Partnership Manager

Total LandCare (TLC) is a registered non-governmental organization founded in 1999. With its headquarters in Malawi, TLC is also registered and operating in Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia. TLC’s mission is to transform the livelihoods of rural households from subsistence to prosperity and selfreliance. Achieving this goal involves building the capacity of organized groups of farmers and cooperatives to integrate sustainable agricultural and natural resource practices with initiatives to strengthen livelihoods and value chains linked to micro-finance and markets. The ultimate aim is to increase farm productivity, diversification, profitability and resilience with lower input costs and sound management of the landscapes for current and future generations.

With funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), TLC in partnership with Winrock International will be implementing The Market Transitions to Enable New Growth Opportunities (MTENGO) project. MTENGO is a five year USDA-funded project which will be implemented in the Northern and Central regions of Malawi, specifically in Rumphi, Mzimba, Nkhata-bay and Ntchisi districts.

The project uses a farmer-first approach grounded in market incentives to increase resource-efficient, reliable production from Malawian agriculture in the face of climate unpredictability. MTENGO’s approach will enable farmers to:

1. Diversify and achieve stable returns from their farming portfolio through climate smart farming by responding to market demands with diversified production;
2. Increase access to water for productive purposes through improved water management practices;
3. Make ecosystem services work for farmers by improving farmer access to, and collective management of, water, soil, and forest products; and
4. Increase access to markets and finance so farmers can make climate smart investments.

TLC is, therefore, seeking a dynamic and experienced Partnership Manager to lead and grow our strategic partnerships.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for identifying, developing, strengthening, managing and nurturing collaborative relationships with partners and key stakeholders. She/he will work closely with MTENGO’s technical team to ensure alignment between partnership goals and the project’s objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Partnership Strategy Development:

• Lead MTENGO in developing systematic approaches to selecting partners, and in identifying and pursuing strategy. ultivare ind buid strong partnerships with external organizations, including value chain players in the value chains of banana, soybeans, chili, and honey; private sector actors and offtakers in the respective value chains; government organizations, businesses, financial institutions, extension service providers and other relevant entities aligned with the project’s mission and goals.
• Develop and implement partnership strategies and approaches to achieve the project’s objectives.
• Analyse market trends and competitor activities to identify new opportunities for collaboration.
• Collaborate with the technical team, the Grants Manager, and the Chief of Party to develop and execute partnership strategies, ensuring alignment with the project’s objectives and driving mutually beneficial outcomes.

Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for partners, managing and ensuring clear communication and alignment, supervising agreements, and collaborations to ensure successful outcomes for all parties involved.
• Negotiate partnership agreements, including terms, conditions, and deliverables.
• Regularly assess the health and performance of partnerships.
• Assess the current partnership’s portfolio identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, to document lessons learned and inform management to make adjustments as needed.

Project Management

• Oversee the implementation of partnership initiatives, ensuring projects are completed on time and within scope.
• Review partnership management practices; identify and follow up on actions to improve management practices Resolve any issues or conflicts that arise during partnership execution.
• Monitor and report on partnership performance, providing insights and recommendations for improvement.

Performance Analysis

• Track and measure the impact of partnerships on the project’s indicators.
• Prepare regular reports and presentations for senior management on partnership performance.
• Provide recommendations for optimizing existing partnerships and pursuing new opportunities.

Opportunity Identification

• Proactively seek out new partnership opportunities, conduct market research, and stay abreast of the four value chain trends to identify potential areas for collaboration and growth.

Cross-functional collaboration

• Work closely with all departments to leverage partnerships for mutual success and maximize impact.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field. MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in partnership management, business development, or a related field. Private sector experience will be an asset.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and scaling strategic partnerships.
• Experience in negotiating and managing contracts and agreements.
• Excellent written and oral communication skill in English required.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels.
• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to identify opportunities and develop effective strategies.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to assess performance data and make data-driven decisions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Technical Proficiency

Proficiency in Microsoft applications, online business tools, and other relevant business tools.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR THE POST

A competitive salary package will be provided to successful candidates, reflecting their qualifications and experience.

The contract is for one year, with the possibility of annual renewal based on performance and funding availability.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Those interested and qualified, both male and female, are encouraged to apply. TLC is an equal opportunity employer encouraging women and the youth to join its professional workforce that can deliver on this MTENGO project. Send your application which should include a cover letter, a detailed CV with three traceable and verifiable professional references, photocopies of certificates, and a copy of their National ID to the address below or via email to tlc_humanresources@tlcmw.org by September 20, 2024.

Applications sent through the Post Office should clearly indicate the position title as advertised and sent to the address below. Only those selected for further consideration will be notified.

Total LandCare
Plot #12/520, New Area 12,
P.O. Box 2440,
Lilongwe
MALAWI