Officer, Partnership and Resource Development

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.”  IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas.  IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

Job Purpose

The PRD Officer is part of both the IFRC Country Cluster Support Team in South Africa and the regional PRD Africa unit. The position holder works in close liaison with PRD Africa team (Nairobi), to enhance partnerships and resource development outcomes across a portfolio of partners (Movement, public, private, multilaterals) in support of IFRC priorities and targets. The position holder will foster proactive partner engagement through relationship and knowledge development as well as effective use of PRD tools and processes. The position holder will also ensure donor care and accountability to partners in coordination with programme managers as well as PMER and finance focal points.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Main responsibilities of the PRD Officer position include:

1. Support on engagement and relationships strategy with targeted partners across multiple income streams (NS/governments, private sector, multilaterals):

• Work proactively with CCST technical/thematic leads to ensure coordinated partnership engagement based on common targets and longer-term priorities.
• Develop, broaden and strengthen the network of national societies, private sector and multilateral influencers and advocates in support of IFRC’s mission.
• Contribute to the analysis of relevant government policies, decisions and funding trends to help develop funding targets and identify opportunities for partnership to match future IFRC needs.
• Prospect and facilitate engagement of emerging partners across multiple income streams .
• In collaboration with IFRC Africa Head of PRD and Programmes Coordinator ensure the overall monitoring and overview of partnership development as part of IFRC Africa strategy map and PRD operational plan.
• Proactively contribute to a partnerships portfolio through good communication actions, including partner profiling and outreach activities, with the aim to maximize resources and leverage policy and technical support for IFRC’s work.
• Support the organisation of partnerships and cooperation meetings at Cluster level.
• Support partner visibility by timely preparation and distribution of information products to target audience(s) and ensure partner conditions are met.

2. Funding and resourcing plans, especially for Pretoria Country Cluster Support Team

• Support the development, and monitor the implementation, of funding plans together for the Cluster together with technical leads and Finance focal points;
• Facilitating the development of core Cluster programmatic products and multi-year proposals.
• Contribute to funding gaps monitoring and analyse and for propose/implement corrective measures.
• Ensure proactive negotiation of pledges together with IFRC budget holder in relation to assigned portfolio of partners.
• Ensure quality control and partner stewardship for pledge management, coordination with PRD team members as well as Finance focal points.
• Developing an engagement strategy for IFRC Pretoria Country Cluster Support Team
• Work with budget holders, Finance for timely, efficient, and quality reporting.
• Serve as promoting agent of IFRC overall accountability high quality standards.

3. PRD business management

• PRD tools and systems are effectively used and applied to enable effective management of partnerships in the Cluster.
• Contribute to the monthly and quarterly updates including analysis of regional partnership engagement, income, expenditure trends, funding gaps, quality of pledges, earmarking
• Adhering to PRD’s value proposition and stakeholders’ engagement strategy and implementation.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

4. National Society Development

• Supporting the development of a National Society Resource Mobilization Strategies.
• Provide technical support to increase domestic fundraising and innovative fundraising

5. Effective matrix management

• Ensure effective coordination with regional office’s technical units and PRD focal points to be involved in performing tasks.
• Ensure effective coordination with focal points in the Cluster.

6. Planning support and coordination for Southern Africa sub-region

• Draft and implement the partnership and communication strategy and action plans aimed to maintain and enhance the visibility and reputation of IFRC, as well as support resource mobilization activities, ensuring alignment with overall IFRC strategies
• Support the NS’ efforts in PRD planning and provide training as warranted.
• Supports other planning processes as needed.

Education

• University degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline. (Required)
• Relevant post-graduate degree or MBA. (Preferred)
• Relevant professional training courses. (Preferred)

Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience and solid track record in partnerships and fundraising. (Required)
• Relevant work experience with the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, or another organisation working internationally, including in resource mobilisation, partnerships, planning and/or reporting.(Required)
• Experience in project management including multi-stakeholder engagement. (Required)
• Experience in project management including multi-stakeholder engagement. (Required)

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Familiarity with government and multilateral funding systems. (Required)
• Ability to work in a diverse cultural context. (Required)
• Strong knowledge of information sharing tools, and the ability to implement them. (Required)
• Highly organised, with ability to create a team approach. (Required)
• Excellent communication skills; influencing skills. (Required)
• Excellent relationship building skills; ability to build and strengthen internal and external networks, and establish effective partnerships, with National Societies.(Required) 
• Demonstrated skill in analytical and strategic thinking. (Required)
• Facilitation and presentation skills. (Required)
• Fluent spoken and written English. (Required)

Competencies, Values and Comments

• Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability
• Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust