Interim Head of Partnerships

The Opportunity

Across every corner of Plan International, partnerships are enabling us to meet our purpose and deliver our ambitious goals. They are critical to delivering quality, evidence-based programme and influencing work at country level, helping us to harness collective influence at national, regional and global levels and providing valuable resources, expertise and networks to advance our strategic goals.

Plan International works in partnership with a variety of organisations at local, national, regional and international levels, these include civil society organisations (CSOs) including children and youth groups, community groups, government institutions, INGOs, the corporate sector, multilateral and bilateral bodies, private and public foundations, and academic institutions.

The organisation’s new global strategy aims to increase our impact, strengthen our legitimacy, and improve our sustainability. Partnerships are at the heart, and we will focus on building strategic, equitable long-term partnerships, both externally and within the Plan family. We will shift power to those we work with and for, creating greater impact through locally-led action complemented with global knowledge, resources and action.

The Partnerships Team (PT) sits within the Strategy & Engagement Department and providing support to Plan offices to maximise partnership activities and outcomes, strengthen partnership practices and to create an effective environment to enable impactful partnerships, on all scales, from local to global. This role will oversee the work of the Partnerships Team, as part of a co-leadership model, and drive partnership engagement opportunities at the global level.

Who are we looking for?

• You bring demonstrable relevant experience in a senior level position within an organisation of comparable complexity and proven experience within a diverse, international/multi-sector/multi-cultural/multi-lingual environment.
• You are an experienced business partner with expertise in sharing knowledge, recommendations and experience, ensuring a high performing, diverse and ambitious organisation.
• Deep understanding of the trends in the development and humanitarian sectors, in particular the sustainable development goals and their implications, and current and emerging trends in INGO partnerships will be essential.
• Your passion for, understanding and demonstrable commitment to human-rights based approaches, gender equality and inclusion, as well as the role of children and young people as agents of change will be key in this role.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential

• Demonstrable relevant experience in a senior level position within an organisation of comparable complexity
• Proven experience within a diverse, international/multi-sector/multi-cultural/multi-lingual environment
• An experienced business partner with expertise in sharing knowledge, recommendations and experience, ensuring a high performing, diverse and ambitious organisation
• Deep understanding of the trends in the development and humanitarian sectors, including in particular the sustainable development goals and their implications, and current and emerging trends in INGO partnerships
• A passion for, understanding and demonstrable commitment to human-rights based approaches, gender equality and inclusion, as well as the role of children and young people as agents of change
• Credible and influential networker adept at building and sustaining key strategic partnerships at a global level
• An excellent influencer and communicator, able to represent Plan at external events, conferences, and senior-level meetings in order to build profile and credibility amongst partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to adjust their style to changing contexts

Desirable

• Experience of managing individuals, global networks and working groups
• An understanding of private sector drivers, and a commercial outlook
• Familiarity with the development of knowledge management systems
• An understanding of cause-related marketing campaigns
• Experience of developing partnership agreements
• Negotiation of complex, cross-border and high value partnerships
• Strong research, organisational abilities, presentation and negotiation skills
• Experience of conflict resolution