Partnership Advisor (National Only)

Background Information

This is a 12-month role based in the WHH Country Office with oversight of the implementation of the Partnership Strategy in line with the WHH Country Strategy.

The Partnership Advisor reports to the Head of Programmes. They are the functional manager of 3 Partnership Officers at sub-offices, who in turn are the day-to-day focal points for our implementing partners in our specific locations of intervention.

The Partnerships Advisor manages WHH’s partner portfolio and relations with existing, new, and potential partner organizations in Ukraine in coordination with the focal points in each department. The Partnerships Advisor will also play a key role in identifying and assessing new organizations and following up on specific support actions with relevant departments.

Tasks

Strategy and Planning

• Implementing the national partnership management strategy, in consideration of the different types of organisations (CBOs, CSOs, NGOs, volunteer groups, municipalities, private collective centres, etc) involved in humanitarian assistance in Ukraine, under the supervision of the Head of Programs
• Supporting the MEAL Coordinator to manage partner project monitoring systems in coordination with relevant departments (operations, finance, programs)
• Support partners to prepare concept notes, project proposals, and budgets according to the programme design and donors’ call for proposals
• Work with and coordinate Concern and WHH global partnership and civil society advisors on approaches to the partnership relationship in the Ukraine context
• Continuously review partnership related processes, suggest changes, revise and produce guides and tools, and document lessons learnt under the supervision of the Head of Programs and in collaboration with relevant departments and Head Offices

Identification, Contracting and Compliance

• Expand WHH’s national partnership portfolio in Ukraine by identifying potential partners, and conducting partner capacity assessments under the supervision of the Head of Programs and in coordination with the Heads of Departments
• Develop and implement partner capacity building programmes for each partner identified with the support of relevant departments (operations, finance, programs)
• Coordinate negotiations and establishment of sub-grants and contracts in consultation with Programme Director, Country Director and relevant programme team
• Ensure partners understand JERU/donor guidelines and policies and that these are adhered to at all times, immediately raising any suspected non-compliance
• In coordination with relevant heads of department, oversee partner compliance requirements and provide support on corrective measures
• Actively archive all necessary partner information appropriately

Programme Implementation

• Lead capacity building for partners on organizational development topics including project cycle management, work planning, budget monitoring and revision, financial and programme reporting, procurement
• Act as a primary WHH focal point for coordination and communication with partners
• Advise partners (in coordination with programmes) on project start-up activities including, but not limited to, staff recruitments, developing detailed implementation plans, financial plans, procurement plans, reporting templates, field data requirements, information management, etc.
• Support the project team to do a regular follow-up on project implementation

Representation

• Represent WHH in meetings relevant to the role in external coordination meetings including localisation initiatives, due diligence passporting initiatives, research projects, and advocacy initiatives related to partnerships
• Support and promote the standards outlined in Concern/WHH Code of Conduct and associated policies to teams and beneficiaries and be committed to providing a safe working environment

Specific Qualification

Skills and Experience Required:

• At least two years managing grants for national or international NGOs or in similar partnership advisory/management roles with national or international NGOs
• Practical experience in developing relationships with a variety of stakeholders in supporting a partner-based approach to programme implementation
• Bachelor’s degree in humanitarian action, development studies, political sciences, sociology or relevant disciplines
• Working proficiency in English is essential
• Must be willing to undertake travel to JERU field offices and partner project locations
• Ability to work independently in a systematic and organized manner
• Ability to work as a team player with a can-do attitude
• Commitment to beneficiary accountability and humanitarian principles
• Ability to give attention to details
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines