Background

Plan International is an independent non-profit organization that advances children�s well-being and equality for girls. Working in building powerful partnerships for children for over 75 years and present in 70 countries, Plan International strives for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children while working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners. Plan International Ethiopia is looking for Partnerships Specialist for Country Office who will be reporting to the Head of Program Operation.

Dimensions of the Role:

Financial measures or statistics relevant to post such as budget; list of direct and indirect reports

Identifying, assessing and managing partnerships with the aim of strengthening civil society so that there is a conducive environment for children�s rights and gender equality.

• Management of the country partnership capacity building, budget and provision of budget oversight for field based projects except for individual grant project budgets with own project managers. 
• Oversight on partnership management and provision of support to Country Office, Program Areas and partner staff in the area of partner assessment and selection, timely signing of agreements and smooth collaboration.
• Internalization of Plan International�s Global Partnership standards, the concept and philosophy of partnership among Plan staff, capacity building of partners and coordination of signing of partnership agreements including resource mobilization.

Accountabilities

Partnership management

• Ensure that Plan International�s Global Partnership standards have been internalized, the concept and philosophy of partnership is clear to all Plan staff.
• Develop and maintain the partnership database for Plan International Ethiopia.
• Be responsible for strategically guiding the partnership management and coordinating all activities related to partner capacity building, planning, monitoring and review processes of partnership projects
• Lead and coordinate the timely review and approval of all partnership project proposals and agreement documents.
• Review partnership agreements, assuring compliance with organizational requirements and monitor adherence to agreed conditions.
• Develop and implement partnership strategies that reflect the strategic direction of Plan. 
• Ensure that the 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.
• Conduct ongoing assessment of local and national policies and issues to ensure our partnership is consistent with the operating environment.

Partner monitoring, evaluation and reporting

• Undertake participatory identification and 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.
• Facilitate the periodic review of the partnership strategies and compliance with the partnership principles.
• 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. 

Staff development

• Actively participate in the country program team in an open, cooperative and proactive manner and contribute towards ensuring smooth departmental collaboration and coordination.
• Build the capacity of staff and partners by providing technical assistance and training on partnership management.
• Organize regular performance review meetings to assess progress and agree on and communicate any changes in strategy with the key staff.

Key relationships

Externally: Initiate, develop and maintain a range of working relationships, including with government counterparts, implementing and strategic partners and other development organizations.

Internally: Effective working relationships with CO, PA and various internal staff networks as well as National Offices.

Job Requirements

Technical expertise, skills and knowledge

• A minimum of bachelors degree in relevant field which are Development, Business Administration, Economics, Social Work etc with a minimum of 5 years relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in developing strategies and designing program interventions including monitoring and evaluation;
• Demonstrated ability to assess best practices, document and disseminate lessons learnt for continuous improvement of the program;
• Experience in networking with high level as well as community level resources;
• Experience in project management , coordination and developing a multi-disciplinary team;
• Working experience with children, youth and adults; and
• Experience in organizing and conducting training and workshops.

Knowledge

• Understand organizational principles, systems and have the ability to provide advisory role and support staff working at community level;
• Have good understanding of integrated development issues;
• Retains good knowledge of child-rights programming;
• Demonstrated knowledge of networking, partnership and strategic planning processes; and
• Knowledge of participatory Monitoring, Evaluation and Research systems and processes

Skills Specific to the Post

• Conceptual, analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with colleagues
• Have good skills of writing, oral communication, presentation, advocacy and negotiation.
• Ability to coordinate and communicate effectively.
• Ability to analyze information, evaluate options and to think and plan strategically.
• Proficient in computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications
• Negotiation and influencing skills
• Strong team building and motivational skills
• Strong organizational and project management skills, and ability to deliver to tight deadlines

How to Apply

The closing date for the application is November 06, 2020. Qualified candidates should submit their application with the below link.

https://career5.successfactors.eu/sfcareer/jobreqcareer?jobId=36801&company=PlanInt

This position is only open to Ethiopian Nationals, who must be eligible to live and work in Ethiopia.

Please note that: 

• Applications and CVs written in English will be accepted and
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Please note that we are not accepting CVs that are not sent through the indicated link.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

More information about Plan International can be found on http:// plan-international.org

References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all persons meeting the skills and experience required.

As an international child centered community development organization, Plan International is fully committed to promoting the realization of children's rights including their right to protection from violence and abuse. That means we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organization, do everything we can to keep children safe. We must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk. Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.