Programme Officer (Partnership)

Contract

This is a DRC - National contract. More about DRC - National contracts.

The overall purpose of the role:

Under the supervision of the North Area Manager, the Partnership Officer contributes to the development of potential partnership opportunities with civil society organizations (CSOs) and the implementation of projects strengthening the systems of CSOs that support internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable populations in Ukraine through the development and facilitation of training, assessment of CSO needs, field visits and close collaboration with context-relevant stakeholders. The Partnership Officer conducts due diligence contracts, updates partnership indicators, and ensures partner compliance with DRC standards and policies.The Partnership Officer acts as a focal point for partner CSOs and develops and maintains good relations with relevant stakeholders and other humanitarian actors to support adequate implementation and coordination of project activities.

The role will be based in Chernihiv but support DRC’s work across the area, including in Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kyiv oblasts. Travel is anticipated 40% of the time, with frequent trips to the DRC offices in Sumy and Kyiv.

Responsibilities:

Partnership Development (Due Diligence, Vetting and Contracting)

• Support in identifying potential partnership opportunities and mapping of active organizations in the area of operations
• Support and lead the partnership selection process at the area level through preliminary meetings with partners, supporting DRC’s comprehensive partnership due diligence, and supporting partners to submit the needed documentation for partnerships
• Update partnership indicators in cooperation with relevant program units
• Work with Support Service departments to support local partners to implement processes and policies that ensure alignment with DRC standards; refer partners in need of intensive support (including development of policies) to DRC’s capacity-building team
• Support evaluation of DRC and partner performance to identify long-term partners for DRC activities
• Provide ongoing oversight of partner adherence to contract and operational compliance in coordination with program and support teams
• Immediately flag roadblocks in the partnership process to the Partnership Manager

Programming and Operations

• Through due diligence and or capacity assessment, participate in identifying needs and gaps of CSOs supported. Under the leadership of the Capital Partnership team, participate to the development of a capacity development plan relevant to CSOs needs.
• Follow up at area level on respective activities such as training, mentorships, knowledge and experience exchange events for CSOs, etc. When required, assist in designing and delivering high-quality capacity-building activities to address the identified needs of CSOs
• In coordination with the Area Sector Managers/Team Leaders, follow up with DRC partners on project implementation as per the agreed workplan and proposal
• Work closely with Area Support teams to support the partners in the monitoring of their financial commitments’ expenditures against budgets and procurements, as per DRC standards
• Work closely with the Partners Program teams to ensure collecting and reviewing means of verifications for project implementation are managed according to DRC Standards

Accountability and Reporting

• Ensure partners’ compliance with internal and external reporting requirements
• Alert the country office partnership team if non-compliance or potential risks are detected
• In coordination with DRC MEAL department, follow up on partners' oversight for quality insurance at the area level
• Perform monitoring and field visits to locations where partners are implementing activities within the area

• Produce project documentation in English and Ukrainian, including, but not limited meeting minutes, concept notes, proposals, budgets (to donors), and a variety of (internal and external) reports and publications

• Provide inputs for monthly, quarterly, and annual donor reports, if required, concerning the partnership’s results, challenges, and achievements

Representation

• Act as (area) focal point for CSO partners

About you:

• Minimum two years of practical experience in working with local CSOs
• Minimum one-year professional experience in working at/with IDP-oriented CSOs or government agencies, a plus
• Experience working with a humanitarian organization or NGO a plus
• Knowledge of capacity-building practices; awareness of standard approaches to strengthening organizational frameworks; demonstrated interest in institutional development practices
• Finance background and procurement knowledge is an asset
• Good writing, reporting, and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills
• Calm and diplomatic nature
• Excellent skills in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Zoom

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct with DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment

Education:

• Relevant university degree (e.g., political science, international affairs, social sciences, economics, finance, accounting, etc.) or equivalent professional qualification.

Languages:

• Proficiency in English
• Fluency in Ukrainian

Additional information:

• Contract length: Open-ended. Preliminary 3-month probation period
• Start date: As soon as possible
• Closing date for applications: 20/11/2023. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
• Type of contract: Full-time. Based in the Chernihiv office.

Salary and Conditions: Under the Conditions of Employment of National Staff of the Danish Refugee Council. Health insurance and life insurance

Application process: All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages in English)

Applications sent by email will not be considered.