Partnership Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established in 1946, dedicated to helping people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. NRC operates in over 30 countries, including Nigeria, where it has been active since 201

• The organization focuses on providing essential services to displacement-affected communities, including water, sanitation, hygiene, shelter, education, legal assistance, livelihoods, and protection. NRC aims to improve the resilience of these communities and enhance their access to basic needs and services. In Nigeria, NRC has reached over 269,000 people with assistance, particularly in regions severely affected by violence and displacement. The organization is committed to expanding its partnerships with local authorities, civil society organizations, and private sector actors to enhance service delivery and localization efforts. With a strong emphasis on bridging the gap between humanitarian aid and development cooperation, NRC is dedicated to strengthening the rights of displaced individuals and ensuring equitable access to essential services.

Job Overview:
The Partnership Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the Partnership Manager to ensure quality programming through effective partnership management processes across NRC operations in Nigeria. This position involves ensuring compliance with donor regulations, managing sub-grants, and fostering strong relationships with partners. The officer will also be responsible for training and mentoring national NGO staff, aligning with NRC's strategic goals. The role offers numerous opportunities for professional development, and the successful candidate should be enthusiastic about enhancing their skills and knowledge in the humanitarian sector. The Partnership Officer will be instrumental in establishing and strengthening partnership systems that are contextually relevant to Nigeria, thereby contributing to the overall mission of NRC in providing aid to those in need.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Partnership Officer's duties include ensuring compliance with NRC policies and guidelines related to partnerships and sub-grants. The officer will maintain oversight of project cycle management processes, organize sub-grant meetings, and ensure timely archiving of key documents. They will assist in partner proposal development and reporting, ensuring quality deliverables are met within deadlines. Specific responsibilities include conducting pre-award due diligence for potential partners, liaising with local authorities during the partner selection process, and supporting the development of tracking tools for effective partnership management. The officer will also review partner budgets, coordinate with finance teams to ensure smooth financial reporting, and monitor compliance with NRC and donor regulations. Additionally, the officer will support capacity assessments of partners, develop training materials, and lead capacity-building trainings, ensuring that all logistical arrangements are in place for successful training delivery.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and have a minimum of 2 years of experience in an NGO in a similar role, which includes proposal development, reporting, and partnerships or grant management. At least one year of experience with an international NGO is preferred, particularly in roles related to grants or partnerships. Knowledge of NGO operations and the dynamics of the humanitarian sector is essential, along with familiarity with the regulations and requirements of major donors such as UN, ECHO, and USG. The candidate should demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to produce high-quality reports and proposals. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also required, along with proficiency in MS Office applications.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required for this position. This educational background should ideally be complemented by coursework or training related to humanitarian assistance, project management, or partnership development, which would enhance the candidate's ability to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in an NGO setting, particularly in roles that involve partnerships, grant management, or proposal development. Candidates should have at least one year of experience working with an international NGO, which will provide them with a solid understanding of the complexities involved in humanitarian operations and partnership dynamics.

Languages:
A good command of spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the local context may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, with a contract duration of 12 months. The role is classified at Grade 5 in NRC's grading structure, and the reporting line is to the Partnership Manager. The position requires approximately 40% travel within Nigeria. NRC is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation and abuse, ensuring a safe environment for all employees.