CARE seeks a Partnerships Lead for the anticipated USAID-funded Round 05 – West Africa Early Recovery, Risk Reduction, and Resilience (ER4) Activity. This Activity aims to strengthen the abilities of individuals, communities, institutions, and systems in at least two of the three targeted countries, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Togo, to prepare for natural hazards without losing development gains. This goal will be supported by the following purposes: (1) to increase access to and use of multi-hazard early warning systems, particularly at subnational and community levels; (2) to support and enhance DRR structures, including linkages between national and subnational/local structures; and (3) to strengthen and enhance community resilience to predictable disasters.
The Partnerships Lead will manage and guide CARE’s local partnership and stakeholder engagement strategies, ensuring they align with broader development objectives and comply with donor requirements. The Partnerships Lead will serve as the primary contact for USAID on matters of partnership collaboration, fostering cooperation with local and national stakeholders, civil society organizations (CSOs), and implementing partners. This role involves leading the design and execution of partnership strategies, overseeing capacity-strengthening initiatives, and ensuring the technical quality of partnership interventions. The Partnerships Lead will also promote the inclusion of marginalized groups in decision-making processes and resilience-building efforts.
This activity is expected to be a five-year program in the $7.5 million range.
This is a Key Personnel position, subject to USAID approval. It is also subject to project awards and funding. This position will be based in West Africa.
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.
More Information
- Job City Ghana
