Management
Communication Skills
Project Management
Knowledge of GDPR and Compliance
Problem-Solving Skills
Collaboration and Relationship Building
Understanding of Philanthropy Programs
Adaptability to Changing Environments
Innovation and Process Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Partnership Research & Assurance role. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your demonstrable experience in leading prospect research and due diligence functions. Provide concrete examples of how you've successfully managed fundraising operations and collaborated across departments to achieve results.

Showcase Analytical Skills: Since the role requires strong analytical capabilities, include examples of how you've used data to inform decision-making and develop strategies. Discuss any systems or processes you've implemented that improved efficiency and effectiveness in fundraising.

Communicate Your Leadership Style: Clearly articulate your leadership approach in your application. Describe how you promote a results-focused culture, engage teams, and manage complex relationships with stakeholders. This will demonstrate your fit for a leadership position within UNICEF UK.

How to prepare for a job interview at UNICEF

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a candidate for the Head of Partnership Research & Assurance, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles, focusing on how you engaged and guided others to achieve ambitious goals.

✨Highlight Your Analytical Expertise

Be ready to discuss your experience with data analysis and how you've used it to inform decision-making. Share specific instances where your analytical skills helped manage risks or maximize fundraising opportunities.

✨Demonstrate Cross-Departmental Collaboration

This role requires managing complex relationships with multiple stakeholders. Prepare to talk about your experience working across departments and how you achieved successful outcomes through collaboration.

✨Emphasize Your Knowledge of Compliance and Ethics

Given the importance of compliance in this role, be prepared to discuss your understanding of relevant legislation, such as GDPR. Highlight any experience you have in ensuring ethical practices within fundraising operations.

Head of Partnership Research & Assurance
UNICEF
U
  • Head of Partnership Research & Assurance

    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-02-13

  • U

    UNICEF

Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>