Overview
This role supports the strategic growth and management of Plan International’s partner portfolio in Malawi, focusing on building and maintaining relationships, developing partnerships, and ensuring successful delivery of initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Facilitate and support the implementation of the Country Strategy’s partnership priorities.
- Lead in the development of the Partnership Strategy.
- Promote and apply the Building Better Partnership principles.
- Manage the country-level Partnership Management Committee.
- Promote and disseminate Plan’s vision, values, procedures and code of conduct to partners.
- Facilitate systematic partner feedback on Plan’s management of the partnership relationship.
- Collaborate with technical coordinators to proactively identify potential partnerships.
- Co-facilitate and guide partner mapping and selection processes.
- Ensure due diligence assessments are conducted for partners or sub‑grantees.
- Contribute to the identification and implementation of appropriate measures to manage risks.
- Contribute to project and proposal design and Go/ No Go decisions.
- Contribute to project start-up agenda and materials.
- Prepare, review, and amend sub-contract documents and partnership agreements.
- Coordinate with finance to achieve timely funds transfers and robust financial follow up.
- Recommend and implement sub-contracting and partnership management process improvements.
- Act as focal point for all partners, providing clear guidance and timely responses.
- Engage with project teams, country offices, partners, and sub‑grantees to resolve issues.
- Liaise with partners or sub‑grantees on MoU or contract terms.
- Participate in regular partner monitoring visits, review and reflection meetings.
- Lead in organising and conducting annual review meetings with partners.
- Proactively engage and communicate with partners in project development efforts.
- Co-lead the review of the performance of partners.
- Contribute actively to knowledge management initiatives.
- Stay abreast of new or updated partnership management policies, procedures, and standards.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date partnerships records.
- Propose ideas for improving partnership management or other innovations.
- Communicate feedback and suggestions on processes related to partners.
- Collaborate with the MERL team on the measurement of partnership initiatives.
- Train key country office and partner staff on partnership processes.
- Facilitate the collaborative development and delivery of partner organisational support plans.
- Understand partner capacity strengthening priorities.
- Collaborate with technical leads to integrate technical capacity sharing approaches.
- Consistently monitor and analyse Plan's performance as a partner.
- Organise and contribute to training and information sessions on partnership management requirements.
- Ensure that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded.
Required Experience
- 5 years of relevant project and/or grant management experience within development or humanitarian sectors
- Demonstrable experience working with national and international partners, including NGOs, government actors, and private sector entities
- Experience in staff training, coaching, and mentoring
- Experience in civil society strengthening and engagement
Qualifications
A master’s degree in international development, social sciences, project management, organisational development or related field
