Role Purpose

Plan International is an independent child rights and humanitarian organisation committed to children living a life free of poverty, violence and injustice.

We actively unite children, communities and other people who share our mission to make positive lasting changes in children’s and young people’s lives. We support children to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to claim their rights to a fulfilling life, today and in the future. We place a specific focus on girls and women, who are most often left behind. 

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for more than 75 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.

The post holder is responsible to set the strategic partnership, Influencing, Advocacy, and communication strategy and framework for Plan International Ethiopia in accordance and alignment to the global advocacy, partnership and influencing policies as well as the organisation branding and communication policies. The post holder will lead the unit/department for the next 7 (seven) months.  

Dimensions of the Role

• The post holder  is  member of the CLT  (Country Leadership  Team)
• The post holder will report to the Country Director, and oversees the design, implementation, review and changes of Plan International Ethiopia  strategy on partnership, advocacy, influencing and Communication including Branding
• To work closely with the CLT members , and Extended CLT members,  Area Managers and managers and staff at various levels to ensure that Plan International Ethiopia  strategic approach remains aligned and relevant to conditions and needs at the community grass roots level.
• To take the lead role in Plan International Ethiopia  advocacy & Influencing strategy, coordination and collaboration with the various governmental ministries, at federal and state  level, including identifying and driving forward new strategic partnerships with key governmental ministries at senior levels as well as at national and state level parliamentarians and influential leaders
• To advocate and internalization of the concept and philosophy of a real partnership among plan international staff beyond the project agreements.
• To represent Plan International Ethiopia in regional or global forums, networks, consultative sessions or conferences as required.
• The post holder ensures smooth teamwork within and across the different units and management solid and dotted lines with different departments, while enhancing integration with other departments.
• To lead scoping the opportunities for influencing related to the SDGs in Ethiopia context. As policies and plans are reviewed, as well as work with other civil society organisations, can advocate that the ambition of the SDGs is met and that key children's rights considerations are included. 

Accountabilities

Strategic leadership

• To develop a country partnership strategy with clear operational plan and in accordance with the Global partnership policy and guidelines and in alignment with the CSP for Plan International Ethiopia
• To ensure development and implementation of a national Influencing   and advocacy strategy for Plan International Ethiopia with clear policy objectives and an action plan.
• To ensure that Plan International Ethiopia produces robust policy analysis, timely communication and high quality research based on our field experience that feeds into national and regional discourse on child rights and poverty.
• To ensure that Plan International Ethiopia  remains aware of and fully engaged with emerging trends and initiatives, particularly related to improving the rights of children, both in Ethiopia  and at a regional level as to support broader engagement and advocacy initiatives for Plan International Ethiopia   
• To identify opportunities for new strategic partnerships and alliances with the potential to leverage expanded scale and impact across the five strategic objectives of the Plan International Ethiopia CSP for 2018-2022. 
• To set Plan International Ethiopia  clear objectives and activities for influencing, including advocacy, policy, campaigns, communications, and partnerships,
• To ensure that the SP & Advocacy unit continues to provide demand driven but strong, relevant and timely technical support to the implementation teams.

Strategic Partnership:

• To conduct a mapping exercise to identify strategic partners at different levels in the country (i.e. federal, state, locality and community levels), with a clear SWAT analysis.
• To lead on strategic partnership management and provision of support on setting-up systems and processes for partner assessment and selection, timely signing of agreements and smooth collaboration.
• To develop a country partnership strategy in accordance with the global partnership and influencing policy and guidelines, and develop and be responsible for its action plan in the country
• To work closely with the CLT and Extended CLT members, Area Managers and other managers and staff across the country programme to define Plan’s understanding and engagement in national development strategies including SDGs.
• Build a strong professional relationships and networks with key partners and stakeholders from government at federal and local levels  and multilateral partners and donors.
• Contribute to regional & global learning, programme development and maintain close working relationships with the Plan RESA and IH Offices.
• The post holder will typically support the Country Director in a number of high level representational responsibilities, both externally and also internally.
• Ensure all partners have a thorough understanding of the terms of the partnership and that the partnership is based on mutual trust and the achievement of a common purpose.
• The post holder is expected to use Plan work experience in the country, region and globally to position Plan as the practice national leader on the intersection of gender equality, education and protection
• The incumbent is responsible to work with others to ensure strengthening of national child protection systems at federal, state and local levels.
• Promote increased employment for youth in state and locations where Plan International Ethiopia works, in close coordination with the program team, the partners and other stakeholders
• Build alliances and partnerships with CSOs to work on child rights monitoring and advocacy and in particular for girl’s equality and youth.

