Responsibilities: 

• Collaborate with the COP, DCOP, and other senior staff to provide leadership ensuring successful implementation of project activities according to contractual requirements with the donor and host governments.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for USAID regarding partnerships, managing communications and resolving issues across various project initiatives.

• Provide technical and strategic leadership in partnership management, including oversight of budgeting, compliance, reporting, and quality control of deliverables.

• Lead the development and implementation of partnership strategies and capacity-strengthening initiatives for local partners and CSOs.

• Oversee the coordination and management of partnerships to ensure cross-collaboration, synergy, and adherence to timelines.

• Facilitate mentorship, training, and technical assistance for local partners, promoting continuous learning and adaptation.

• Represent the program externally at meetings, conferences, and workshops, serving as an advocate for inclusive partnerships and local capacity development.

• Ensure the technical integrity of partnership activities and the application of best practices, contributing to project reports and documentation for USAID.

• Travel to program locations as necessary, directly supporting and monitoring partnership activities on the ground.

• Act as a liaison with host country governments, USAID offices, missions, and civil society organizations to support program oversight and compliance.

Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in international development, civil society, governance, public policy, social sciences, or a related field is required.

• 8-10 years of senior-level experience managing partnerships and capacity-strengthening projects, preferably in resilience, disaster risk reduction, or governance sectors.

• Demonstrated experience in capacity building and organization strengthening of local organizations which may include areas such as administrative, logistical and financial management, policy and advocacy, leadership development, strategic planning, and network engagement strengthening.

• Experience working or partnering with local institutions in complex/challenging contexts; experience in rapid response mechanisms or crisis modifiers preferred.

• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining partnerships between national, sub-national, and local entities including governments, local organizations, and civil society.

• Previous experience working with USAID-funded activities is preferred.

• Experience working in West Africa or on multi-country projects preferred.

• Proven experience in recruiting, developing, and managing staff and teams across diverse locations.

• Fluency in English and French is required (spoken & written).

• Strong oral and written communication skills; excellent demonstrated inter-cultural, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.

• Demonstrated commitment to PSHEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Harassment, and Abuse).

• Demonstrated commitment to principles of Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion (DEBI).

• Ability to travel within West Africa as required and as security conditions allow.