Consultancy – Partnerships Advisor – Remote

Description

Background:

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. 

Mercy Corps’ Ukraine response meets the humanitarian needs of vulnerable Ukrainians and other war and conflict-affected people. In 2022 and 2023, Mercy Corps’ Ukraine response reached more than 2.5 million people with emergency cash, food, psychosocial support, and information campaigns. Notably, nearly all our programming has been delivered in partnership with civil society organizations through a granting program that matches humanitarian action with capacity strengthening, and with peer international NGOs through a consortium in Ukraine. Building on a substantial program addressing needs through MPCA/Cash in the Eastern and Southern regions of Ukraine, the portfolio has expanded to include a Rapid Response Mechanism and resilience programming focusing on supporting local value chains and SMEs. Nearly all our programming is delivered in partnership with local civil society organizations matching humanitarian action with capacity strengthening and a real commitment to localization. 

Purpose / Project Description:

Mercy Corps Ukraine has a strong commitment to support a locally-led response. To date, Mercy Corps has partnered with over 100 organizations throughout the Ukraine response. The purpose of this project is to help Mercy Corps grow meaningful partnerships with civil society and, through these partnerships, deliver quality services to the people of Ukraine.

Consultant Activities:

The Consultant will:

• Help shape further Mercy Corps Ukraine’s locally-led vision and Partnership Approach in line with best practices developed in Ukraine and other contexts
• Identify new areas for analysis and research for Mercy Corps Ukraine to add to the discourse on localization
• Shape the external relations and advocacy strategy on localization
• Keep the Team informed on new developments in the field and advises on operationalizing new approaches/ideas
• Introduce Mercy Corps Ukraine to new coordination and advocacy platforms
• Advise on improvements to implementing locally-led practices across all departments
• Support production of internal and external visibility materials explaining Mercy Corps Ukraine’s localization efforts

Consultant Deliverables:

The Consultant will:

• Analyze the current state of implementing the Partnership Approach and advise on improvements
• Recommend new areas for analysis and research on localization
• Develop an overview on localization best practices in various contexts; key global research on localization from the last 5 years
• Keep the Team updated on localization discussions at the regional and global levels – new research, events, initiatives etc.
• Advise on global localization/partnership networks Mercy Corps Ukraine should be engaging with
• Work with the Team on developing and implementing new ideas aimed at strengthening localization efforts (e.g., the Graduation Approach)
• Provide an analysis of global funds/donors that are directly accessible to partners in Ukraine; advise on/conduct information sessions and mentorship for Ukraine partners on accessing funds
• Update/develop Fact Sheets and other presentation materials describing Mercy Corps Ukraine’s localization efforts

The Consultant will report to:

Mercy Corps Ukraine Deputy Director

The Consultant will work closely with:

Mercy Corps Ukraine Country Director, Partnerships Team, Program Director

Required Experience & Skills:

• University Degree/Masters in international studies, social, economic or other relevant field is desired.
• Proven technical expertise in partnership approaches, civil society development and/or capacity strengthening of local partner organizations.
• At least 7-10 years of senior experience in the humanitarian and/or development field.
• Strong knowledge of, and experience with organizational development of CSOs in challenging environments.
• Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational, and prioritization skills are necessary.
• Excellent oral and written English is required, and Ukrainian/Russian proficiency strongly preferred.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives. 

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work. 

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our stakeholders and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues. 

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