Partnership Management Specialist

The Partnership Management Specialist supports the strategic growth and management of Plan International’s portfolio of partners in Malawi. The role focuses on building and maintaining strong relationships with organisations, supporting partnership development, and contributing to the successful delivery of partnership initiatives that advance Plan’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate and support the implementation of the Country Strategy’s partnership priorities including stakeholder analysis and collaboration approaches
• Lead development of the Partnership Strategy to deliver country strategy ambitions
• Promote and apply Building Better Partnership principles and standards
• Manage the country-level Partnership Management Committee and escalate issues as appropriate
• Promote Plan’s vision, values, procedures and code of conduct to partners
• Facilitate systematic partner feedback and response processes
• Collaborate to identify potential partnerships with local and national organisations, including women-led and youth organisations
• Co-facilitate partner mapping and selection processes
• Ensure due diligence assessments and risk management for partners and sub-grantees
• Contribute to project and proposal design and Go/No Go decisions consistent with partnership strategy
• Prepare, review, and amend sub-contract documents and partnership agreements
• Coordinate with finance for timely funds transfers and financial follow-up with partners
• Recommend and implement process improvements for sub-contracting and partnership management
• Act as focal point for partners on teaming, grant, partnership, and contract management matters
• Engage with project teams and partners to resolve contractual, compliance, and implementation issues
• Liaise on MoU or contract terms to ensure clarity of roles and deliverables
• Participate in partner monitoring visits and review meetings
• Organise and conduct annual review meetings with partners
• Support partner communications during proposal development
• Co-lead review of partner performance and partnership successes, challenges and lessons learned
• Contribute to knowledge management initiatives and dissemination of partnership approaches
• Stay updated on partnership management policies and support rollout in-country
• Maintain accurate partnership records on Malawi Team Site
• Propose improvements and communicate feedback on partnership processes
• Collaborate with MERL team on measurement of partnership initiatives
• Train country office and partner staff on partnership processes
• Facilitate development and delivery of partner organisational support plans
• Understand partner capacity strengthening priorities and provide support
• Integrate technical capacity sharing approaches with technical leads
• Monitor and analyse Plan's performance as a partner and recommend adjustments
• Organise training and information sessions on partnership management requirements
• Ensure embedding of Plan International’s safeguarding policies and code of conduct
• Monitor internal and external environment affecting programme planning and implementation
• Demonstrate flexibility and strategic thinking in influencing government officials for programme support

Requirements

• A master’s degree in international development, social sciences, project management, organisational development or related field
• 5 years of relevant project and/or grant management experience within development or humanitarian sectors
• Specialized knowledge of international development policies, international affairs, fundraising and corporate social responsibility are desirable
• Demonstrable experience working with national and international partners, including NGOs, government actors, and private sector entities
• Experience in staff training, coaching, and mentoring
• Experience in civil society strengthening and engagement
• Knowledge of rights-based approaches
• Sound conceptual and strategic thinking
• Demonstrated organisational skill
• Flexibility and ability to multi-task under pressure
• Negotiation at different levels and effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with colleagues with diverse experiences
• Prior knowledge of donor and understanding of compliance requirements in the context of partnership
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including presentation and public speaking
• Knowledge and practical experience of engaging and partnering with youth movements, youth organising and influencing
• Ability to work well in frequently changing contexts
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Leadership analysis/coaching skills
• Strong team building and motivational skills

Skills

• Project Management
• Grant Management
• International Development Policies
• Fundraising
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Partnership Development
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Staff Training
• Coaching
• Mentorship
• Civil Society Engagement
• Rights-Based Approaches
• Strategic Thinking
• Organizational Skills
• Negotiation
• Donor Compliance
• Written Communication
• Oral Communication
• Presentation Skills
• Youth Engagement
• Analytical Skills
• Problem Solving
• Leadership Coaching
• Team Building

Languages

English