Partnership Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and crises. Since its inception in 1946, NRC has been dedicated to providing high-quality aid and defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. In Nigeria, NRC has been operational since 2015, focusing on helping displacement-affected communities meet their basic needs, improve livelihoods, access essential services, and enhance resilience to future shocks. The organization operates across various sectors including water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), Shelter, Education, Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Livelihoods and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security (LFS), Camp Management, and Protection. NRC has reached over 269,000 people with assistance in 2021 alone, and continues to expand its partnerships with local organizations to enhance service delivery and localization commitments. The organization is committed to addressing the acute humanitarian needs and displacement caused by ongoing violence and conflict in Nigeria, particularly in the north-east region, where millions are internally displaced and face severe challenges such as food insecurity and lack of access to education.

Job Overview:
The Partnership Coordinator position at NRC Nigeria is designed for individuals who are passionate about supporting refugees and those forced to flee. The role involves closely collaborating with the Partnership Manager to ensure that NRC's partners comply with legal regulations, financial requirements, and humanitarian standards. The Partnership Coordinator will be responsible for implementing logistics responsibilities, including compliance, capacity building of staff, procurement planning, market assessments, high-value procurement, and management of warehouse and fleet operations. This position is crucial for maintaining effective partnership management in collaboration with Programme Coordinators and the Finance Team. The Partnership Coordinator will also contribute to the development and implementation of NRC's partnership processes and toolkit, ensuring alignment with NRC's internal policies and sector standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Partnership Coordinator will have a wide range of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: contributing to a harmonized approach to partnerships between NRC and its partners; ensuring compliance with NRC Project Implementation Agreements and financial handbooks; managing the Project Implementation Agreements with local partners; coordinating the development of new partnership agreements; leading training and coaching sessions for partners on compliance requirements; representing NRC as the main focal point for partnership-related issues; supporting the mainstreaming of safe and inclusive programming; conducting partnership mapping and management; coordinating organizational assessments and vetting of potential partners; drafting partnership agreements; ensuring adherence to NRC requirements for smooth project implementation; maintaining accurate partnership trackers and documentation; conducting partner orientations and coaching; and participating in community of practice exercises on partnership compliance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree or equivalent in fields such as social sciences, international relations, education, or development. A minimum of three years of experience working with NGOs or international organizations, particularly in partnerships and civil society strengthening, is required. Strong analytical skills, excellent project management abilities, and good coordination and communication skills are essential. Experience in managing and coaching partners, as well as knowledge of anti-corruption best practices, will be advantageous. Candidates should also have an understanding of complex emergencies and crisis contexts, the ability to work under pressure, and the capability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Partnership Coordinator position includes a university degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as social sciences, international relations, education, or development. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the dynamics of partnerships in crisis contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in the NGO sector or with international organizations, with a strong preference for candidates who have experience in partnerships and civil society strengthening. This level of experience is necessary to effectively manage partnerships and ensure compliance with NRC's standards and policies.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Strong communication skills are essential for effective collaboration with partners and stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The Partnership Coordinator position is based in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, with a contract duration of 12 months, which is renewable based on performance and funding availability. The role is classified at Grade 7 in NRC's grading structure, and the reporting line is to the Partnership Manager. The position requires approximately 40% travel. NRC is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance approach to exploitation, abuse, and harassment, ensuring a safe environment for all employees.