Business and Partnerships Development Unit Manager

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has been providing relief and development services in Somalia since 1997. Using a human rights framework, DRC’s Horn and Africa and Great Lakes operation focuses on Somalis who are affected by displacement, but also oversees programmes for internally displaced persons in the Horn and Great Lakes region. The Somalia programme currently has more than 300 staff and over 17 field bases, across Somalia. DRC Somalia implements broad emergency, recovery and development programming. Programs are found within the core DRC sectors; Shelter/NFI, Protection, CCCM, WASH, Livelihoods and Food Security. The programme is organized into 3 platforms namely; durable solutions, emergency and root causes to displacement.

The Danish Demining Group (DDG) is a business unit with DRC which aims to recreate a safe environment where people can live without the threat of landmines, unexploded ordinances and small arms and light weapons. These goals can be effectively advanced through cooperation and joint action with other organizations as well as with integration of operations and programs with its sister organization, DRC.

Humanitarian and Development Financing has been shrinking over the past years and this is mainly due to other global natural and man-made disasters in other parts of the world like Syria and Iraq. The Localization Agenda in line with World Humanitarian Summit commitments (25% of International financing has to go to local organizations) is also picking up speed in Somalia. Most donors are committed to give more resources to local organizations. Currently 35% of overall International Funding in Somalia is going to local organizations. The Business Partnerships and Development Unit will strengthen the way how DRC does business in Somalia/Land working with all key stakeholders including Federal Government and Federal Member State Levels, Local Organizations, International Organizations and UN and development Agencies. 

The DRC/DDG Somalia Programme is the largest programmes in East Africa region. DRC/DDG is among the INGOs with the largest presence in Somalia, with country-wide programmes implemented through six main sub offices in Somaliland, Puntland, Hiraan Region, Gedo Region, Bay Region and Banadir Region

Overall purpose of the role: 
The Business Partnerships and Development Unit Manager will drive new business development in support of all Somalia/Land programmes and where possible closely work with Kenya and Ethiopia programmes; creating, identifying and assessing new funding opportunities while promoting learning and innovation at country and regional level. The role is expected to maintain a consistent standard of donor relationship and high-quality proposal development working closely with DRC and DDG HoPs in delivering quality and innovative interventions, multi-country funding opportunities and consortium partnerships. 

The function will support the development of an organizational culture that reflects DRC/DDG’s mandate, values, promotes accountability and high performance, encourage a team culture of learning, creativity and innovation. The position which will work closely with Technical Managers and Area Managers, will contribute to the DRC/DDG’s Somalia vision and strategic direction by providing guidance on donor priorities, funding opportunities against DRC/DDG’s core programming themes and sectors.

Responsibilities

Strategic stakeholder engagement: 

• Supports the process to position DRC and DDG for relevant programming across Somalia/Land through engagement with key stakeholders including Federal Government and Federal Member States Levels. 
• Supports positive relationships with Federal Government, Federal Member States and institutional donor representatives.
• Supports the process of identifying and building strategic alliances with local organizations in thematic sectors covered by DRC and DDG programmes. 
• Proactively engages on a strategic basis with institutional donors at country and area levels to influence policy and thinking, and identify key areas of potential cooperation, including program funding.
• Actively seeks partnerships and collaboration with non-traditional DRC/DDG partners and donors at country and area levels with the aim of enhancing resource mobilization. 
• Assists in identifying and establishing strategic partnerships across the country working in close collaboration with in all key stakeholders include Technical Managers and Area Managers. 
• Provide secretarial support to the Business Partnerships and Development Unit Working Group in developing and executing the agreed annual Work Plan for the Unit. The postholder will be responsible to ensure a quarterly update meeting is organized and minutes taken.  

Business Opportunities

• Leads the design and implementation of country and area resource mobilization strategies intended to strengthen funding and partnerships to deliver the Somalia Partnership Development (SPD) 2021
• Supports the adequate resourcing of programmes at Country and Area Levels. 
• Monitors the funding pipeline and leads on new business development and forecasting at a country and area levels.
• Actively identifies, qualifies and tracks funding and partnership opportunities in a systematic manner in pursuit of supporting DRC/DDG’s programming in Somalia. 
• Actively tracks multi-country, multi-sector and multi-area funding opportunities and looks for new consortium partnerships with stakeholders at country level for multi-country programming. 
• Lead on mapping activities so that DRC/DDG in Somalia has a deep understanding of the donor landscape, including donors, stakeholders, I/LNGOS and programmes that work DRC/DDG’s thematic areas.

