Partnership Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a humanitarian organization established to assist and protect refugees and displaced persons worldwide. Founded in 1946, NRC has grown to operate in over 30 countries, providing aid and support to those affected by conflict and displacement. The organization is committed to its core values of dedication, innovation, inclusivity, and accountability, which guide its actions and relationships with beneficiaries and partners alike. NRC's mission is to ensure that displaced people can find safety, dignity, and hope through the provision of essential services and support. In response to the mass displacement of refugees from Ukraine in 2022, NRC established operations in Moldova, focusing on an integrated approach that combines various sectoral areas of expertise, including livelihoods, legal aid, education, and shelter. The organization aims to transition from emergency relief to long-term strategies that foster self-reliance and durable solutions for affected populations, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships with local actors.

Job Overview:
The Partnership Coordinator will play a crucial role in advancing NRC's partnership mandate and deliverables, leveraging existing partnership processes and tools to enhance collaboration with local NGOs and other stakeholders. This position requires a diverse skill set, including a solid understanding of partnership programming in both emergency and development contexts. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating and advising on partnership agreement management, ensuring compliance with NRC's internal policies and sector standards. The role also involves building the organizational capacity of national NGOs, facilitating knowledge transfer, and promoting best practices in partnership management. The Partnership Coordinator will work closely with various teams within NRC to ensure a harmonized approach to partnership and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the humanitarian response in Moldova.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Partnership Coordinator will have a wide range of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: implementing and adapting the global NRC partnership toolkit to the local context; leading the management of Project Implementation Agreements (PIAs) with local partners; conducting due diligence and organizational capacity assessments; supporting staff learning and development on partnership issues; mainstreaming safeguarding guidelines and promoting PSEA standards; negotiating new projects and programs with partners; drafting partnership agreements and contractual documents; coordinating technical support to partners on monitoring and evaluation, PIA management, and financial compliance; mapping national and local NGOs and civil society actors; supporting capacity-sharing activities; designing and facilitating partner interface meetings; integrating partner feedback into tools and guidance; and fostering positive relationships with NRC teams and local partners to promote collaboration and trust.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field, with a Master’s degree preferred but not mandatory. A minimum of 2 years of experience working with NGOs or international organizations in grants management or partnership-related roles is required. Documented results related to the position's responsibilities are essential, along with the ability to coordinate tasks and work processes under tight deadlines. Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory, as well as fluency in Romanian and/or Russian (speaking, reading, writing).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area, such as international relations, development studies, or social sciences. A Master’s degree is preferred but not a strict requirement. Candidates should have a strong academic foundation that supports their understanding of humanitarian principles and partnership dynamics.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 2 years of relevant experience working with NGOs or international organizations, specifically in roles related to grants management or partnership development. Experience in coordinating projects, managing partnerships, and working with local civil society organizations is highly valued. Familiarity with the Ukrainian refugee context and experience in designing and implementing social programs with various stakeholders will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both in written and verbal communication. Additionally, candidates must be fluent in Romanian and/or Russian, with the ability to speak, read, and write in these languages. Proficiency in other languages relevant to the region may be considered a plus, but English and Romanian/Russian are the primary languages required for effective communication in this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to candidates who have the legal right to work in Moldova, and the organization is unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a dynamic and challenging work environment. The NRC emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and protection principles, and the successful candidate will be expected to uphold these standards in all aspects of their work. Applications that are incomplete or submitted via email will not be considered official and will not be processed.