Partnership Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has been operational in Ukraine since 2014, significantly increasing its efforts following the escalation of conflict in February 202

• NRC's mission is to provide humanitarian assistance and support to those affected by crises, focusing on an integrated approach that combines various programming expertise. The organization operates in multiple regions of Ukraine, including Donetska, Kharkivska, Dnipropetrovska, and Zaporizka oblasts, and works closely with local partners to enhance access to vulnerable populations and build local institutional capacity for long-term sustainability. NRC is committed to strengthening its internal systems and developing standard operating procedures for effective partnership management, ensuring that its humanitarian response is both efficient and impactful.

Job Overview:
The Partnership Officer will play a crucial role in supporting and strengthening NRC's partnerships in the eastern regions of Ukraine. This position involves close collaboration with partners and various NRC teams to ensure effective partnership programming. The officer will be responsible for adhering to NRC policies and donor requirements, ensuring compliance with key standards, and supporting partners in their capacity development needs. The role requires a proactive approach to partnership management, including the preparation of quality partner proposals, participation in organizational assessments, and facilitating communication among partners. The Partnership Officer will also oversee financial aspects of partnerships and contribute to the reporting of indicators and data quality, ensuring that NRC's partnership efforts are aligned with its strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Partnership Officer's duties include adherence to NRC policies and guidelines, supporting partners in compliance with standards, identifying capacity development needs, and providing necessary technical support. The officer will assist in the preparation of project proposals, participate in partnership meetings, and maintain documentation related to partnerships. Specific responsibilities include drafting project implementation agreements, organizing Means of Verification, summarizing organizational policies, and facilitating communication between NRC and partners. The officer will also be responsible for maintaining partnership trackers and monitoring information related to active and closed partner projects, ensuring that all documentation is accurate and up-to-date. Additional tasks may be assigned by the Line Manager as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Social Sciences, International Development, Economics, or related fields. A minimum of 2 years of experience working with NGOs or international organizations, particularly in partnerships and civil society strengthening, is required. A good understanding of the Ukrainian civil society landscape is considered an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and discretion with confidential information, as well as proficiency in MS Office 365 applications, particularly Excel, and strong data management skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Social Sciences, International Development, or Economics. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of partnership management and the humanitarian context in which NRC operates.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, preferably within NGOs or international organizations. Experience in partnerships and civil society strengthening is particularly valuable, as is familiarity with the humanitarian response context in Ukraine, especially in the eastern regions. Candidates should have a proven track record of working effectively in partnership settings and managing complex relationships with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken Ukrainian and/or Russian is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with local partners is crucial. Additionally, candidates should possess an advanced level of English language proficiency, both written and verbal, to facilitate communication within the NRC and with international stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to candidates who have the legal right to work in Ukraine, and it is important to note that NRC is unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships. The organization offers an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause and work alongside dedicated professionals in the humanitarian field. Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be screened on a rolling basis, and interviews will be conducted promptly until a suitable candidate is selected. NRC values dedication, innovation, teamwork, and accountability to donors, and seeks individuals who share these values.