Partnership Specialist (Ethiopia and Uganda)

Role: Partnerships SpecialistLocation: EthiopiaLanguage: English, relevant local language(s)About Terre des Hommes NetherlandsTerre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL) is committed to ending child exploitation in all its forms. We work across Africa and Asia, partnering with local organisations to protect children from trafficking, sexual exploitation, child labour, and other forms of child exploitation. Our work is grounded in evidence, child participation, and safeguarding principles.The RoleThe Partnerships Specialist is a key TdH NL function, crucial for establishing and managing effective, equitable relationships with partner organisations. They lead the TdH NL partnership engagement approach, supporting partner mapping, screening, and formation. Once agreements are in place, they offer partners a range of support, on themes including project management, quality assurance, compliance with TdH NL/donor policies, and guidance on programming and advocacy. The Partnership Specialist is the main link between partner organisations and TdH NL technical specialists and programme managers, actively promoting connections between partners, peer agencies, and other relevant actors. The role's focus is tailored to the technical and operational needs of the Strategic Partner Organisations and projects in their countries of responsibility, clarified within specific Terms of Reference. The number of partners and projects assigned is regularly reviewed and adjusted based on the resource mobilisation pipeline to ensure balanced workloads aligned with resources and programme priorities.The TeamThe Partnership Specialist is part of the Partnerships & Quality (P&Q) team within the Impact Department and reports to the Partnerships Lead. The role works in close collaboration with Programme Managers, Technical Experts and Advisors, MEAL staff, and Finance teams.The Partnerships and Quality team is a cross-functional team focused on developing and managing effective partnerships that achieve sustainable, positive outcomes protecting children from exploitation. The team combines several core functions, including partnership management, programme development, portfolio information management, MEAL, and programme support. It works closely with partner organisations and TdH NL’s Programmes, Research & Influencing, Finance, Communications, and Engagement (Resource Mobilisation) teams.Result Areas and Core ActivitiesYour job is to support partner organisations in Ethiopia and Uganda to achieve their partnership goals, amplified by the catalytic role of Terre des Hommes Netherlands. To do this you will:1) Programme Implementation and Partner CollaborationOversee and guide TdH NL’s programme implementation through close collaboration with partner organisations, ensuring new projects are effectively set up, responsibilities are clear, and progress is closely monitored.Provide ongoing support, guidance, and coordination between partners and TdH NL’s technical specialists to ensure programme objectives are achieved.Facilitate joint reflection and learning moments between partners and TdH NL teams.2) Partnership Mapping and FormationSupport the identification, mapping, and validation of partners within assigned countries or thematic areas, in line with TdH NL’s Partnership Policy and Partnership Journey.Lead or contribute to partner due diligence and screening processes, ensuring the organisation maintains a strong roster of qualified partners.Establish and nurture trust-based partnerships that advance TdH NL’s mission to end child exploitation.3) Compliance, Quality, and MEAL SupportSupport partners to ensure compliance with TdH NL and donor policies, procedures, and agreements.Provide oversight of core MEAL processes in collaboration with the MEAL team, ensuring that partners apply TdH NL MEAL Standards and submit timely, quality reporting.Review and consolidate partner reports, ensuring that results are accurate and align with project objectives.4) Partnership Development and Fundraising SupportSupport the co-design of new projects with partners, applying TdH NL’s project development guidance and promoting meaningful participation by children and local stakeholders.Collaborate with Programme Managers and the Engagement (Resource Mobilisation) team to provide programme, partnership, and contextual insights for proposal design, donor engagement, and pipeline development.Contribute to the identification of new partnership and funding opportunities within the assigned region or thematic area.5) Learning, Networking, and CoordinationFacilitate partner engagement in learning exchanges, advocacy, or external networks where relevant, in coordination with the Research & Influencing and Communications teams.Champion sustainable approaches to tackle child exploitation by promoting awareness of portfolio performance, learning, and good practices among TdH NL teams and partners.Connect partners with technical or operational support from other TdH NL t