Senior Partnerships Officer

Job Title: Senior Partnerships Officer

Organization: Action Against Hunger Canada / Action contre la Faim Canada

Report To: Partnership Development Manager

Location: Toronto, Ontario (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-time, 1-year contract with a possibility of extension.

Start Date: May 2025

Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Salary: 73,000 to 78,000 CAD

ABOUT ACTION AGAINST HUNGER

Founded in 1979, Action Against Hunger is a global humanitarian organization that takes decisive action against the causes and effects of hunger. Our mission is to save the lives of severely malnourished children while helping communities become self-sufficient. Recognized as a world leader in the fight against malnutrition, Action Against Hunger has pursued its vision of a world without hunger for almost four decades, combating hunger in emergency situations of conflict, natural disasters, and chronic food insecurity. With more than 8,000 staff in nearly 50 countries, our programs in nutrition, food security, livelihoods, water, sanitation, and hygiene reach more than 20 million people each year.

ABOUT ACTION AGAINST HUNGER CANADA

With an annual Budget of $46million and a staff strength of nearly 40 people, Action Against Hunger Canada (est. in 2006) works tirelessly in the fight against hunger globally through our specialized nutrition technical programs that build the knowledge and skills of nutrition and public health professionals worldwide for the detection, treatment and prevention of malnutrition.  We are a leading recipient of funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and advocate for changes to policy and practice in support of better nutrition and increased food security. Our collaborative programmatic model brings together communities, civil society, government, and the international assistance community to work jointly on fundamental public health issues that contribute to hunger in this world. 

Our leading-edge programs have been built on the foundations of technical excellence, rigour and innovative practice over many years.  We are experts in nutrition information systems, emergency nutrition and gender equality.  Action Against Hunger Canada plays a hosting role to two significant global programs (SMART and the Global Nutrition Cluster Operations Team Programme Support) that provide guidance, tools and training in the areas of nutrition data collection and analysis and best practices for emergency nutrition service delivery for hundreds of Governments, civil society organizations and international organizations worldwide.  Our programs support the capacity of public health professionals who deliver lifesaving and long-term initiatives in communities globally. We also work towards sustainable transformative health system strengthening in all our efforts to ensure a long-lasting impact together with our partners, including members of the Humanitarian Coalition. As a member of the Action Against Hunger International Network, we also provide a range of technical support for the mainstreaming of gender equality across our programs and operations worldwide. Our commitments towards a gender transformative approach are integrated into our core health programming and our technical support to our International Network. 

To learn more about Action Against Hunger, visit our website at www.actionagainsthunger.ca

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Senior Partnerships Officer supports the business development efforts of the organization by securing restricted funding, working in close collaboration with Action Against Hunger Canada Programs and Technical teams, and in coordination with the Fundraising and Communications team. The role is primarily focused on business development opportunities for Action Against Hunger Canada’s technical programming with Canadian and international institutional and private donors offering restricted funding. The role will also support business development with Canadian donor agencies for domestic programming in Canada, and for international programming led by the Action Against Hunger International Network as required.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Contribute to Action Against Hunger Canada’s Business Development Efforts

• Contribute to the development and implementation of Action Against Hunger Canada’s global business development strategy for restricted funding in collaboration with Programs and Technical teams, and in close coordination with the Fundraising and Communications department.
• Provide business development guidance to the relevant teams of the organization with a specific focus on Action Against Hunger Canada’s Technical Department, working in close coordination with the Fundraising and Communications department for private funding.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of a mapping, prioritization, and strategic engagement plan for relevant Canadian and international public and private restricted donors, with a particular focus on opportunities for Action Against Hunger Canada’s technical programming.
• Support the development of a pipeline of upcoming funding and partnership opportunities for both the Programs and Technical Departments, working in close coordination with the Fundraising and Communications department for private funding.
• Ensure all relevant business development tracking tools and guidelines are kept up to date and develop new tools according to needs identified.

Coordination of Proposal Development

• Provide specific guidance and support to Action Against Hunger Canada teams relating to proposal development as well as donor requirements and expectations.
• Lead on specific proposal development processes for Action Against Hunger Canada’s technical programming, ensuring that clear timelines, deliverables, as well as roles and responsibilities are established and followed.
• Lead on specific proposal processes for Action Against Hunger Canada’s domestic programming, in close coordination with Programs, Technical, as well as Fundraising and Communications teams.
• Provide support to specific proposal processes targeting Canadian institutional donors for International Network programming as required and delegated by the Partnership Development Manager.
• Ensure quality control of project proposals, including coherence and logic in project design, as well as adherence to donor requirements and Action Against Hunger Canada’s standards.
• Contribute to the preparation and updating of a portfolio of proposal development guidance documents and tools for Action Against Hunger Canada and International Network teams, specifically relating to Canadian donor agencies.

