Partnerships Coordinator

Company Description

The LWF Ukraine Program was established in 2022, with initial project implementation in Chernihiv Oblast. Since 2023, its focus has shifted to Kharkiv and Sumy Oblasts, addressing key areas such as shelter rehabilitation, winterization, education (including school rehabilitation), protection, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), and livelihoods. Operations are coordinated from the main office in Kharkiv, with additional support from the coordination office in Kyiv. LWF Ukraine works in close coordination with the Government of Ukraine, local authorities, the LWF member church (GELCU), ACT Alliance members, civil society organizations, UN agencies, local NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders. Currently, the program is prioritizing shelters, MHPSS, and education, with the potential integration of WASH, non-food items (NFIs), and livelihood recovery interventions across Kharkiv and Sumy regions.

Job summary

Under the direct supervision of the Program Coordinator, the Partnership Coordinator manages partnerships and strengthens the capacity of local implementing partners in close coordination with the Program team (thematic leads) and support departments (Procurement, Finance, HR). The role ensures partner compliance with donor requirements, reporting deadlines, and LWF procedures, while facilitating capacity building. It contributes to quality programming through effective partnership management and collaboration on planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and reporting. The position involves engagement with diverse partners, including CSOs, NGOs, INGOs, UN agencies, government entities, and private sector actors. It also includes coordinating communications, meetings, and information sharing with partners. Based in Kharkiv, the role requires travel to project sites as needed.

Main responsibilities

Partner Identification and Assessment:

• Support the mapping of active local and international organisations and maintain an updated database of civil society actors in Ukraine.
• Assist in screening and identifying potential partners aligned with LWF Ukraine’s program objectives and response priorities.
• Lead the due diligence process for prospective partners in coordination with relevant teams.
• Ensure accurate and timely data management within the Partnership Development folder, maintaining well-organised and up-to-date records.

Partnership development:

• Support needs assessments and proposal development, including partner identification and preparation of partner profiles outlining experience and outreach.
• Regularly assess capacity gaps of implementing partners and design and deliver capacity-building initiatives in collaboration with relevant departments.
• Lead the development, review, and finalisation of LOIs, partnership agreements, MoUs, and amendments.
• Identify and track partnership opportunities through regular communication, including calls, emails, and field visits.
• Negotiate and formalise agreements in line with LWF and donor compliance requirements.
• Maintain strong relationships with existing partners and identify opportunities to strengthen and expand partnerships in line with LWF’s core values.

Specific Program Coordination Supports

• Lead to assist partners into new thematic areas (Cash/vouchers program, WASH and NFIs including livelihoods) to integrate across LWF’s core thematic areas (Shelter, Education, and MHPSS) as required in consultation with Program Coordinator.

Partnership Management and Monitoring:

• Ensure the development and implementation of mutual capacity-strengthening plans.
• Support partners’ operational capacity development in coordination with LWF departments and project focal points.
• Monitor partner reporting timelines and provide support for revisions as needed.
• Facilitate partnership review, kick-off, and close-out meetings, ensuring alignment on objectives, scope, timelines, and roles, and document lessons learned.
• Ensure partners adopt and apply LWF policies, including Code of Conduct (CoC), Complaint Feedback Mechanisms, PSEA, and child safeguarding.
• Initiate and manage new partnerships to support program objectives.
• Contribute to program and proposal development by providing relevant partner information.
• Maintain up-to-date partner mapping and ensure due diligence is regularly reviewed throughout the project cycle.
• Strengthen partnerships to support the delivery of quality programs and projects.
• Develop and implement capacity development plans for staff and partners in collaboration with relevant teams.
• Support periodic needs assessments, monitoring, and evaluation activities.
• Assist partners in developing monthly workplans aligned with organisational and donor timelines.

Networking and coordination:

• Ensure regular communication with partners, providing updates on key deadlines, M&E plans, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Maintain strong relationships and networks with relevant authorities at region, district, and territorial Community levels.
• Represent LWF in coordination forums related to partnerships, localisation, and civil society engagement.
• Facilitate peer learning and knowledge-sharing exchanges among partners.

Others:

• Ensure program budgets adequately reflect operational costs aligned with strategic objectives, and monitor expenditures through regular review in coordination with program teams.
• Support external audits, evaluations, and donor missions involving implementing partners.
• Promote and contribute to LWF Ukraine’s organisational culture of staff empowerment, teamwork, and solidarity.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the immediate supervisor or Country Representative in support of LWF’s mission.

Required qualifications and experience

• University degree in business, law, development studies, or a related field.
• Minimum six years of relevant experience in partnership management, including sectors such as Shelter, NFIs, WASH, Education, MHPSS, Cash/Voucher Assistance, and Economic Empowerment.
• Proven communication, reporting, and management skills, including an understanding of legal aspects.
• Strong understanding of localisation principles and approaches is highly desirable.

Required skills and competencies

• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively engage with diverse and cross-cultural stakeholders.
• Strong gender awareness and sensitivity.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), including strong document formatting skills.
• Excellent command of English and Ukrainian, with strong writing, editing, and translation abilities.
• Strong organisational skills with close attention to detail.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to remote field locations.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.

What we offer

• Highly competitive salary for the right applicant.
• Paid business trips and secondments.
• Good working conditions in an international environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and self-development.
• Medical insurance for the position holder.
• Remote work for necessary
• 24 days of annual leave.