ROLE PURPOSE: 

Save the Children offices in Darfur have a diverse range of partners:  National NGOs, CBOs,  and educational institutions, government line agencies and also private organizations. Given the diversity of partners, the complexity of the working environment it is important for a day-to-day coordination, liaising and support of the partners.  

The role Save the Children in Darfur would like to play is to make partnership work rather than only focusing on capacity building. This include enhancing quality of relationship with its partners through frequent interactions and supporting in formulating partnership agreements and also supporting partners in their organization capacity acceleration  so that they are more sustainable, take ownership and develop strong civil society to promote child rights and accountability. The position holder will carry out these responsibilities being in line with Save the Children’s vision, global partnership engagement framework, country strategic plan, and principle of Child Right Programming.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Reports to: Darfur Director (Programme and Operation) 

Liaising with: Head of Implementation in Central, West and South Darfur, Head of Implementation in North Darfur, Partnership Manager, Partnership Accountant, MEAL Manager for Darfur, and Technical Heads of Sectors (health, nutrition, children protection, education, FLS, shelter etc.) 

Dimensions:

The position holder will be working closely with respective departments/groups and Head of implementation to strengthen the approach of partnership and enhance their capabilities of selected NGO partners working with Save the Children in both development and humanitarian preparedness and response. 

S/he will be responsible to execute partnership strategy of the organization following Save the Children’s Theory of Change in conjunction with partnership manager. The responsibilities involve support the development of  Darfur partnership strategic way forward including contribution to proposal development , work closely with already established partners ; develop a partner engagements and identify ways to support partners through Organisation Capacity Development (OCD); work with selected NGO partners to identify models that will enhance partner’s capacity to play the role of strong and independent actor for child rights. S/he will be spending 75% of the time with partners and in field visits. The role holder also will ensure active agreements deliver commitments timely in close coordination with technical teams. 

The specific objectives include:

1. Support the development/update/revise of Partnership Agreements  for Save the Children in Darfur, and its partners to build and maintain effective and mutually benefiting partnerships across the states and localities where partners deliver services. 
2. Work closely with operation and program development team in accelerating SCI partnerships strategy in compliance with partnerships organization RACI matrix.
3. Support Darfur Director in partnership scoping and selection process: screening potential partners for preparation of MOU
4. Build comprehensive database of existing partners across Darfur,  and follow up for potential partners and expression of interest.
5. Ensure all policy and procedures adhere to SCI compliances, while delivering day to day engagement and implementation with/through partners
6. Support SCI safer partnership agenda by accelerating signing of policy agreements, guidelines in line to safeguarding
7. Roll out Core Operational Safeguarding Assessment (COSA).
8. Share the schedule of partners report in Darfur, on monthly basis and ensure partners submit reports (both narrative and financial) timely. 

Key areas of work:

1. Roll out organizational systems and tools for partnership management, ensuring Save the Children in Great Darfur has systematic approaches to choosing partners, monitoring partners work, and tracking partners agreement, commitments, and ensuring regular (min. monthly) and consistent partnership engagement with Save the Children in Great Darfur
2. Mapping and assessment of the current partners operating in Great Darfur, SCI operation locations and identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The mapping and assessment should cover the whole spectrum of programming including Advocacy. It should also cover assessments and reviews made by other NGOs. 
3. Roll out partnership accountability system established in Save the Children that includes  regularly seeks feedback from partners on its deliverables against the Partnership Agreements, and commitments with Save the Children. Organize joined visit with technical team and partners to review achievements, learning and way forward. 
4. Review reports submitted from partners, and ensure they follow documentation, requirement stated in the PA, and coordinate and communicate with technical teams to ensure compliances.
5. Prepare annual progress report to the core group to update on the progress and challenges faced and take further action based on the inputs.
6. Engage regularly with partners to deliver timely reports agreed in the Partnership Agreement, and flag delays to Darfur Director and the Partnership Manager and head of departments for immediate action.
7. Participate in field staff meetings and other relevant program forums to share update on partners performance/Agreement/grant, flag challenges and seek support in addressing them timely.
8. Working closely with Programme Teams and Awards Team, Finance Team to support analysis of the performance of the current partners and recommend capacity building plan if needed, based on monitoring of the work of the partner. And coordinate in the selection of potential partners including compliance and due diligent procedures. 
9. Ensure application of  Save the Children and relevant member policies while rolling out of work with partners in Darfur, in leadership of the Darfur Director 

SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS (Our Values in Practice)

Accountability:

• Holds self accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values
• Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities - giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved

Ambition:

• Sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves (and their team), takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages others to do the same
• Widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others
• Future orientated, thinks strategically.

Collaboration:

• Builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, members and external partners and supporters
• Values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength
• Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to

Creativity:

• Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions
• Willing to take disciplined risks

Integrity:

• Honest, encourages openness and transparency

ESSENTIALS:

• Degree in Management, Development Studies or related Social Science 
• At least 2- 5 years of working experience in partnership, based program management in NGO context, preferable in Darfur context
• Outstanding partnership management and coordination skill and knowledge
• Knowledge about core elements of approaches to working in partnerships and localization agenda 
• Strong understanding of project management and effective delivery of project/program
• Strategic vision, analytical, innovative and creative problem-solving skills.
• Financial/budget management skill in relation to budget review and tracking expenses 
• Significant experience of working in the international development organization with knowledge of child- and human-rights frameworks, including rights-based programming.
• Proven track record in, negotiation, conflict handling, and networking
• Familiarity with humanitarian assistance and long term development work in order to communicate effectively with partners.
• Proven experience of managing relationships in complex, insecure geographic locations, and adaptation of partnership programming. 
• English language fluency, both spoken and written.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently.
• Strong commitment to teamwork and understanding of how to contribute to this 

DESIREABLES

• Knowledge of grassroots civil society engagement in the current Darfur context 
• Knowledge about international donor-compliance regulations, especially for SHF, EC, ECHO, including localization approach etc.

Health and Safety

The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with SCI Health and Safety policies and procedures.

Child Safeguarding:

Level 4 - the responsibilities of the post may require the post holder to have occasional contact with or access to children or young people.

Equal Opportunities 

The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the SCI Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies and procedures.