Partnership Operations Advisor

The Partnership Operations Advisor will support DRC's global localization and partnership ambitions by leading the development and adaptation of partnership modalities, operational guidance, and policy frameworks. The role involves advising HQ units and country operations, supporting emergency response partnerships, and promoting equitable partnerships aligned with DRC's 2030 vision.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and adaptation of partnership modalities, including procedures, workflows and partnership management guidance for partnerships with local and diaspora private sector actors, local authorities and informal/unregistered partners (e.g. mutual aid groups).
• Oversee integration of partnership management procedures and guidance into complementary policy frameworks.
• Support and advice on identification, screening and management of partnerships in support of emergency response and durable solutions outcomes.
• Coordinate closely with internal stakeholders across departments.
• Provide training, roll-out and technical support to country offices on the use of procedures and guidance.
• Facilitate learning from implemented partnerships and ensure continuous review and adaptation of procedures.
• Contribute to internal working groups, development processes and external engagement within areas of responsibility.
• Support the operationalization of DRC’s risk‑sharing approach to partnerships.
• Act as a cross-departmental focal point to align partnership modalities with organizational priorities, including DRC’s 2030 vision and broader change agenda.
• Promote mutual accountability and equitable partnerships by clarifying roles, expectations, and engagement models.

Requirements

• University degree in a relevant field.
• Experience in engaging a diverse range of local and national actors including civil society, local authorities, informal community groups, diaspora networks, and private sector actors.
• Strong understanding of the localization agenda within the aid sector.
• Strong ability to form collaborative working relationships across diverse global teams.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to translate complex concepts into accessible language for diverse audiences.
• Experience developing policy, procedures or operational guidance.
• Experience managing local partnerships under institutional donor grants (e.g. ECHO/EU, UN, state donors).
• Problem-solving abilities and a flexible, adaptive work style.
• Fluency in English with excellent writing skills.
• Desirable: Experience in facilitation and training.
• Desirable: Experience in supporting organizational and workflow change processes.
• Desirable: Demonstrable experience with vetting and due diligence procedures for partnerships with local private sector and other actors.
• Desirable: Languages of French and/or Arabic.

Skills

• Local Partnership Management
• Multi-Donor Grant Management
• Localization Agenda
• Policy Development
• Operational Guidance
• Partnership Due Diligence
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Intercultural Collaboration
• Communication for Diverse Audiences
• Facilitation
• Training Delivery
• Organizational Change Support
• Workflow Change Management
• Emergency Response Partnerships
• Writing Skills
• Vetting Procedures

Languages

English, French, Arabic