The Strategic Partnerships Officer (ECHO) is a key member of our Strategic Partnerships team, responsible for providing comprehensive support to growing our portfolio of funding with ECHO. The role will ensure Mercy Corps’ teams have the accurate and up-to-date information on ECHO's guidelines and standards for programmes, and will support proposal development efforts, working closely with country and regional teams to develop successful applications for ECHO funding.
Essential Responsibilities:
Donor Intelligence:
Monitor and analyse relevant ECHO trends and developments related to ECHO funding and provide advice to Regional Programme Teams (RPT) and Country Offices on opportunities to prioritise and pursue.
Coordinate with the RPT to participate in HIP briefings in Brussels and country offices.
Monitor funding calls (HIPs) and share information and call briefs with the relevant teams.
Project Planning And Development:
Develop protocols for effective information sharing and communication on ECHO funding opportunities across the organisation.
Collaborate with the RPT, country teams and Technical Support Unit (TSU) to contribute to the development of project proposals, ensuring alignment with ECHO's priorities and guidelines. Support could include reviewing compliance to the ECHO eSF guidelines, advice on technical resources / themes (such as cash), visibility, etc.
Provide support and expertise to country and regional offices on ECHO partnership, programme standards and guidelines.
Coordinate internal selection processes for global ECHO calls.
Maintain ECHO pipeline/portfolio overview.
Representation And Coordination:
Participate in coordination mechanisms with peer organisations and networks, such as the VOICE Humanitarian Partnership Watch Group.
Represent MC in dialogues with ECHO on regulatory frameworks, programme and HIP briefings, and partnership development.
Planning, organising and hosting visits/visitors - coordinating with other RPT, SIP, P&A, scheduling meetings, briefing notes, prep meetings with the teams, accompanying visitors to the meetings.
Maintain collaborative relationships with existing partner organisations and explore potential new partnerships in coordination with country offices where relevant.
Learning And Knowledge Management:
Contribute to the development of capacity-building and knowledge sharing initiatives to strengthen the skills and knowledge of project teams.
Develop or maintain/update tools, platforms, and internal workflows for efficient donor compliance. This includes maintaining donor pages, updating and publishing internal guidance tools.
Contribute to the documentation of lessons learned, best practices, and success stories from ECHO-funded projects.
Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in international development, humanitarian assistance, or a related field.
Extensive experience working with ECHO and solid knowledge of its guidelines and requirements.
Strong understanding of ECHO's structure, funding priorities, and regulatory frameworks.
Proven ability to build and nurture partnerships, with excellent networking and relationship-building skills.
Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex issues effectively.
Proficiency in English; fluency French; Spanish is an asset.
Experience working in an international, multicultural environment, with field experience from humanitarian operations as a plus.
Prior experience in an INGO, UN agency, or the European Commission is advantageous.
Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.
