Specialist II, Partnership Portfolio

Position Title Partnership Portfolio Specialist Location Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico Employment Type Full time, Hybrid About ChildFund ChildFund is a child-focused international development organization that works in 23 countries to connect children with the people, resources and institutions they need to grow up healthy, educated, skilled and safe, no matter where they are. ChildFund’s Values We aspire for every person in our organization—program participants, supporters, staff, and volunteers alike—to feel free, safe, and confident to be themselves. In our culture of connection, you will have ample opportunity to grow, learn, and lead while contributing your talents and innovations to our inspiring mission. ChildFund’s Commitment ChildFund International has a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH) and all other forms of harm by its staff, partners, and other representatives in the delivery of its mission and services for children. ChildFund is committed to creating a safe environment in the workplace as well as in the communities where it delivers programs and services. ChildFund expects every staff member, partner, and representative to adhere to this commitment and to ensure all organizational policies and standards are followed. This position is subject to a range of vetting checks, including a criminal records check and/or disclosure to ensure program participants are safeguarded. About This Role The partnership portfolio specialist will lead the achievement of results through managing ChildFund’s portfolio of in-country partners. They will be responsible for identifying, developing, maintaining, and evaluating strategic partnerships and collaborations with multiple stakeholders including local partners (LPs), technical partners, implementation partners, and others to scale ChildFund’s impact, aligned with the country strategic plan (CSP). The specialist will play a key role in strengthening organizational development and professionalization of local partners and their governance structures to deliver high-quality and sustainable programming, support the partners’ team members in developing specific program/project portfolio management, risk management and anti‑terrorism compliance, and overall asset allocation from ChildFund. Additionally, the specialist will strengthen the capacity and governance of local partners to deliver high-quality and sustainable programming. Required Experience & Education Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in community development/social science discipline. Equivalent relevant work experience may be acceptable in lieu of degree. 5 years experience managing partnerships and development programs to support community development, preferably in a technical area, community development and/or child-focused programming. Experience in Safety and Security management and emergency or humanitarian response is highly desirable. Technical Expertise In Project and budget design and implementation Legislation and regulations applicable to Civil Society Organizations in Mexico Administrative, fiscal, and legal compliance of Civil Society Organizations Basic knowledge of safety and risk analysis Coordinating a diverse team in a complex work setting Computer proficiency in general office software (i.e. Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook) English proficiency desirable Primary Responsibilities Partnership Portfolio Management – Achieve the development and cultivation of a strong partnership portfolio with an effective mix of different partner types to maximize the impact delivered by program strategies, models, and interventions. Partnership Life Cycle Management – Manage the partnership life cycle, from partner selection and relationship development to implementation, monitoring, and transition or closure of formal relations. Partner Capacity Enhancement – Conduct partner assessments and support partners in developing and implementing action plans to enhance their organizational capacities, ensuring compliance with applicable legislation and ChildFund policies and procedures. Partner Performance – Manage partner performance on agreed program activities, evaluating alignment with approved proposals, budgets and technical quality standards. Representation, Advocacy and Networking – Build and manage relationships with government, foundations and development organizations, corporations, local authorities and the public to increase ChildFund’s visibility, profile and credibility. Identify and pursue opportunities for new collaborations and/or partnerships. Grant Acquisition and Management – Identify priority partners for grant and other resource mobilization opportunities, develop teaming and sub‑award agreements, and manage partner performance on grants. Safety and Security – Contribute to the safety and security of local partners by conducting trainings, facilitating incident reporting, and disseminating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Monitor and ensure compliance with security plans and internal policies and procedures, anti‑terrorism compliance, and support partners in maintaining a safe and secure operational environment. Required Competencies Teamwork: the ability to work effectively and collaborate with others; values and respects individual differences. Communication: demonstrates empathy and tact when communicating with others and uses a storytelling approach when appropriate. Results orientation: gets things done; takes proactive steps to achieve organizational goals and quality standards. Decision making: uses good judgement, critical thinking and non-traditional ways to evaluate problems and opportunities; reflects and innovates to improve decisions and outcomes. Resilience: thrives and grows in rapidly changing, demanding and complex environments. Digital literacy: adopts and champions new technology to relevant contexts, stays aware of technological trends and embraces technological solutions to business challenges. Other Required Competencies Proven experience in strategic planning and ability to effectively articulate strategy to internal and external stakeholders. Planning, organizational, analytical, communication, and decision-making skills. Analytical skills in the field of external and public relations, networking, negotiating, and understanding of different stakeholders. Ability to build and maintain effective personal and organizational relationships. Written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated high-level interpersonal and cross-cultural skills including the ability to build collaborative relationships internally and externally with sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, social and political issues. Demonstrated ability to manage and resolve conflicts constructively, fostering inclusive dialogue and mutual understanding within diverse cultural, social, and organizational contexts. Ability to delegate effectively amongst teams and show commitment to the long-term development of team members through coaching, mentoring and creation of development opportunities. Seniority Level Mid-Senior level Job Function Other Industry Non-profit Organizations #J-18808-Ljbffr