Regional Partnership Advisor

Background

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has been providing relief and development services in the Horn of Africa since 1997. Using a human rights framework, the DRC East Africa and Great Lakes (EAGL) operation focuses on people who are affected by displacement, including refugees, internally displaced, migrants, and host communities in Burundi, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

DRC is implementing a large scale-up project to respond to the drought in the Horn of Africa and contribute to famine prevention efforts. At the current time the project will specifically be implemented in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia, with some displacement research extending into Djibouti.

Overall purpose of the role

Reporting to the Chief of Party, the Partnership Advisor (PA) will be responsible for the oversight and provision of technical support to respective partnership units/focal points in country operations to ensure partners are adhering to project deliverables, DRC compliance procedures, and technical implementation standards. The PA will be responsible for ensuring country delivery teams and mechanisms regarding partnerships are fit for purpose, and provide day-to-day solutions to operational challenges. The PA will work alongside leads within the Project Management Unit to closely track project deliverables and maintain close communication with DRC regional office. 

This position is subject to confirmation of funding, anticipated start date is 15 March and the successful candidate must be able to deploy with 15 days’ notice. 

Responsibilities:  

• Substantially coordinate partnership capacity assessments with in country teams ensuring assessments capture absorption capacity, and implementation frameworks are in line with donor and DRC requirements; 
• Lead on the development of partnership units with in country teams ensuring all partners are adhering to project deliverables;  
• Support the COP and Grants Management Coordinator on contributing to addressing in a timely manner all comments by donors on proposals and reports with strong coordination with DRC HQ GMU and finance; 
• Provide ad-hoc support to programme PMU staff related to involvement of partners; 
• Provide day-to-day support to project Country Leads for the development, planning and management of partnership  
• Support the coordination and communication between the project team and the DRC Country Offices to ensure optimal cooperation and collaboration so that project is supported, integrated, and follows all applicable DRC policies and processes; 
• When assigned, take responsibility for implementing specific risk mitigation measures outlined in the EMP Risk Matrix; and 
• Provide support on ensuring implementing partners are utilizing technical optimal approaches to implementation across all sectors. This will require close coordination with the Emergency Technical Advisor to ensure global standards are harmonized across all country operations.  
• Lead on the compilation and consolidation of reporting from in-country partnerships and conduct Real Time Reviews to feed into MEAL mechanisms established.  

About you

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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: You act in line with our vision and values.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in in relevant field. 
• 8-10 years’ experience in managing the implementation of complex programmes, including the involvement of implementing partners 
• Experience in working in consortia with multi-donors, multi-partners 
• Experience of working with large awards 
• Excellent organisational and planning skills 
• Proven ability to work independently, with a clear understanding of risk escalation requirements 
• Proven ability to propose creative solutions to challenges, and proven ability deliver results within a flexible and adaptive framework 
• Proven capability in budget and financial management, VFM, and needs-based cost reduction 
• Successful experience working within culturally and politically diverse teams and institutions, in a fluid and dynamic environment 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to engage diplomatically 
• Knowledge of Swahili, Amharic or Somali an added advantage. 
• Previous experience in the Horn of Africa or East Africa desirable. 

Conditions

Contract:        One year contract with possibility of extension, subject to funding and performanceSalary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment for Staff ; Employment band NM F

Duty station:    To be determined - Nairobi, Kenya; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; or Mogadishu, Somalia with some travel 

Availability:      March 2023

Reporting Line: Chief of Party

Providing equal opportunities    We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

Promoting high standards : DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process

Application and CV

Only motivated applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications, sent together with a CV, will be considered.

DRC only accepts applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.ngo under job.

Please submit your application and CV in English no later than 28th Feb 2023. CVs will be reviewed on rolling basis, and position might be filled before the deadline.