RDPP Partnership and Localisation Specialist (national or expat position)

1. Introduction and Background:

The Regional Development and Protection Programme (RDPP) is a European initiative with the objective to support Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq to better understand and mitigate the impact of forced displacement of Syrian refugees. The RDPP aims at supporting displacement affected communities to access their rights, be safe, and participate in development through evidence-based, innovative, locally founded interventions and, once possibilities arise, be supported to avail themselves of a durable solution. The programme focusses in the areas of livelihoods, protection, research, advocacy and policy dialogue, and the programme works in partnership with government institutions, civil society, NGOs, and UN agencies. 

The RDPP is supported by a platform of donors: the Czech Republic, Denmark, European Commission, France, Ireland and Switzerland. Denmark manages the programme through the Programme Management Unit with offices in Beirut and Amman. A second phase of the programme was launched in October, which will have an increased focus on localisation of aid.

The employer will be Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.

1. The position

1. 1. Title:  Partnership and Localisation Specialist
   2. Place of Service: Beirut, Lebanon with frequent travels to Jordan and Northern Iraq
   3. Duration: For the duration of 2 years, with the possibility to extend. The programme is funded till end of 2021
   4. Reporting to Programme Manager in Beirut
   5. Terms of employment: Full time

1. Area of responsibility / tasks

S/He will be part of a lean management team under the supervision of the Programme Manager based in Beirut, and working closely with the two Project Managers based in Beirut and Amman, and other team members.

The Partnership and Localisation Specialist will engage in dialogue with national and international partners with the aim to support the development and operationalization of their capacity development strategy. The Specialist will further facilitate networking and exchange between partners across the thematic areas and countries. He/She will follow the discourse on localisation in the three countries and provide relevant analysis and inputs as required to support the localisation focus of the RDPP. The Specialist will also provide coaching or facilitate trainings for partners as required.

The post requires frequent work travel to Jordan and Northern Iraq.

The main areas of responsibility and tasks will be:

1. SUPPORTING CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT OF PARTNERS

• In the process of project development and throughout implementation, engage with relevant levels of partner organisations and lead discussion on strategic organisational direction
• Together with partners lead development of partner capacity development strategy and plan
• Engage in regular dialogue to follow-up on planning, support and advice of capacity development component
• To work at all times to build a close, two way working relationship, where partners are respected, listened to and supported and to create a open channel to discuss problems and constraints as they arise
• Support partners to identify specific needs for support as related to implementation and management of the contract
• Develop and lead trainings for partners as required, together with RDPP team members and external support, if relevant.
• Provide coaching and mentoring support, if relevant

1. LOCALIZATION

• Stay abreast of global/regional commitments and programme initiatives in support of the localisation agenda, donor commitments to localisation, and relevant coordination efforts in the three countries
• Lead the operationalisation of the commitment to the localisation agenda of the RDPP
• Continuously work on capturing learning from the engagements with national and local partners to inform programming and advocacy
• Provide ad hoc analysis, research and information  as requested, including for communications products
• Support the Communication and Reporting Specialist in the work with national partners on their communication, including communication with communities, with a view to also strengthen their advocacy role and voice

1. PARTNERSHIPS

• Lead mapping exercises to identify potential partners across the sectors and countries
• Lead partnership capacity assessments in coordination with Operations Manager and other staff
• Lead analysis and information needed related to calls for proposals
• Assist and/or help lead independent and external studies, research and evaluations
• Facilitate networking and exchange between partner in the three thematic areas and across the three countries, including arranging events
• Conduct support meetings with partner focal points as required, contribute to partnership opening and closing meetings
• Any other duties as requested.

1. Profile / required qualifications

The ideal candidate will be strongly motivated with initiative and willingness to contribute to an innovative programme as the RDPP. S/he will have significant experience in developing and managing partnerships for a donor/UN/NGO. S/he will have experience developing organisational capacity development strategies for national actors, providing mentoring and training support. Knowledge of the region and EU donor requirements is preferred.

Academic requirements

• University degree in social sciences, development studies, organisational development or other related discipline. A post-graduate qualification will be positively considered.

Work experience required

• Minimum 7-10 years of relevant international experience humanitarian or development work with partners, preferably in an international NGO/operational UN agency/equivalent
• Extensive experience in partner capacity development role at senior level
• Proven experience of  working with national and local structures and partners will be an asset
• Knowledge and experience in forced displacement-related programmes and experience working in the region will be an asset.

Languages

• Fluency in English (written and spoken)
• Preference for candidates with knowledge of spoken and/or written Arabic

 Skills and competences

• Demonstrable understanding of the localisation agenda agreed at the World Humanitarian Summit
• Strong group facilitation and leadership skills
• Initiative and motivation to work independently and develop solutions to problems. Highly flexible in style with the ability to produce creative and pragmatic solutions to complex problems
• Excellent communicator with strong written and reporting skills, and an excellent ability to influence verbally to persuade with diplomacy and tact
• Highly skilled in networking, negotiation and representational skills
• Advocacy experience within the NGO sector
• Be a team player with willingness to work in a regional position with frequent travels and colleagues across several project offices.
• Strong planning and organizational capabilities and good analytical skills

Please note that the final appointment is conditional upon obtaining the required security clearance.