Partnerships Associate SC6
Organizational Context
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives and building a pathway to peace and prosperity. WFP Zambia is implementing a new Country Strategic Plan (CSP) aligned with national priorities and SDGs, shifting towards upstream technical assistance and nationally owned solutions. The organization values diversity, inclusion, and professional development, offering a dynamic and impactful career path.
Job Purpose
The Partnerships Associate will play a crucial role in supporting WFP Zambia's Country Strategic Plan by enhancing proactive resource mobilization and developing strategic partnerships. This position involves liaising with public and private partners, conducting portfolio reviews, and implementing the partnerships and resource mobilization work plan. The Associate will monitor emerging partners, identify new opportunities, and explore innovative financing mechanisms to diversify funding streams. A key responsibility will be drafting high-quality funding proposals and grant applications, ensuring alignment with WFP's program needs and donor requirements. The role also entails contributing to partnership strategies, maintaining effective donor stewardship through regular communication and engagement, and performing data analysis to inform partnership strategies. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Head of Partnerships, Communication and Reports, contributing to WFP's mission of saving lives and changing lives.
Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities involve comprehensive partnership coordination and portfolio management, requiring close liaison with public and private entities, and key stakeholders. This includes conducting regular partner profiling and portfolio reviews to maintain an up-to-date overview of the partnership landscape and ensure alignment with strategic goals. A key aspect is the implementation of the partnerships and resource mobilization work plan, achieved through close collaboration with Programme units and other enabling teams like Communications, Finance, and M&E. The role demands proactive donor intelligence and prospection, involving monitoring existing and emerging partners, gathering and analyzing relevant information to maximize engagement and resource mobilization opportunities, and identifying potential new partners. Exploring and integrating innovative financing initiatives, such as impact investments and blended finance, is crucial for diversifying funding streams. Furthermore, the position requires utilizing data and evidence-based analysis for resource expansion, leading the drafting of high-quality funding proposals, and contributing to strategic planning for the Partnerships Unit. Effective donor stewardship, including sustained communication, organizing briefings, and promptly addressing partner concerns, is also a core responsibility. The role supports the broader Country Office strategy by ensuring well-planned resource mobilization efforts and proposal pipelines.
Work Experience
Requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in partnership, resource mobilization, or a similar role. Experience in managing donor relations, fundraising, grant proposal writing, and donor reporting is highly desirable.
Skills
Partnership Coordination, Portfolio Management, Work Plan Implementation, Donor Intelligence, Resource Mobilization, Innovative Financing, Data Analysis, Grant Proposal Writing, Strategic Planning, Donor Stewardship, Project Management, Financial Analysis, Communication Skills, Team Leadership, Negotiation Skills, Problem-Solving