Partnership & Localisation Advisor

Description

Trócaire works in partnership with local and church organisations, supporting communities in over 20 developing countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East to bring about lasting change. Trócaire envisages a just and peaceful world where; people’s dignity is ensured and rights are respected; basic needs are met and resources are shared equitably; people have control over their own lives; those in power act for the common good.

The role of the Partnership & Localisation Advisor (PLA) will form part of Trócaire’s Global Hub on Partnership & Localisation. The role will provide strategic and technical supports on localisation and partnership and lead in the operationalisation of the Hub’s strategies. The PLA will help deliver Trócaire’s Partnership & Localisation Strategy (2021-2025), with a primary focus on Outcome 1 (voice & influence) and while also leading advocacy elements of Outcome 4 (funding & resources). The role is based in Kenya and has a mandate to support Trócaire’s country programmes around the world.

For the candidate with the required experience and passion for the role, Trócaire offers a competitive package of salary and benefits.

Reporting to the Global Director – Partnership & Localisation, this is a fixed contract for 2 years and is based in Nairobi. This is a nationally-contracted position, and applicants must have authorization to work in Kenya.

Safeguarding Programme Participants-Children & Adults: Trócaire is committed to Safeguarding people within our programmes from Exploitation and Abuse and has specific policies on this commitment (including a Global Code of Conduct) which outlines the expected behaviour and responsibility of all staff, consultants and other organisational representatives. Any candidate offered a job with Trócaire will be expected to sign Trócaire’s Safeguarding Policies and Global Code of Conduct as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents.

Timeline for submission of applications: 22nd July 2022

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Technical Support on Localisation & Partnership

• Provide technical support and guidance to Trócaire staff, particularly Country Programmes, and partners on issues relating to partners’ voice and influence in the development and humanitarian sector and advocacy to increase their access to funding and resources.
• Lead the roll out of Outcome 1 (voice and influence) of Trócaire’s Partnership & Localisation Strategy, as well as advocacy aspects of Outcome 4 (funding and resources).
• Support country offices in the design and implementation of initiatives/ projects that fall under Trócaire’s localisation framework.
• Support the development of high-quality learning pieces relating to Outcomes 1 and 4, in collaboration with Country Programmes.
• Identify opportunities to share learning by partners and Trócaire at relevant forums (e.g. Charter for Change, webinars, development journals, etc.).
• Design and implement mechanisms that promote greater participation of partners in coordination and decision-making spaces, as well as partner visibility with donors and external stakeholders.
• Develop organisational learning resources relating to Outcomes 1 and 4 and support their roll out.

Management of Localisation Initiatives and Projects

• Effectively and efficiently manage a portfolio of localisation initiatives/projects through all phases of project cycle management.
• Support the review of all outputs from localisation initiatives/projects, ensuring quality control.
• Ensure all initiatives/projects comply with donor requirements and Trócaire’s policies.
• Track the expenditure of initiatives and projects and work with Country Programmes to ensure timely expenditure of donor funds.
• Support Country Programmes to develop timely reports for their localisation projects/initiatives.
• Work with Country Programmes to monitor and evaluate projects and initiatives.
• Support/develop baselines and reports for Trócaire’s localisation efforts.
• Compile reports for all localisation efforts globally and develop annual and donor reports on Trócaire’s work on localisation and partnership.
• Oversee the development of high-quality case studies for pilot initiatives/projects.
• Ensure that all project documentation is filed using Trócaire’s online systems.

Advocacy and Networking

• In close collaboration with the Global Director – Partnership & Localisation, represent Trócaire at localisation and partnership coordination meetings and spaces at national, regional and global level.
• Engage in strategic networking and build relationships with key stakeholders in the localisation space in Kenya and globally.
• Influence policies and practices that promote localisation, including through stakeholder meetings and advocacy briefs.
• Provide support to Country Programmes on country-level advocacy efforts relating to localisation.
• In collaboration with Country Programmes, support local partners/civil society (particularly women-centred organisations) to participate in, influence and lead key coordination and decision-making spaces.
• Provide technical guidance and support to the Kenya Charter 4 Change Working Group and the global Charter 4 Change Secretariat; support similar groups in the countries where Trócaire works.
• Identify opportunities for Country Programmes and partners to profile their work and link into regional networks/forums.
• Support evidence-based learning on partner-led granting and other funding models that shift greater power to local partners.
• Lead on advocacy and practical initiatives across countries and globally to support partners’ efforts to access direct funding from donors.
• Lead on organisational and country-level reporting to key localisation mechanisms, including the Charter 4 Change.

Other

• In close collaboration with the Global Partnership Director, represent Trócaire in strategic spaces or conversations on partnership & localisation.
• Any other reasonable and relevant area of work, depending on the emerging needs of the Hub

Requirements

Behavioural Competencies in Line with Trócaire’s Competency Framework:

• Leading: Reflecting our values of Participation & Accountability, acts to inspire and lead others to achieve their potential, demonstrating Trócaire’s values with integrity in order to achieve our organisation’s objectives.
• Communicating: Reflecting our value of Participation, being one organisation, communicating clearly and transparently across, teams, units, divisions, locations and other external organisations. Getting our message across with impact.
• Collaborating: Reflecting our values of Participation & Solidarity, partnering effectively as One Trócaire organisation and, in solidarity, maintains positive relationships built on trust and respect.
• Stewardship of Resources: Reflecting our value of Accountability and decision-making around the best use of resources. Using our resources transparently, sustainably, ethically, fairly & with integrity; acknowledging Trócaire’s reputation in the use of resources.
• Delivering Results: Reflecting our values of Accountability & Perseverance, getting a quality job done through effective performance, planning and decision making.
• Continual Improvement & Learning: Reflecting our values of Participation & Courage, constantly looking to learn and develop self, employees, and partners to better fulfil Trócaire’s’ mission.
• Flexibility & Change: Reflecting our values of Participation & Courage, adapts positively to change and to different ways of doing things; manages or takes part in change processes in a way that is appropriate to role in the organisation.

Person Specification – Essential Requirements

Qualification:

• Relevant third level degree

Experience:

• At least five years’ experience of working in a partnership-based model with local NGOs, Church and Civil Society organisations.
• International work experience.
• Experience of working in partnership across a diversity of local partners, including small to medium-sized organisations.
• Experience with programme and project cycle management, including MEAL.
• Demonstrated experience of working with local organisations in transformative processes that strengthened their capacities, voice and influence and levels of funding.
• Familiarity with localisation policy instruments (e.g. Grand Bargain) and familiarity with current debates on localisation.
• In-depth understanding of the decision-making and international policy processes in the international humanitarian and development sectors and how these may be influenced.
• Experience in documenting and socialising learning and research in innovative and impactful ways.

Skills:

• Highly organised, with excellent planning, prioritisation, independent working, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong coordination skills, specifically with the ability to effectively coordinate with Country Programmes and partners.
• Demonstrated advocacy skills.
• Ability to transfer skills and knowledge through training, mentorship, and accompaniment.
• Programme cycle management skills.
• MEAL, Results Based Management (RBM), and knowledge management skills.
• Demonstrable capacity and commitment to working in collaborative fashion with colleagues and partners.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills and willingness to engage in public speaking.
• Competent in Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and online systems (Salesforce, Box, Agresso).
• Language skills (Arabic, French, and/or Spanish) are a plus.

Qualities:

• A proven commitment to teamwork.
• An ability to maintain a positive attitude working in an environment where results are difficult to quantify.
• Ability to engage effectively and respectfully with a diverse group of team members and partners from different parts of the world.