Partnerships Development

• Develop and manage partnerships including; assessment of suitability of consortium partners, planning, facilitating pre-teaming arrangements, program/project design, proposal writing coordination and contracting.
• Management oversight in the harmonization of administrative processes, ensuring compliance by consortium partners with all relevant donor and organizational guidelines, regulations and procedures.
• Ensure proactive engagement, and facilitate formal meetings with key stakeholders including high (CD) level program steering committee meetings.
• Drafting and disseminating agendas to reflect priorities, challenges and opportunities for Consortia projects.
• Coordinate and follow up with the various DRC/DDG departments at field, country regional and HQ level in order to ensure required inputs for consortia operationalization are availed within stipulated timelines.
• Coordinate and source expert advisory input into the PMU from technical advisors appointed from within DRC/DDG, the consortium partners and consultants.
• Coordinate partners in the consolidation of inputs into the Consortia projects’ progress, challenges and planned mitigation measures.
• Represent DRC/DDG in the Consortia coordination mechanisms as needed

Bid development: 

• Coordinate and provide oversight to all aspects of the proposal development process from the development of a writing guide, proposal calendar, through to delivery and timely submission of proposals and reports. 
• Ensure that the technical teams members provide input into reports and proactively communicate planned requirements of program design and implementation to the relevant area and country office functions.
• Work closely with the Country Director, Deputy Country Director/DRC HoPs, DDG Head of Program, Area Managers and Technical Managers/Coordinators to transform content and conceptual designs into competitive final proposals, which are not only based on the assessment outcomes, but also responsive to the donor guidelines.  
• Ensure the proposal development process takes into consideration the mainstreaming of CHS, global cross cutting themes such as Age, Gender and Diversity, and lessons learnt from previous programming.
• Develop, implement and regularly revise DRC/DDG’s engagement and fundraising strategy providing strategic guidance on donor priories, funding opportunities against DRC/DDG’s core programming themes and sectors
• Prepares all necessary groundwork for multi-country or multi-area proposal development and bid management;
• Helps assemble bid development teams which will compromise of respective Technical Managers. Area Managers and Proposal Development Specialists. 

Staff Management 

• Provide leadership and guidance to all staff in the Business Partnerships and Development Unit. 
• Provide support and supervision of senior staff in the Business Partnerships and Development Unit. These will include: Partnerships & Relationship Coordinator, Comms Specialist, Compliance/Audit Coordinator, Proposal Development Specialist, PDQ Manager, Knowledge Management Specialist & Innovation Intern.
• Organize and manage regular performance appraisals for all senior staff. 
• Incorporate staff development strategies and performance management systems into team building process. 
• Provide capacity building support to in-country teams in areas under Business Dvpt & Partnerships such as in proposal writing, report writing

Representation and Relationship Building

• In conjunction with the CD, Deputy CD, HoP-DRC and HoP-DDG, represent DRC/DDG externally with donors, peer agencies, and strategic partner organizations through building relationships and networking within the Somalia as well as regionally.
• Support the SMT in policy influencing (advocacy) activities at relevant local and regional levels, consistent with the DRC/DDG Program Strategy. 
• Actively participate in the humanitarian, community safety and durable solutions forums with the objective to strengthen DRC/DDG’s position in the area.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with the NGO community and other humanitarian actors.
• Outline and assemble talking points and develop agenda to present DRC/DDG’s perspectives in relevant forums with donors and support the CD with funding negotiations with donors.
• Work closely with the Regional Business and Partnerships Development Manager in advocating for good practice when it comes to building strong business environment in country programmes.

About you
To be successful in this role we expect the following experience and technical competencies: 

• At least 7 years’ experience and success in engaging with bilateral and multilateral donors for an international agency;
• University degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Law, Economics, or International Development or other relevant experience. Master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience leading a PDQM, fundraising or business development department;
• Demonstrable experience working in business development in Somalia or any country in the EAGL;
• Demonstrated ability to devise and implement resource mobilization strategies;
• Proven ability to secure new business opportunities and partnerships;
• Experience working with technical teams to develop program proposals that are funded by institutional donors;
• Strong networking, representation, and negotiation skills; 
• Superior computer skills;
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills in English.

Moreover, in this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Duration:           1 Year renewable subject to Performance and Funding.

Contract:           Salary and conditions in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Global Expatriates available https://drc.ngo/about-drc/vacancies/expatriate-terms-of-employment  Employment Band Manager F1

Start Date:         1st December 2020 

Duty Station:      Bossaso with frequent travel in field offices in Somalia

Reporting:          This position reports to Deputy Country Director.

Commitments:     DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html).  All DRC staff must be committed to the Red Cross Code of Conduct, as well as the Core Humanitarian Standards.

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels.  In light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap. 

Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer.  We value diversity and we are committed   to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees.  We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, colour, race, marital status or other protected characteristics.

Applications 
Applicants must send a cover letter (max 1 page) and an updated CV (max 3 pages) in English. Cover letter should outline your personal motivation for applying and your key qualifications for the position. Apply online on our page Current Vacancies at www.drc.ngo. Applications sent by email will not be considered. 

Closing date for applications: 26th October 2020. 

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit  drc.ngo/jobsupport