Partnership Officer

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. With a mission to protect the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, NRC operates in over 30 countries worldwide, providing assistance in various sectors including shelter, education, and legal aid. The organization is known for its commitment to accountability, transparency, and collaboration with local partners to ensure effective humanitarian response. NRC employs thousands of staff globally, working tirelessly to address the needs of vulnerable populations and advocate for their rights.

Job Overview:
The Partnership Officer position is a critical role within the Norwegian Refugee Council's North-East Ukraine operations, specifically in the newly established Area Office North - East (AONE) based in Kharkiv. This position is designed for a motivated and detail-oriented individual who will play a key role in fostering and managing partnerships that align with NRC's strategic objectives. The Partnership Officer will be responsible for facilitating partner assessments, developing partnership agreements, and ensuring effective coordination of joint activities. This role is essential for supporting the growth and effectiveness of NRC's partnerships, which are vital for delivering humanitarian assistance in the regions of Kharkiv and Sumy. The successful candidate will be expected to start in February 2026, contributing to the operationalization of the new area office and its programs, which include Shelter, Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Protection from Violence, Education, and emergency response through cash assistance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Partnership Officer will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting the identification, assessment, and selection of potential partners in alignment with NRC’s strategic priorities; facilitating the development and management of partnership agreements while ensuring compliance with NRC policies and donor requirements; providing guidance and support to partners on NRC’s partnership principles, tools, and processes; maintaining effective communication and coordination with partners to ensure timely information-sharing and issue resolution; supporting the monitoring and evaluation of partnerships, including partner performance and overall effectiveness; contributing to partnership mapping, analysis, and reporting to strengthen NRC’s localization efforts; identifying challenges and opportunities in partnership management and proposing solutions to enhance collaboration; organizing and participating in partnership meetings, workshops, and joint planning sessions; and supporting NRC staff in building their understanding of partnership approaches and best practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Partnership Officer position must possess a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in a humanitarian or development agency, or within Ukrainian civil society or local academia. Strong data management skills are essential to support partners in tracking progress on indicators and individuals reached. The ability to assist partners in organizational development and capacity-building initiatives is also required. Candidates should demonstrate strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and discretion in handling confidential information. Proficiency in MS Office 365 applications and online information platforms is necessary, along with the ability to work independently with limited supervision. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, statistics, research, international development, economics, or other related fields is required for the Partnership Officer position. A good understanding of Ukrainian civil society is considered an advantage, as it will enhance the candidate's ability to navigate the local context and foster effective partnerships.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 2 years of relevant professional experience in a humanitarian or development context. Experience working with local partners and understanding the dynamics of partnership management in a complex environment is highly valued. Familiarity with the challenges faced by civil society organizations in Ukraine will be beneficial for effectively engaging with partners and stakeholders.

Languages:
Proficiency in English (both written and verbal) and Ukrainian is required for this position. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is essential for facilitating partnerships and ensuring clear communication with local partners and stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to candidates who have the legal right to work in Ukraine. Please note that NRC is unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships for this role. The planned start date for this position is February 2026, and it is expected to be a full-time role within the newly established Area Office North - East in Kharkiv. The Partnership Officer will be expected to engage actively in the scaling up of NRC's operations in the region, contributing to the overall mission of providing humanitarian assistance and support to affected populations.