Strategic Partnership Coordinator

Brief description of JAAGO Foundation Trust

JAAGO Foundation Trust is dedicated to combating illiteracy and malnutrition among underprivileged children in Bangladesh, focusing on creating a society free from exploitation and discrimination, aiming to improve social conditions through education and youth empowerment.

JAAGO Foundation Trust collaborates with various local and international organizations to enhance its impact. It adheres to values of mutual respect, justice, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that all activities align with its mission to improve the lives of disadvantaged communities.

Committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct, JAAGO Foundation Trust has robust policies to address issues like fraud, corruption, and sexual exploitation. Through its diverse programs and initiatives, JAAGO Foundation Trust continues to make significant strides in empowering underprivileged children and fostering sustainable development in Bangladesh.

Position Summary

An experienced and relationship-driven professional with a proven track record in partnership development and stakeholder engagement, particularly within the region of Sunamganj. The Strategic Partnerships Coordinator will focus on building partnerships with government authorities, local organizations, and private sector partners. The goal is to create employment opportunities and economic initiatives that support girls and young women. This role requires a deep understanding of local dynamics, experience in partnership building, and a commitment to promoting sustainable, community driven change.

Job Responsibilities

A. Government and Regional Authority Partnerships:

• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with government officials, including those in the Women and Child Affairs, Education, and local administrative departments.
• Collaborate with regional authorities to align project activities with local government initiatives and policies on child rights and protection.
• Advocate for project goals related to child marriage prevention, securing government support and active involvement in project activities.
• Represent JAAGO and the Maitree Project at government meetings, forums, and events, enhancing project visibility and government engagement.

B. Private Sector Engagement:

• Identify and build partnerships with local private sector organizations to create employment opportunities and internships for girls and young women.
• Develop a network of private sector partners committed to supporting the project’s objectives by providing economic empowerment opportunities for beneficiaries.
• Collaborate with business leaders and local entrepreneurs to establish economic opportunities in fields like vocational training, small business support, and apprenticeships.
• Ensure that private sector partnerships are sustainable and align with the project’s goals, focusing on long-term opportunities for girls to achieve financial independence.

C. Partnership Development with Local Organizations:

• Partner with local non-profits, community-based organizations, and youth-led groups to enhance community support for the project.
• Work with regional NGOs to coordinate on economic development initiatives for girls and young women, particularly those aimed at reducing child marriage by increasing financial independence.
• Develop shared strategies and joint activities with partner organizations to amplify project impact.

D. Capacity Building and Support for Partners:

• Provide training and support to local partners, ensuring they understand and can effectively implement child rights and economic empowerment activities.
• Conduct regular follow-ups with partners to ensure alignment with project goals, providing guidance and resources as needed.
• Support local partners in establishing community advocacy initiatives and economic programs aligned with the project’s mission.

E. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting on Partnerships:

• Track and assess the effectiveness of partnerships, documenting contributions, challenges, and outcomes.
• Regularly report on partnership activities, including progress on employment opportunities created and support provided by government agencies.
• Work with the MEL team to incorporate partnership metrics into overall project evaluation and impact assessment.

F. Event Coordination and Advocacy Support:

• Plan and coordinate events, workshops, and roundtables that engage stakeholders, including government authorities, private sector leaders, and community organizations.
• Collaborate with the Advocacy and Communications team to promote the project’s achievements and foster community support.
• Organize community dialogue sessions with stakeholders to build awareness and foster support for child marriage prevention initiatives.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Administration, Development Studies, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in partnership development, community engagement, or stakeholder management, with a focus on government and private sector relationships.
• Proven experience working in the Sunamganj region or similar areas, with an understanding of local socio-economic dynamics.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with fluency in both English and Bengali.
• Familiarity with the private sector landscape and government structures within the child rights, education, and economic development sectors in Bangladesh.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

Skills and other competencies:

• Relationship Building: Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, from government officials to private sector leaders.
• Strategic Thinking: Skilled at identifying partnership opportunities that align with project objectives and creating sustainable solutions.
• Advocacy and Influence: Experienced in advocating for project goals and engaging stakeholders in meaningful ways to support child rights.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Flexible and proactive in addressing partnership challenges and optimizing solutions.
• Community Awareness: Deep understanding of the socio-cultural and economic landscape of Sunamganj and similar regions.