Overall purpose of the role:

DRC Rakhine is looking for a skilled and experienced Partnership Specialist who will act as the focal point for DRC Partnerships with local organizations in Sittwe and Mrauk U. The Partnership Specialist will assess, plan, coordinate and facilitate capacity development activities for DRC partners. The Partnership Specialist will lead on engagement with partners, supporting Programme teams to identify local organizations as potential partners, guide DRC teams and partner organizations through the administrative processes related to partnership, and work with them on the design, implementation and monitoring of capacity development activities and plans.

The Partnership Specialist will act as focal point for DRC area offices, DRC programmes, support departments and partners in Rakhine.

The Partnership Specialist will be based in Sittwe office with 50% travel to other DRC offices and partner offices.

Main responsibilities

• Coordinate partners’ technical needs assessments and capacity development plans, and coordinate with different DRC Departments for the provision of technical assistance to implementing partners and their staff.
• Participate in and support the Partnership Manager with the capacity assessments of potential partners at the pre-award stage and work with partners to turn these capacity development needs into plans and tangible outcomes.
• Undertake internal capacity assessment to identify areas of development for DRC staff in order to ensure DRC engages in partnerships respectfully, equitably, efficiently and effectively.
• Coordinate internal and external initiatives for partners capacity developments including training, secondment, coaching, shadowing etc.
• Oversee the implementation and follow-up on Capacity development Plans agreed with Implementing Partners and identify further mutual learning opportunities.
• Develop, in consultation with DRC staff and partners, relevant capacity development guidance, SOPs and tools.
• Coordinate the provision of ToT for DRC and partners’ staff in charge of delivering internal and external trainings.
• Draft reports on DRC and partners’ internal and external Partnership activities.
• Monitor and oversee internal and external training and capacity development activities and ensure relevant databases/tracking tools are up to date.
• Identify internal and external opportunities for mutual training activities for partners and support in overseeing the quality of the trainings delivered.

Partners and staff development:

• Lead the work on partners capacity development and planning, jointly with partner staff and DRC focal points.
• Train and coach partners and DRC teams on the use of DRC tools and SOPs, from capacity assessment through to relevant contractual and compliance tools, in addition to leading the capacity development with partners and staff through training, coaching, exchange, shadowing etc.
• Facilitate training and learning activities with DRC staff on partnership culture and processes.
• Work closely with Country Office Partnership team and DRC area-based teams to ensure the systemization of best practices and lessons learnt across DRC teams and partners in different geographical locations.

External coordination and representation

• Participate in relevant coordination meetings and working groups, as required.
• Work closely with other DRC sectors to ensure close collaboration, proper consultation and feedback collection related to partnerships.
• Proactively represent DRC and participate in regular program meetings and in Civil Society coordination platforms and provide updates as appropriate.

Required Experiences and Competencies

• University degree relevant field.
• At least 3 years of experience with international humanitarian programmes in capacity development.
• At least 3 years of experience in working with Civil society organizations and community-based organizations.
• Strong project management skills, including proposal development, budgeting and reporting.
• Commitment to empower Civil Society organizations and promote local ownership and respect to meaningful Partnership principles.
• Commitment to apply in-country, regional and global learning on Partnership practices when managing capacity development with partners.
• Commitment to spend time and efforts to contribute to strengthening partners capacity.
• Solid experience in participatory approaches and facilitation skills, strong interpersonal communication and writing skills.
• Professional fluency in English and Myanmar. A good understanding of any of the local languages will be considered an asset.

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 in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We Offer:

• Starting date of employment: August 2023
• Contract length: Until 31 Dec 2023 includes a probationary period of 3 months. Renewables depend on both funding and performance.
• Salary: Competitive salary according to DRC Myanmar salary scale.

This position is open for Myanmar National only. DRC strongly advocates for equal opportunity and promotes a diversified and inspiring working environment. Therefore, qualified candidates of ethnic minorities and women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application process:

Applicants who meet the above-mentioned requirements should apply by submitting their applications in English (consisting of Cover Letter and CV of no more than 4 pages, including contact details of 3 professional references) and CV only applications will not be considered.

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for a written test in English and an interview.
• After the closing date, applications are not to be considered. Please note that due to the urgency of this position, applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis and DRC reserves the right to initiate the recruitment process before the deadline for applications.