Senior Advisor, Partnership and Program Development

Full Job Description

Location:  Tanzania 

Reports to:  Director, Program Development, Strategy and Innovation 

Position Type:  Full-time

Classification:  Tanzanian employee  

Language requirements:  English mandatory, Kiswahili a plus 

Salary Range:  To be determined based on location

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR  

Cuso International is looking for a leader driven by passion and principle to advance human progress in all its forms, including social justice, human rights, gender equality, environmental sustainability and economic development. A person who has learned firsthand the opportunities and challenges of the development sector to contribute to a better world through their work with communities, civil society, governments and the private sector; in particular through program design, innovation and partnerships. You will be responsible for networking, partnership development, program design, and development in Anglophone Africa, focusing 70% on Tanzania, and 30% on Nigeria.   

Your role includes developing innovative strategies, new projects and partnerships that are aligned with Cuso International’s Strategic Plan 2023-2027.   

To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the postholders will be expected to have a solid technical understanding in one or more of the following areas including: gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), economic resilience, environment and climate action (ECA), as well as the development of such programmes.   

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DELIVERABLES  

PARTNERSHIP AND NETWORKING  

• Complete a mapping of donors and potential partners, and meet with them to discuss potential collaboration and opportunities. 
• Maintain and develop a strong portfolio of partners, fostering collaboration within the SHARE program (ex. regular communication and coordination with Cuso SHARE Program Officers in each country, and engagement with partners) and on program development in line with Cuso International’s strategic and operational plans. 
• Focus particular attention on working closely with lead / key SHARE partners in each country, co-developing concept notes and proposals, and supporting them to secure sustainable funding. 
• Build and maintain relationships through local, regional and international networks, alliances, forums or events to expand Cuso International’s programs through donors, partners, government officials or other relevant agencies across the region. 
• Network and promote Cuso International’s programs with donors, partners, government officials, private sector and/or other relevant agencies. 
• Coordinate with the Program Quality and Impact Team on the design of mechanisms to identify partners, tools for partnership management, and evaluation of the impact of partnerships. 
• Engage with and collaborate with potential and current partners to explore opportunities for increasing impact and innovation.  
• Represent Cuso International in public fora as required, including participation in sector coalitions. 

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT  

• Build and be accountable for a pipeline of program development opportunities, including those building on SHARE, including identifying new donors, securing new funding, tracking pipeline progress and reporting on program development success in the region. 
• Lead on assessment of donor opportunities, including analysis of likelihood of success. 
• Pre-position Cuso International for funding opportunities by conveying the quality of our approach, team and capability compellingly to donors and local partners through writing and delivering clear, accessible and well-structured pitches, documents and presentations. 
• Participate in partner negotiation/engagement for design of new projects and development of proposals. 
• Lead the design and development of new regional and country projects in coordination with Cuso colleagues and partners. 
• Participate in the preparation of concept notes and proposals, including consultations, gender and environment analyses, outlining of activities, and budget development. 
• Meet program development targets for the geographic area covered.  
• Knowledge management of donor, partner, and proposal information, for example in Raiser’s Edge, SharePoint, Teams Chanels etc.  

OTHER  

• Fulfill other responsibilities, as required by the Cuso central team, from time to time. 
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally and locally when required (up to 40% of the year, mainly to Nigeria) 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION  

• University Degree or Master’s Degree in a relevant field, or equivalent experience. 

EXPERIENCE  

• A proven track record of securing funding for programming (projects USD $5 million and more)  
• Strong network of regional and international donors and strategic partners 
• Experience working with and securing funding from a diversified donor base, such as Global Affairs Canada, international foundations, USAID, the European Union, amongst others 
• At least 7 years of experience in designing development programs/projects in the applicable region 
• At least 7 years of experience working in partnership with local / national NGOs in the applicable region 

CAPACITIES, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES  

• Proven commitment to advancement of gender equality and women’s rights and empowerment. 
• Ability to make decisions and take initiative, as part of managing a complex and varied workload. 
• Excellent strategic thinking and analytical abilities.   
• Excellent cross-cultural interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate and develop internal and external relationships. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English with Kiswahili as a plus.. 
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Word, Excel, Outlook, and web-based research. 
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally. 
• Ability to work irregular hours and overtime when needed to meet critical deadlines. 

Cuso International is committed to creating and fostering an inclusive culture. We strive to actively celebrate diversity, advance our equitable practices, and drive greater inclusion. We offer a comprehensive employee benefits package and insurance, generous days of paid time off, including vacation and sick days, and more. 

Cuso International is committed to the integrity of our volunteers, interns, staff, managers, board members and subcontractors in preventing sexual violence in the way we operate. This is done through a defined framework, code of conduct, values and guiding principles, as well as Cooperation Canada’s Leaders’ Pledge. 

Please click the "Apply for This Job" button to submit your application by January 5, 2024 , at 11:59 PM (EST). Expressions of interest should be sent in English. Your résumé and one-page cover letter should demonstrate how you meet the position requirements. Please note that a confirmation email will be generated once you submit your application, but it may be directed to your spam or junk folders of your email inbox. 

Cuso International is an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified applicants. Accommodations will be provided at any stages of the hiring process upon request. Thank you for your interest in Cuso International.