Partnership Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a humanitarian organization that has been operational since 1946, dedicated to helping people affected by displacement. NRC's mission is to protect the rights of displaced and vulnerable people, providing them with assistance and support in various sectors including shelter, education, and legal assistance. The organization operates in multiple countries worldwide, focusing on areas where the need is greatest. NRC has a significant presence in Ukraine, particularly in the North-East region, where it aims to reinforce its operations to better serve the local population. The organization employs thousands of staff globally, working collaboratively with local partners and communities to implement effective programs.

Job Overview:
The Partnership Coordinator position is a critical role within the Norwegian Refugee Council's North-East Area Office in Kharkiv, which is set to become operational in March 202

• This role involves managing partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders to ensure effective program implementation in the areas of Shelter, Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Protection from Violence, Education, Livelihoods & security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security, and emergency response. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining partnerships, ensuring compliance with NRC policies and donor requirements, and facilitating communication between NRC and its partners. The role requires strategic thinking, strong networking abilities, and the capacity to operationalize partnership strategies in a complex humanitarian context. The Partnership Coordinator will also contribute to the overall strategy and operational methodology for engaging with various stakeholders, ensuring that NRC's programs are inclusive and responsive to the needs of the affected populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Partnership Coordinator will have a wide range of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Ensuring adherence to NRC policies, handbooks, guidelines, procedures, and donor requirements.
• Supporting the overview and maintenance of projects implemented with partners at the area level, including providing helpdesk support to partners on compliance issues.
• Coordinating the development of new partnership agreements and managing existing partnerships at the Area Office level.
• Acting as the main focal point for NRC with partners, ensuring timely communication and addressing partnership-related issues.
• Contributing to project cycle management (PCM) activities and utilizing NRC's PCM framework in collaboration with partners.
• Working with the program team to integrate safe and inclusive programming into projects.
• Preparing and submitting periodic and ad-hoc reports to the line manager.
• Mapping local potential partners and maintaining relationships with existing partners.
• Maintaining accurate records of partnership projects and documentation. 1
• Supporting the development and implementation of NRC's overall strategy for engaging with public, private, and civil society stakeholders. 1
• Coordinating organizational assessments and vetting of potential partners. 1
• Ensuring that partners adhere to NRC requirements and facilitating smooth project implementation. 1
• Participating in PCM meetings and ensuring all necessary internal documents are in place. 1
• Supporting capacity development needs and coordinating training and technical support for partners.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Partnership Coordinator position should possess the following qualifications:

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant job experience in a similar role, preferably within the humanitarian sector.
• Documented results related to responsibilities, particularly in coordination, networking, and liaising with external actors.
• Previous experience working in complex and volatile contexts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and communication skills, with strong networking, coordination, and facilitation abilities.
• A solid understanding of the Ukrainian civil society and experience in managing and implementing programs in humanitarian contexts.
• Ability to work under pressure, independently, and with limited supervision.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in international relations, International Development, Social Sciences, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the socio-political context in which NRC operates. A strong academic foundation will support the candidate's ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders and contribute to the development of partnership strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in a similar role, particularly within the humanitarian sector. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully coordinating partnerships and managing projects in challenging environments. Experience in liaising with external actors and navigating complex organizational structures is crucial for this role. Familiarity with the specific challenges faced in humanitarian contexts, particularly in Ukraine, will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Ukrainian is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with local partners and stakeholders is essential. Candidates should possess strong written and verbal communication skills in both languages. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse communities and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and will be based in Kharkiv, Ukraine. The start date for this role is set for March 2026, and the position will involve working closely with local partners and stakeholders to ensure effective program implementation. The role may require occasional travel within the region to engage with partners and monitor project activities. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with NRC's policies and guidelines.