External Engagement and Representation

• Contact potential donor agencies to introduce the work performed by Action Against Hunger Canada and its International Network and inquire about funding opportunities, under the supervision of the Partnership Development Manager and in close coordination with the Fundraising and Communications Department.
• Support Action Against Hunger Canada’s Technical Department in discussing opportunities with donors and partners.
• Work with the Fundraising and Communications Department on adapting, strengthening and rolling out new and existing fundraising tools targeting donor agencies.
• Participate in discussions on partnership opportunities with donor agencies, mobilizing relevant participation of colleagues from Action Against Hunger Canada and its International Network.
• Identify and explore partnership opportunities for the development of Action Against Hunger’s domestic programming in Canada.
• Represent Action Against Hunger Canada in events and meetings with prospective donor agencies as required.
• Participate in discussions on potential partnerships with other INGOs, research, academia and private sector organizations to support the effective delivery of Action Against Hunger Canada’s strategy.
• Contribute to International Network donor relations strategies, processes and tools as delegated by the Partnerships Development Manager.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Collaboration: Collaboration involves effectively working with others, being a team player, and enhancing the quality of work by contributing effectively to others' efforts. It entails fostering cooperation and partnerships among individuals and groups, both within and outside the organization. Collaboration is the mindset of "What’s in it for the team and the organization?" versus "What’s in it for me?”.
• Communication: Communication is the ability to convey and receive information clearly and effectively with the consideration of the audience and their points of view. It includes active listening and employing tact and diplomacy in all forms of communication, whether verbally or in writing, to transmit ideas and information effectively and ensure comprehension by the intended audience.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Flexibility and Adaptability is the ability to swiftly adapt one's behaviour to meet the evolving demands of a dynamic work environment. It involves recognizing and valuing diverse and conflicting perspectives, adjusting one's approach as circumstances evolve, and embracing changes in organizational or job requirements with ease.
• Initiative: Initiative is the ability to assess situations, address conflicts, and proactively act on future opportunities or problems. It is the strong inclination toward taking action and actively engaging in tasks rather than merely contemplating them.
• Integrity and Trust: Integrity and Trust is the demonstration of respect, honesty, and transparency in all interactions to earn and maintain credibility and confidence. It entails a commitment to being reliable and accountable for own words and actions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline in a field related to social sciences, development or public health.
• Minimum of 3-4 years working with an international organization in a business development or program development position.
• Demonstrable business development skills, including concept, proposal and budget development, partnership brokering and donor intelligence.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES

• Fluency in English and French in both oral and written communications. Proficiency in Spanish will be considered an asset.
• Strong understanding of humanitarian principles and current global sectoral issues.
• Experience developing and maintaining strong partnerships with Canadian and international donor agencies.
• Strong understanding of Canadian funding agency rules and expectations for humanitarian and development proposals and programming.
• Experience working with other major international public and private donor agencies.
• Experience building partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, with an understanding of localization and power-shifting trends.
• Demonstrated understanding of the creation of an enabling environment for gender equality and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse in humanitarian or development programming
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including demonstration of cultural awareness, diplomacy and tact
• Ability to work independently and under tight deadlines, and to multitask
• Patience, positive attitude and strong interpersonal and coordination skills
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office Applications

WORK CONDITIONS

• Office setting or work from home.
• Occasional domestic and international travel for intermediate duration (up to 2 weeks).
• Required to be seated whilst completing computer and desk-based tasks for long periods.

At Action Against Hunger Canada, we are dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals from BIPOC communities, LGBTQ2S+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity-deserving groups. If you are invited to proceed with the selection process, please inform our human resources representative of any accommodation or special measures you may require.

Action Against Hunger Canada is committed to promoting the well-being of people around the world and focuses its efforts on saving lives through the elimination of hunger. To that end, we uphold the principles of Independence, Neutrality, Non-discrimination, Unrestricted Access to Humanitarian Assistance, Professionalism, and Transparency in all our operations. We have ZERO TOLERANCE towards any behaviour violating our Code of Conduct, including workplace violence, harassment, sexual harassment, any form of exploitation or abuse, corruption, fraud, and any behaviour lacking integrity.

Action Against Hunger Canada is committed to safeguarding children and adults in the communities where we work. Our safeguarding commitment is to ensure that children and adults are protected from both deliberate and unintentional harm or abuse caused by Action Against Hunger Canada staff, including the Prevention from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).

In an effort to safeguard children and adults in communities that we work with, our offers of employment and volunteering are conditional on successfully clearing background checks that may include, but are not limited to, criminal record, vulnerable sector, and employment reference checks. Additionally, Action Against Hunger Canada participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. As part of this scheme, we will request information from your previous employers regarding any findings of sexual exploitation, abuse, and/or harassment during your tenure, as well as any ongoing investigations at the time of your departure. By submitting an application, you confirm your understanding and acceptance of these background checks and provide your consent for the collection and disclosure of your personal information for the purpose of these background checks.

If you are interested in this position, please apply online by April 25, 2025.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

• Vacation: 1-2 years: 3 weeks, 2-4 years: 4 weeks, 5+ years: 5 weeks
• Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan (after 3 months of employment)
• Retirement Savings Plan (after 1 year of employment)
• 13 paid holidays per year
• Paid time off (Personal and Sick Days)