Partnership Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization dedicated to assisting people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. Established in 1946, NRC operates in over 30 countries worldwide, providing aid and support to millions of people in need. The organization is committed to defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the necessary assistance and protection. NRC employs thousands of staff members globally, working collaboratively with local communities, governments, and other humanitarian organizations to deliver effective and timely aid. The organization's mission is to help rebuild lives and restore dignity to those affected by crises, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding and ethical practices in all its operations.

Job Overview:
The Partnership Officer plays a crucial role in fostering and managing partnerships that align with NRC's strategic objectives. This position is essential for supporting the growth and effectiveness of partnerships through various activities, including partner assessments, agreement facilitation, and coordination of joint activities. The officer will work closely with the Partnerships & Community Engagement Coordinator to ensure that partnerships are effectively managed and that partners receive the necessary support and guidance. The role requires a detail-oriented and motivated individual who can navigate complex partnership dynamics and contribute to the overall success of NRC's mission in the region. The Partnership Officer will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating partnerships to ensure compliance with NRC policies and donor requirements, thereby enhancing collaboration and effectiveness in achieving shared goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Partnership Officer will have a wide range of 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; providing guidance and support to partners on NRC's partnership principles; maintaining effective communication and coordination with partners; supporting the monitoring and evaluation of partnerships; contributing to partnership mapping and reporting; organizing and participating in partnership meetings and workshops; assisting in the mapping of local partners; facilitating communication between NRC and partners; conducting monitoring visits; supporting organizational assessments and vetting of potential partners; identifying capacity development needs; coordinating capacity-building exercises; performing short translations of relevant documents; assisting in contracting and sub-granting processes; supporting local partners in understanding NRC's reporting templates; collaborating with other departments to ensure mainstreaming of core NRC principles; maintaining documentation of partner projects; and contributing to the development and operationalization of NRC's Partnership Strategy.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Partnership Officer position should possess a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Management of Non-Profit Organizations, International Development, or a related field. A good understanding of Ukrainian civil society is considered an advantage. The candidate should have strong analytical and organizational skills, with experience in using Excel for data management. Additionally, the candidate should demonstrate the ability to support partners, particularly in organizational development and capacity building. A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in a humanitarian or development agency, or within Ukrainian civil society or local academia, is required. Proficiency in both written and verbal English and Ukrainian is mandatory, along with the ability to work independently and manage confidential information with discretion.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Management of Non-Profit Organizations, International Development, or a related discipline. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of partnership management and the operational requirements of working within a humanitarian context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in either a humanitarian or development agency, or within the context of Ukrainian civil society or local academia. This experience should include working with partners and understanding the dynamics of partnership management, as well as familiarity with the challenges faced by organizations operating in crisis-affected areas.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and Ukrainian is required for this position. Good working skills in English, both written and verbal, are essential for effective communication with international partners and stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to internal candidates only, who have the legal right to work in Ukraine. The organization is unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships for this role. The Partnership Officer will be based in Chernihiv, and the role may involve travel to partner locations as required. NRC emphasizes a supportive culture and open dialogue with management, fostering professional growth and innovative teamwork. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and expects all employees to adhere to safeguarding principles, treating everyone with respect and dignity, and contributing to a safe working environment.