Partnerships and New Initiatives Manager

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Position Title: Partnerships and New Initiatives Manager
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established in 1979, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide, focusing on disaster response, community development, and humanitarian assistance. The organization partners with local communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger, more resilient communities. In Sudan, Mercy Corps has been active since 2004, providing support to hundreds of thousands of displaced households and refugees, and has reached over 381,400 people through various programs in 2022 alone.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships and New Initiatives Manager will play a crucial role in the Mercy Corps Sudan Country Office, focusing on developing new initiatives and managing partnerships. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with donor regulations and maintaining quality reporting and documentation for all active and future programs. The manager will collaborate closely with the Program Quality (PaQ) team to uphold quality standards and reporting systems. Additionally, the role involves leading proposal development processes to secure new programs, particularly in humanitarian response, durable solutions, and resilience. The manager will also provide guidance to program teams on donor rules and regulations to ensure compliance and timely submission of quality reports.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Partnerships and New Initiatives Manager will be responsible for mapping existing implementing partners and donor projects across various technical sectors, including market systems development and social cohesion. They will work with the Director of Programs and Senior Leadership Team to build strategic relationships with stakeholders and potential partners, facilitating funding opportunities. The manager will lead proposal development processes, ensuring high-quality concept notes and proposals are produced. They will coordinate with programming teams to strengthen stakeholder relationships and ensure compliance with Mercy Corps standards. The role also includes overseeing reporting workflows, maintaining communication with headquarters, and supporting program performance and record retention. The manager will ensure adherence to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security procedures and policies, and will supervise one direct report, the Sudan Grants and Business Development Coordinator.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a BA degree in a relevant field, with an MA preferred. They should have 3 to 5 years of progressive work experience, demonstrating strengths in program management, proposal development, and donor reporting. Familiarity with US, EU, and other donor regulations is preferred, along with excellent planning, management, and coordination skills. Experience in staff management and capacity building is essential, as well as the ability to work in a multi-cultural and high-stress environment. Strong writing and editing skills in English are required, along with excellent representation skills. Previous work experience in Sudan is preferred.

Educational Background:
The position requires a BA degree in a relevant field, with a preference for candidates holding a Master's degree. This educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of humanitarian and development work, as well as the skills necessary for effective program management and partnership development.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have 3 to 5 years of progressive work experience in relevant fields. This experience should include demonstrated strengths in program or portfolio management, proposal development, and donor reporting. Familiarity with donor regulations and the ability to adapt to contractual requirements is also important. Experience in managing teams and building capacity within organizations is essential, as well as the ability to thrive in a multi-cultural and high-stress environment.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent writing and editing skills required. While not explicitly stated, proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and is primarily an office job with external engagements with various bilateral and multilateral donor bodies operational in Sudan. The role includes a supervisory responsibility for one direct report. Mercy Corps emphasizes ongoing learning, allowing team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional growth activities. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring a respectful and safe work environment for all team members.