Partnership Specialist ( Internals Only)
Lead strategic donor engagement and innovative fundraising initiatives.
Overview
Lead strategic donor engagement and innovative fundraising initiatives.
You have:
- High qualification and relevant experience in partnership management.
- Strong technical writing and proposal development skills.
- Ability to engage with donors and stakeholders effectively.
- Knowledge of project cycle management principles.
- Commitment to safeguarding and protection principles.
- Experience in capacity building and training.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee.
Join us in assisting millions of people in areas where others cannot, tackling some of the world's most dangerous and difficult crises. Bring your skills and dedication to an organisation recognised for providing high quality aid and for defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced people.
At NRC, we give responsibility to employees at all levels and foster professional growth and innovative teams. You can expect a supportive culture and an open dialogue with management. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Together, we save lives and rebuild futures.
Safeguarding is central to NRC’s work. We expect all employees to:
• treat everyone with respect and dignity
• contribute to building a safe environment for all
• never engage in any form of exploitation, harassment and specifically sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH)
• always report. NRC has a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against exploitation, abuse and SEAH
An exciting opportunity to head up the Partnership Specialist role for a leading international NGO working in Kyiv, Ukraine.
What we are looking for
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is seeking a highly qualified, resilient and dynamic Partnership Specialist Kyiv, Ukraine
More About the Role
Ukraine Response. NRC has worked in Ukraine since 2014 and dramatically expanded after the 2022 full-scale invasion. With country teams in Kyiv, area offices across the east and south, and a regional hub in Warsaw, we are one of the largest INGOs in the response. Our programmes span cash, shelter, protection, education, legal aid and livelihoods, reaching internally displaced people, returnees and hard-to-reach communities. Delivery is increasingly digital and rooted in partnerships with partnerships with over 20 local actors to ensure a long-term impact.
Moldova Response. NRC opened in Moldova in March 2022 to support refugees and host communities. Working through 12 civil-society partners—and in close coordination with national and local authorities—we provide livelihoods and food-security support, legal counselling, education, and shelter & settlements assistance. Strengthening local capacity and championing locally led solutions are at the centre of our strategy.
What you will do
The Partnership Specialist provides technical leadership for NRC’s partnership approach in Ukraine, embedding principled localisation within country strategies, programmes, and internal systems. The role ensures quality across partnership processes, capacity development of NRC staff and local partners, and harmonisation of tools and workflows.
In addition, the Partnership Specialist leads the Ukraine Response Partnership Community of Practice with Ukraine CO and Moldova CO, fostering cross-country learning and innovation, supporting joint localisation and capacity development initiatives, and contributing to NRC’s broader regional and global partnership efforts.
Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the position.
What you will bring
- Strategy Leadership and Integration
Operationalise and periodically revise Ukraine partnership strategy with Programme Unit, Country Management Group and Area Offices.
Embed localisation commitments in Ukraine country strategy documents, area plans and programme design.
- 2.Partner Project Cycle Support
Provide partnership helpdesk function for partner identification, organisational assessment, proposal drafting and review, contract negotiation, implementation, monitoring and closure.
Guide teams on integrating quality-assurance and compliance mechanisms into partner-led activities and on running structured partner-project reviews and learning processes.
- Partnership Systems and Tools Harmonisation
Design, refine and rollout of user-friendly partnership SOPs, tools, templates, and workflows that align with NRC policy, Project Cycle Management, grants, support systems and donor rules that allow flexibility.
Ensure coherent partnership management by facilitating coordination between Area Offices—especially for multi-area partners—and clarifying roles and responsibilities across teams and support functions.
What we offer
Duty station: Kyiv, Ukraine .
Contract: International, 1 year with the possibility of extension, subject to funding
Travel: 50%.
Salary/benefits: Grade 9 on NRC’s international/ national salary scale for Ukraine
NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.
We think outside the box, encourage ideas, and give responsibility to all employees at all levels.
You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.
Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC
Important information about the application process
"To apply as an internal candidate, log in with your official email or click on Opportunity MarketPlace"
When creating your profile, include your full name as given on your passport. Complete all the system-required fields for experience, employment history and education.
Submit your application and CV in English, taking care to attach your latest CV.
Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered. Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We receive many applicants for each vacant position.
If you have any questions about this role, please email ho.recruitment@nrc.no with the job title as the subject line.
Why NRC?
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization helping people forced to flee. Our 15,000 staff work in crises across 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year.
This role is open to all nationals.
Watch this short video to see NRC in action.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you successfully engaged a donor or stakeholder in a partnership? | This question assesses your experience in building relationships and trust with donors. | Provide a specific example, highlighting your approach and the outcomes achieved. |
| What strategies have you used to ensure compliance with donor guidelines in project management? | This question examines your understanding of compliance and adherence to policies. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you incorporate lessons learned from partnerships into future project designs? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your experience with writing successful funding proposals. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you prioritize and manage multiple partnerships simultaneously? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you discuss a challenging partnership you managed and how you resolved the issues? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What methodologies do you use for monitoring and evaluating partnerships? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure that all partners are aligned with the strategic objectives of the organization? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |