Head of Partnerships

Job Description

About Save the Children:

The Organization:

Save the Children employs approximately 25,000 individuals globally, working in over 100 countries to support children in crises and those in need of better healthcare, education, and child protection. With a commitment to realizing children’s rights, the organization campaigns and advocates at the highest levels.

Our Vision:

By 2030, Save the Children aims for three breakthroughs in treating children:

No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday.

All children learn from a quality basic education.

Violence against children is no longer tolerated.

Our Values:

Great people make a great organization, and our employees play a crucial role. We value our people, offering a meaningful and rewarding career in a collaborative and inclusive workplace.

SCI – Afghanistan:

Save the Children has been delivering lasting change in Afghanistan since 1976, working closely with communities based on the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child. We focus on education, child protection, and healthcare, striving to empower children to influence their own conditions.

Job Description: Head of Partnerships

Title: Head of Partnerships

Team/Programme: Program Operations

Location: Kabul CO, with frequent travel to the field

Grade: 1

Contract Length: 12 Months

Child Safeguarding: Level 3

Role Purpose:

The Head of Partnerships is the focal point for Save the Children’s engagement with local partners in Afghanistan. The role ensures partnerships align with SC’s Partnership Principles and strives for value-driven, empowering relationships. The post holder leads overall partner coordination, assessments, capacity strengthening, and program design, following SC’s Partnership Framework and Humanitarian principles.

Scope of Role:

Reports to: Deputy Country Director – Program Operations

Role Dimensions:

The Partnership Unit functions strategically, anchoring SC Afghanistan’s program operations, including the Safer Partnership rollout. It coordinates and supports partnership management functions throughout the partnership cycle and Safer Partnership, collaborating with different departments.

Key Areas of Accountability:

Managing Overall Partnership Function:

• Ensure staff and resource coverage for partnership functions.
• Provide needed training/orientation to staff.
• Ensure coordination and coherence between tools and operational approach.
• Develop and Manage Partner Relationships:
• Conduct stakeholder analysis and partnership scoping.
• Facilitate partnership and risk assessments.
• Consult partners in program design.
• Coordinate communication with partners.

Capacity Strengthening:

Support program managers/themes and support functions in conducting Partnership Assessments.

Facilitate Organisational Capacity Assessments.

Monitor partners’ capacity strengthening plans.

Provide input to reports on partnership coordination and capacity strengthening.

Managing Sub-Awards:

Coordinate with Head of Awards to conduct Partnership Assessments.

Support partners in budgeting and work plan development.

Monitor risk and financial compliance.

Verify partner reports through monitoring visits.

Additional Functions:

Coordinate with external agencies and relevant SC functions.

Work closely with the Accountability lead for partners’ program implementation.

Work with the Head of Safeguarding to roll out Safer Partnership.

Ensure relations with partners align with SC’s Partnership Principles.

Requirements:

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in development or other social sciences or equivalent field experience.

Master’s degree in development or other social sciences or equivalent field experience is preferable.

Experience and Skills:

• 5 years of experience in partnership-based programming.
• Experience in working with local partners in humanitarian responses.
• Knowledge about core elements of approaches to working in partnerships.
• Project or partnership management cycle experience.
• Ability to represent SC effectively in external forums.
• Strong communication skills, both written and spoken in English.
• Willingness to travel extensively.

Additional Responsibilities:

Comply with Save the Children policies and practice.

Ensure adherence to child safeguarding, anti-harassment, and health and safety policies.

Submission Guideline:

Qualified applicants can apply through the online application form. Attach your CV and cover letter in the online system. Only applications through the online portal will be considered.