NRC is rapidly expanding partnership portfolio of national organizations in Sudan in order to rapidly scale up emergency response, and is also entering in partnership with different international organizations in order to enhance and complement the response. We are seeking an experienced Partnerships Manager to provide leadership for work with local partners in Sudan as it works to build the ownership, capacity, and resources of local partners to effectively respond to humanitarian needs in the country.
You will lead the development and implementation of the partnership strategy that contributes to programme sustainability and high-quality programs, and lead implementation of the core process of partnership management.

Specific responsibilities

Partnership Unit Management:

• Lead the development of NRC Sudan’s Partnership Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and tools, incorporating Lessons Learnt and feedback, and ensure their adoption across all departments.
• Develop a RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed) matrix aligned with global tools and strategic guidance, fostering clarity on roles and responsibilities throughout the partnership cycle.
• Facilitate NRC staff engagement with partnership SOPs and tools, coordinating across departments to conduct partner organizational capacity assessments and provide targeted capacity strengthening support.
• Build a network of key partners and stakeholders, staying informed on evolving trends and fostering innovation in partnership and project development.
• Contribute to the mapping of national and local NGOs, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and civil society actors outlining partner capacity, influence, and alignment with NRC programming, and analyze ongoing partnerships to produce lessons learnt for strategic decision-making.

Localization:

• Support the implementation of the localization strategy of NRC and any other relevant localization and partnership related tasks.
• Support the expansion of operational models that rely on delivery of assistance with and through local actors.
• Support the Specialists, Area Managers and Area Programme Managers in the development of area-level integrated partnerships strategies and review of pilot initiatives and approaches.
• Provide technical programmatic and operational guidance to develop and mainstream localization for NRC operations.

Project Implementation Agreement (PIA) management:

• Collaborate with the partnership team to ensure that donor requirements/procedures are reflected in the PIAs and modification requests.
• Manage negotiations for new projects and programs with partners, including coordinating technical and financial requirements in line with donors.
• Supervise or directly draft partnership agreements and/or contractual documents required for the signature and implementation of new projects.
• Work actively with the protection, accountability, grants, and compliance units to ensure strong mainstreaming of core NRC principles across operational partners.
• Provide technical support to partners, particularly on M&E, PIA (grants) management issues and financial management and compliance.
• Ensure the adherence of the intervention with NRC’s project cycle management approach.

Capacity building:

• Oversee capacity-building activities aiming at ensuring smooth implementation of the partnership agreements, but also at supporting the overall development of the NGO partner.
• Supervise the monitoring of partner learning progress and the application of the transferred knowledge, identifying and reporting challenges and achievements.
• Assess the partner NGO’s priority needs in terms of capacity development.
• Actively integrate partner feedback into tools and guidance and ensure strong mutual learning between NRC and its partners.

Click this job description for more information on the role

Generic professional competencies: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related area. Master’s degree preferred but not mandatory
• Minimum 5 years of experience with NGO and/or international organization, preferably with grants management or partnership-related duties
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities
• Ability to coordinate tasks and work processes and work with short deadlines
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal
• Fluency in Arabic (speaking, reading, writing) will be an added value

Context/Specific skills, knowledge, and experience: 

• Diplomacy and facilitation skills are essential
• Familiarity with the Sudan context is an asset
• Excellent training and facilitation skills
• Excellent coordination, communication (verbal and written) and networking skills
• Experience working with national and local civil society organizations
• Advanced computer skills, especially in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

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Female candidates are strongly encouraged to join our work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility: At NRC, we think outside the box. We encourage ideas and give responsibility to all employees at all levels, to help solve the complex issues that we face. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative

• 12 months renewable fixed term contract subject to terms and conditions
• We aim to attract internationally experienced candidates with a starting monthly fee of NOK 57,744
• An opportunity to match your career to a compelling cause; Learn more about NRC
• A chance to meet and work with people who are the best in their fields
• Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply but we are also open to external applicants who can show a commitment to NRC and being part of a challenging, but important mission to make a difference.  

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