Job Description

Partner Capacity Building Specialist

This role is central to DRC’s localization strategy that aims to increase access to humanitarian funding for minority rights groups and ensure a more representative and inclusive humanitarian response.

The Partner Capacity Building Specialist is responsible for the implementation of the grants compliance and fundraising aspects of the capacity building project with the overall goal of supporting local NGOs to apply for institutional funding, meet donor compliance requirements, manage grants, and increase funding opportunities. This will be done by supporting capacity-building needs assessments, developing and carrying out formal training, on-the-job training, and mentorship to the staff of local NGO partners. This is not a traditional grant management role: instead, it has the aim of working with national organizations to apply for and manage their own funding streams without them acting as implementing partners for DRC.

The post holder must be dedicated to supporting national organizations to strengthen grants management and fundraising and passionate about capacity building. The position will be based in Galkayo with significant field travel.

Responsibilities:

Partnership Management

• Develop in-depth capacity-building assessment as it relates to funding access and improving access to funding streams with the overall goal of supporting national NGOs to manage existing grants and increase funding opportunities.
• Develop capacity building plans focused on key areas such as strategic communications, advocacy techniques, coalition/consortium building, fundraising, proposal development, among others.
• Formalize and develop project-related operational tools and training modules.
• Strengthen project management in terms of high-quality and timely deliverables, narrative reporting and financial overviews, close cooperation with donors, Government counterparts, and coordination mechanisms.
• Manage positive and productive relations with selected NGOs across the country.
• Ensure robust risk management procedures are in place.
• Review and redesign beneficiary selection processes for food and non-food assistance to minimize the influence of ‘gatekeepers.’

Training and Development Strategy

• Develop training plans based on capacity building needs assessment and consultations with DRC staff, local NGO staff, local authorities, and Clusters.
• Develop relevant and high-quality training materials including presentations, practical activities, guidelines, support resources, pre and post-tests etc. that are tailored to the specific needs and levels of expertise of the staff from participating local organisations.
• Carry out all Grants and funding-related training and on-the-job mentorship as part of the broader capacity-building program.
• Facilitate networking opportunities, knowledge sharing, and collaborative initiatives among existing local partner organisations.

Accountability and Reporting

• Strengthen partner capacity to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations of respective donor agreements.
• Support the partners to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations of DRC’s GFFO and DANIDA sub-grant agreements.
• Engage minority rights organizations to identify and address barriers for minority and marginalized groups to access and use complaints and feedback mechanisms.

• Guided by the DRC Programme Handbook, continuously monitor and develop relevant accountability initiatives within the project as well as strengthening the effort to document the impact and lessons learned of activities.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external reporting requirements including procurement.
• Provide input for monthly, quarterly, and annual donor reports.

People Management

• Facilitate other DRC sector specialists and Cluster Leads to build the capacity of partner staff, including coaching, coordination, recruitment, and capacity development.
• Provide on-the-job training as much as required and adapt training/coaching to specific staff needs, including supporting internal capacity-building activities.

Experiences and Qualifications

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

Qualifications and Experience

• Technical expertise in humanitarian funding application/Fundraising, including basic compliance requirements, donor specificities, project cycle management, proposal development and proposal writing, and reporting.

• Advanced degree in political science, international development, economics, or another relevant field. Bachelor’s degree with a combination of experience may be considered.
• At least 2 years’ experience in a proposal development role in humanitarian contexts
• At least 2 years of experience dealing with national partners and local/government authorities in challenging contexts.
• Good knowledge of relevant donor compliance regulations
• Professional background in working in contexts with internally displaced persons and/or refugees.
• Experience working in multicultural work settings.
• Willingness to embrace and further develop overall objectives such as gender equity, impact monitoring, and cross-sector cooperation.

Conditions

Contract: 12 months with the possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and other conditions are offered by DRC’s Terms of Employment for National Staff; Employment band Non-Management G

Availability:       1st June 2024

Direct Manager:  Business Development and Grants Management Unit Manager

Duty station:   This position is based in Galkayo with travel to other locations across Somalia

Providing equal opportunities, we are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

Promoting high standards: DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP, and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct about DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. DRC conducts thorough background checks as part of the recruitment process

Skills Required

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