Partnerships Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization that assists people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. Established in 1946, NRC has a long history of providing aid and support to vulnerable populations in various countries. The organization operates in over 30 countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to delivering high-quality humanitarian assistance. NRC's mission is to help people rebuild their lives and regain their rights, focusing on areas such as education, shelter, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and legal assistance. The organization is committed to safeguarding the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the support they need to overcome their challenges and rebuild their futures.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships Officer position at NRC is crucial for enhancing the organization's partnership portfolio in Afghanistan, particularly with local and national organizations. The role involves supporting the development and management of partnerships that are essential for effective humanitarian response. The Partnerships Officer will work closely with local partners to build their capacity and resources, ensuring they can effectively address the humanitarian needs in the country. This position requires a proactive approach to partnership management, including mapping potential partners, conducting due diligence assessments, and facilitating communication between NRC and its partners. The officer will also play a key role in capacity-building initiatives, ensuring that partners are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement partnership agreements successfully. Overall, the Partnerships Officer will contribute to NRC's mission by fostering strong relationships with partners and enhancing the effectiveness of humanitarian response efforts in Afghanistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Partnerships Officer will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Adhering to NRC policies, guidance, and procedures in all partnership-related activities.
• Supporting the partner mapping process and conducting due diligence assessments to identify potential partners.
• Assisting in the development and dissemination of partnership agreements, extension letters, and payment schedules.
• Maintaining updated records of partner information, including partnership logs and databases.
• Serving as the focal point for regular follow-ups with partners regarding their narrative and financial reports.
• Establishing strong coordination with NRC's implementing partners and attending relevant meetings to share insights and updates.
• Leading the partner selection process and ensuring that all relevant departments are involved in decision-making.
• Cultivating relationships with local and national stakeholders to enhance collaboration and coordination in humanitarian response efforts.
• Overseeing capacity-building activities and monitoring the progress of partner organizations in implementing partnership agreements. 1
• Coordinating with internal teams to ensure successful implementation of partnership activities and facilitating cross-departmental collaboration. 1
• Tracking partnership performance and preparing progress reports for internal and external stakeholders. 1
• Ensuring proper documentation and information management for donor requirements. 1
• Assisting the Partnership Adviser with various administrative tasks and attending meetings as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Partnerships Officer position should possess the following qualifications:

• A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in partnerships, grants management, or a related field.
• A Bachelor's degree in development studies, social science, or a related discipline.
• Strong organizational skills, including time management and the ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with proficiency in Dari or Pashto being an advantage.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Word and Excel, along with experience using databases.
• A willingness to travel to field offices and work in challenging environments as required.
• A proactive, flexible, and hardworking attitude, with the ability to work irregular hours when necessary.
• Strong interpersonal skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to build trust with partners and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Partnerships Officer position includes a Bachelor's degree in development studies, social science, or any other related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the dynamics of partnerships in the context of emergency response and capacity building.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant experience in partnerships, grants management, or a related field. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage partnerships effectively, conduct assessments, and support capacity-building initiatives. Familiarity with the humanitarian sector and understanding the challenges faced by local organizations in crisis situations will be beneficial.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with strong verbal and written communication skills required. Additionally, proficiency in Dari or Pashto is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local partners and stakeholders in Afghanistan. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their language skills through previous experience or education.

Additional Notes:
The Partnerships Officer position is a full-time role based in Kabul, Afghanistan. The successful candidate will receive a monthly salary based on NRC's Afghanistan Salary Scale, along with medical coverage for staff and up to four dependents. Leave and holidays will be provided in accordance with Afghanistan's labor laws. NRC also offers a top-up credit card on a monthly basis to support staff needs. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds. The role may involve travel to field offices and requires a commitment to safeguarding principles, ensuring a safe environment for all employees and partners.