Temporary Strategic Partnerships Advisor

This is a 3 months role

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions
into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future.

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps program addresses a large array of needs and gaps, across a number of technical sectors across the Syria response region. Projects include emergency response for basic needs; livelihoods and protection projects; WASH projects. This specific program is focused on supporting local partners to implement programs.

General Position Summary

The Strategic Partnerships Advisor leads the process of mapping, engaging with and developing new partnerships with local organizations. S/he will work in conjunction with relevant team members to identify and actively explore new possibilities for strategic partnerships. This includes strong understanding of the context in the Middle East Region, an ability to leverage existing connections, assess risks and develop positive partnerships for successful implementation of new projects in strategic geographical areas. The Strategic Partnerships Advisor will be guided by the Senior Management Team, but will be expected to proactively lead the exploration of partnership options with a focus on innovation.

Essential Job Responsibilities

PROGRAM strategy and new partnership development

• Understand and assess Mercy Corps' current partnership portfolio in order to identify gaps.
• Draw on available contextual knowledge through Humanitarian Access Team and understanding of needs from program team and IM team, to identify new areas of intervention
• Work closely with Country director, Programs team, Humanitarian Access Team and Security Coordinator in order to prioritize geographical areas of strategic importance to Mercy Corps, with clear gaps in humanitarian assistance.
• Develop engagement strategy for identification of new types of partners.
• Lead mapping and identification of new strategic partners based on Mercy Corps strategic objectives.
• Work to ensure proper risk analysis process in place for all new partnerships, in coordination with security and compliance teams
• Leverage existing networks to set up new partnerships for Mercy Corps, in line with partnership principles.
• Ensure clear process of handing over identified partners/projects to programs team for implementation.
• Support the identified partners and the program team in program conceptualization phase in coordination with program, MEL and IM teams.
• Advise on the annual country strategy on areas relevant to access and strategic partnership.
• Represent Mercy Corps as requested by supervisor in coordination and regional meetings relevant to access strategies and civil society.

Organizational Learning

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
  to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Director of Programs

Works Directly With: Programs team, Humanitarian Access team, Partnership Advisor, Security Coordinator, Senior Management Team

Knowledge and Experience

• BA/S or equivalent in social science, management, international development, or other relevant field; MA/S in similar relevant fields preferred.
• 5 + years of progressive experience and proven high level of competence in working in international settings, ideally in conflict-affected countries.
• Previous experience in the Middle East and in particular the Syria response crisis essential.
• Experience of working in partnership with local partner organizations in the Middle East.
• Demonstrated success with program development and design, including conceptualizing and articulating programming ideas in concept notes and proposals.
• Previous experience with Mercy Corps preferred.
• Strong knowledge of and experience with humanitarian and development programming.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work strategically and proactively
• Ability and interest to work with a multi-ethnic team in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Willingness to work in a face-paced, fluid environment on multiple tasks.
• Ability to proficiently write in English is essential
• Ability to speak, write and read in Arabic is a strong advantage

Success Factors

A successful candidate will have the ability to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work and security environment with a capacity to spark innovative approaches to programming and inspire groups to collaborate closely to implement high-quality programs. S/he will have proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results, with an ability and willingness to remain mobile for short-term and/or long-term as necessary within the region, based on programmatic needs. An ability to work independently and as part of a team, with curiosity about and sensitivity to new cultures, a desire and ability to learn and grow, both personally and professionally, and a great sense of humor.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

This position is based in Beirut, Lebanon, a pleasant and cosmopolitan city on the Mediterranean, with frequent travel throughout Lebanon. The security situation is uncertain in Lebanon, with a possibility for rapid deterioration, particularly dependent on the Syrian conflict. Though currently secure in Beirut, all security guidelines and protocols must be closely followed at all times.

Mercy Corps' team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps' policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

PI100524786

Apply Here

Apply Here