Partnerships Expert

Job Description

ORGANIZATIONAL AREA International Programmes – Institutional & Transformational Partnerships & Funding
REFERENT Public Partnerships and Innovative Funding Lead
CONTRACT TYPE Co.Co.Co. (contratto di collaborazione coordinata e continuativa)
DURATION 12 months
ANNUAL GROSS SALARY 33.000 - 36.000
SAFEGUARDING LEVEL 1

JOB PURPOSE

The Partnerships Expert will contribute to deliver Save the Children Italy’s institutional partnership and fundraising strategy for International Programs. Under the guidance of the Public Partnerships and Innovative Funding Lead, the incumbent will progressively take the responsibility of supporting the growth of Save the Children Italy portfolio with focus on untapping partnerships and funding with multi-partner and climate change adaptation and mitigation facilities and financing mechanisms. To this end, the Partnerships Expert is expected to unleash new financing opportunities that may also stem from innovative ways of collaborating with relevant development financial institutions thus contributing to innovation, diversification and sustainability of SC Italy Institutional funding portfolio.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Resource Mobilization

• Research and analyze new funding mechanisms and opportunities, which may stem from engagement with multi partners funds and development financial institutions including climate financing facilities.
• Map key potential donors with a focus on major actors in the climate financing landscape; identifying potential entry points, synergies, barriers, and enablers. This may include also exploring and engaging in innovative partnership models and ways of working closer to a technical assistance delivery model or convenor of partners in complex financial settings.
• Contribute to identifying partnership opportunities with institutional stakeholders that can lead to the design and implementation of innovative and impact finance schemes.
• Actively monitor and screen funding opportunities in selected country offices/regions as required.
• Facilitate pre-positioning and coordination with other Save the Children members prior to the publication of opportunities.
• Coordinate the evaluation and decision-making process for funding opportunities, collaborating both internally and with country offices.

Donor Engagement & Capacity Building

• Engage with donors at HQ, regional, and country levels in coordination with the Public Partnerships and Innovative Funding Lead.
• Develop, implement, and monitor donor engagement plans in collaboration with relevant SC Italy departments, country offices, and other SC members.
• Provide induction sessions/webinars to country offices on relevant donors.
• Recommend tailor-made partner engagement strategies, including specific strategies with climate financing, accounting for considering the organization’s risk appetite in this area.
• Share information, briefings, and guidance on donor trends and engagement strategies with country offices.
• Design and deliver donor engagement workshops to priority country offices and/or provide in-country support.
• Support the organization of donor engagement meetings by ensuring the availability of up-to-date briefings and materials.
• Develop tailored donor materials to support Save the Children’s positioning and fundraising initiatives.

Internal Coordination

• Act as a focal point for partnership-related tasks, sharing information with and from relevant donors and partner units within the Save the Children movement.
• Represent SC Italy in relevant partnership/donor groups, including the Green Climate Fund Account, gathering inputs and reporting back to relevant SC Italy departments.
• Contribute directly to the allocation processes for funding opportunities and represent SC Italy in discussions and negotiations with other SC members.
• Organize internal coordination meetings under the guidance of the Public Partnership and Innovative Funding Mechanisms Lead to facilitate knowledge sharing, alignment, and approval of engagement actions.
• Support the creation of information and knowledge products as needed.

Data Collection, Analysis, Strategies & Procedures

• Collect, analyze, and report on donor trends and priorities.
• Liaise with relevant departments within SC Italy and Save the Children International to gather inputs and report to management and coordination structures.
• Contribute to the development of SC Italy’s partnership and fundraising strategies with key donors.
• Assist in the development of the Business Development Department Strategy and participate in internal task forces as needed.
• Contribute to the regular update of internal data collection systems, files, and platforms.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in international development, climate change, economics, or a closely related field.
• At least 7 years of experience in the sector, with in-depth knowledge of institutional partnerships and fundraising.
• Good understanding of multi-partner funds including those aimed at boosting climate change adaptation and mitigation.
• Basic understanding of innovative funding mechanisms and key actors.
• Proven experience in engaging with institutional donors and external relations/lobbying.
• Excellent communication and public relations skills, with a strong command of written and spoken English.
• Good proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel), and an interest in the effective use of information and communications technologies.
• Experience in organizing multi-stakeholder events, webinars, e-conferences, and seminars.
• Availability for short-term travel across Europe and internationally.
• Preferred: Good working knowledge of a second language (French or Spanish).

SOFT SKILLS

• High level of cross-cultural interpersonal skills with a proven ability to influence multiple stakeholders.
• Strong networking capacity and the ability to engage with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing contexts.
• Pragmatic, solution-oriented, and problem-solving mindset, with strong analytical skills.
• Strong team player, able to collaborate effectively with others toward common objectives.
• Commitment to Save the Children values.

SAFEGUARDING
Save the Children aims to be a safe organization for all beneficiaries—both minors and adults—reached through its programs. For this reason, it implements a safeguarding system to prevent any risk of abuse and exploitation.
Anyone collaborating with Save the Children in any capacity must demonstrate the highest standards of behavior, as outlined in our policies (https://www.savethechildren.it/policies).

PEOPLE AT THE CENTER
Working for a mission like Save the Children's is important.
We believe that an organization made up of people who feel well and are passionate about their work is an innovative, cohesive, agile, and efficient organization that can effectively pursue its goals. For this reason, we always strive to put our people at the center, preserve their well-being and motivation, and value their skills.