Partner monitoring, evaluation and reporting

• Review and put on place and updated version of Country Partnership Guidelines, conduct a participatory review of the gaps of the partnership guideline and lead the regular updating that would improve the contents.
• Organize and participate in regular partner monitoring visits and review meetings and facilitate the documentation and sharing of partnership experiences of Plan, best practices, lessons learnt and innovation among Plan partners.
• Monitor and periodically evaluate Plan’s partnership in relation to Plan country strategy plan approaches and principles.
• Ensure project learning and achievements are documented and disseminated widely.
• Provide high level guidance to field staff on smooth partnership management for enhanced project implementation.
• Ensure that appropriate partner assessment is done on time and communicated to relevant staff.

Advocacy & Influencing

• Conduct on-going assessment of local and national policies and issues to ensure our partnership is consistent with the operating environment
• To develop a country advocacy strategy and action plan, in alignment with the global influencing and child rights issues and in particular girls equality, the post holder will be also responsible to roll-it out with clear tangible and measurable outcomes
• Contribute to the strengthening of national laws and policies through engaging in the monitoring of human rights and child rights instruments
• Ensure a country communication strategy is developed and in line with global influencing and branding Be responsible for strategically leading  the country partnership management and coordinating all activities related to partner assessment, capacity building, planning, monitoring and review processes of partnership projects
• To clearly identify national advocacy objectives and plans, which include national level duty bearers, state and local targets/processes, and strategies for work with rights holders, and clear policy change objectives.
• Carry out research to establish an evidence base that supports effective advocacy.
• Inform, collaborate and influence national and state government and public policies related to child rights, girls equality and youth engagement
• Monitor government implementation of their commitments to children’s rights at local and national level.

People Management

• Ensure Plan’s organizational culture and mission with regards to Gender equality are embedded in managers behaviours and practices.
• Provide leadership, coaching for results and support to the broader partners as well as in the individual development and performance management of subordinates.
• Oversee the delivery of effective capacity building support in key areas of programme management, mainly to partners and counterparts.
• Support subordinate staff to understand organizational vision, mission, strategic directions, Human Resource Policies, Child protection, CCCD, Gender Equality Policy, etc.
• Manage staff performance in line with approved Plan Employee Appraisal standards and guidelines

Reporting

• Reporting regularly to the CD on the management aspect of the unit and ensure meeting country strategy goal and objectives, partnership effectiveness.

Other

• Actively participate in the CLT and CLT in an open, cooperative and proactive manner, ensuring full engagement of other units and departments.
• Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, and achieving results.
• Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities – giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved 

Dealing with Problems:

• The position involves a high degree of complexity in resolving a wide range of challenges due to management of different units within the department, encompassing a range of management lines, geographical locations, a large and diverse workforce, and a range of contractual obligations, including grant specific deliverables. 
• The post holder will demonstrate an ability to solve problems, thinking strategically while introducing innovations and creative thinking as needed. This is to meet the demands of a dynamic, challenging and sometimes unpredictable operating environment.
• The post holder is expected to play a key role in optimizing overall organizational performance and enabling a high performing country team as a whole.
• The role will be tasked with strengthening quality, accountability, planning, management, adherence to policies and procedures, and promoting a culture that aims for the consistent delivery of results and make positive impact to children, in particular for girls and their communities

Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Child Protection (CPP) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

Technical Expertise, Skills and Knowledge 

Educational Background

• Master’s degree in a relevant field of study and at least 10 years of experience in NGO sector, or demonstrated equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and authoritatively on area of expertise, and influence others to reach common goals. 
• Ability to develop effective working relationships across a network.

Essential

• Sound understanding of integrated development and humanitarian issues and critical analysis of child poverty.
• In-depth knowledge of child-rights programming and ability to conduct critical analysis to challenges affecting achievement of child rights with focus on girls’ rights.
• Demonstrated knowledge in leading strategic planning processes
• Knowledge of effective participatory Monitoring, Evaluation and Research systems and processes
• Demonstrated track record in driving change and enabling high performing teams, with the ability to lead, motivate and develop others.
• Knowledge of partnership and influencing processes, systems and principles, and the ability to provide leadership and support partners and counterparts.
• Solid understanding of gender equality integration in programs, personnel management, and office culture. 

Desirable

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with colleagues at long distances;
• Fluency in English
• Excellent Written and oral communication skills, including presentation and public speaking
• Strong Analytical and problem solving skills;
• Exceptional conceptual and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong team building and motivational skills;
• Good Negotiation and influencing skills;
• Solid experiences in resource mobilization with a variety of donors;
• Leadership analysis/coaching skills;
• Strong inter-personal skills in a multi-cultural environment;
• A proven track record in successfully mobilizing resources across a range of institutional donors.
• Ability to provide leadership, communicate effectively and build high performing teams that work together to achieve goals.
• Ability to analyse information, evaluate options and to think and plan strategically