Position Title:    Projects and Partnerships Manager –

Reports To:          CWS Regional Representative, Africa

Supervisees:       TBD

Division:            CWS Africa

Department        Humanitarian and Development

Job location:       Kananga, Kasai Centrale, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Grade:                      8, National

Position Type:    Full-Time

The Project and Partnership Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership for CWS projects and partnerships in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The role will oversee project design, implementation, monitoring, and expansion; strengthen relationships with partners and other key stakeholders; identify funding opportunities; and support sustainable organizational growth and impact. The position works in close collaboration with Kenya- and U.S.-based technical teams and receives dedicated support in MEAL, Communications, Business Development, Finance, HR, and other technical functions.

The position requires a dynamic professional with strong capabilities in project management, operational management, partnership development, donor engagement, and team leadership. The successful candidate must be able to operate effectively in complex, multicultural environments.

Key relationship,

Internal to CWS

• Project team members are in the field.
• CWS Humanitarian and Development Team
• CWS Admin and operations team
• Other team members in the programs team

External

• Vendors
• Communities
• Any other Partners in relation to his/her capabilities

Work Environment

• Field environment, Periodic travel to other field locations as may be required.

Project Management and Implementation  (30%)

• Lead the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects in line with organizational goals and donor requirements
• Develop and oversee project work plans, budgets, timelines, and performance indicators
• Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and achieve intended outcomes
• Monitor project risks and proactively implement mitigation measures and adaptive management protocols
• Coordinate project activities across teams, partners, and stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with donor regulations, organizational policies, and contractual obligations
• Manang a safe, accessible, and confidential community-based complaint mechanisms (CBCMs) for beneficiaries and partner staff
• Partner with supply chain teams to ensure procurement is timely as per the project implementation plans

Financial and Compliance Oversight  (10%)

• Monitor project budgets and expenditure against approved plans
• Support budget forecasting and financial reporting
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements, organizational policies, and local regulations
• Coordinate audits, assessments, and due diligence processes as needed
• Review partner reports to ensure accuracy and compliance

Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Reporting  (10%)

• Ensure robust monitoring and reporting systems are established and maintained
• Work closely with programme, MEAL, data, and communications teams to strengthen data utilization, reporting quality, knowledge management, and visibility of project results.
• Oversee the preparation of high-quality donor and management reports
• Analyze project performance data and recommend corrective actions where necessary
• Facilitate project reviews, evaluations, and learning processes
• Promote evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement
• Establish and maintain project knowledge framework in close collaboration with the MEAL team

Team Leadership and Capacity Building  (20%)

• Provide directions to project personnel; supervise project staff; and guide the engagement of consultants and partner personnel, where applicable.
• Promote innovation, peer learning, knowledge sharing, and the application of best practices and lessons learned across projects and partnerships
• Foster a high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive team culture
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance to staff and partners
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and staff performance management processes and act as a linkage with HR
• Strengthening partner and staff capacities through training and technical support

Safety and Security (5%)

• Serve as the first point of contact during security incidents, initiate the immediate response, and coordinate established crisis-management protocols.
• Conduct mandatory security briefings and orientations for all incoming staff, consultants, and visitors
• Maintain active networks with UN DSS, INSO, local authorities, community leaders, and humanitarian security forums
• Conduct safety and security risk assessments for all existing and new field deployment sites.

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement  (10%)

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with government agencies, donors, NGOs, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and private-sector stakeholders
• Serve as one of the key entry points for external stakeholders, seeking guidance and support in navigating opportunities to partner with CWS
• Representing the organization in sector working groups, coordination meetings, and relevant forums
• Coordinate partner capacity assessments, due diligence processes, and sub-grant agreements (SGAs) in alignment with CWS policies and procedures
• Develop and manage partnership agreements, MoUs, and collaboration frameworks
• Identify partnership risks and opportunities and recommend appropriate mitigation measures to strengthen organizational engagement and reputation
• Strengthening relationships with local implementing partners and support their capacity development
• Support the design and implementation of locally tailored partnership strategies aligned with country priorities and organizational objectives
• Promote fair representation and compensation of local partners within consortia and champion their visibility in donor discussions and coordination clusters.
• Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among project stakeholders

Business Development and Resource Mobilization (10%)

• Monitor donor priorities and emerging development opportunities in the DRC
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities from institutional donors, foundations, corporations, and development partners following CWS guidelines, working closely with both the regional office and key personnel in the US. The position will work closely with the regional and global Business Development teams to assess opportunities, coordinate submissions, and manage donor relationships.
• Lead or contribute to proposal development, concept notes, and grant applications. Proposal development will be undertaken in collaboration with regional and U.S.-based Business Development and Technical teams, which provide proposal writing, review, and donor engagement support.
• Prepare briefing materials, donor intelligence reports, and strategic analyses to identify funding gaps, emerging opportunities, and priority partnerships. Develop these materials in partnership with regional and global Business Development and Communications teams, providing country-level programme intelligence, funding-gap analysis, impact evidence, and content opportunities while specialist teams lead broader strategy, positioning, and external communications.
• Support donor engagement and relationship management activities. Coordinate with regional and global teams on donor engagement, partnership development, and growth opportunities, contributing country context and relationship management while drawing on their technical expertise and strategic support.
• Develop partnership strategies that contribute to organizational growth and sustainability.
• Provide programme updates, impact stories, lessons learned, and content opportunities to CWS Communications colleagues. Collaborate on visibility activities while dedicated Communications personnel lead communications strategy, branding, and external communications products.
• Perform any other duties as may be  assigned                                                                                          

Resources and Organizational Support (5%)

The Project and Partnerships Manager is supported by regional and global teams that provide technical expertise and surge capacity in the following areas:

• MEAL and Data Management
• Communications and Visibility
• Business Development and Proposal Development
• Finance and Compliance
• Human Resources
• Safety and Security

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, Project Management, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or a related field is required.
• Master's degree in international development, Project Management, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Public Policy or a related field is an added advantage

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in project management and partnership development within the development, humanitarian, or nonprofit organization is required.
• Demonstrated experience managing donor-funded projects is required.
• Proven track record in building strategic partnerships and mobilizing resources is required.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex stakeholder relationships is desirable.
• Professional fluency in both English and French (written and spoken) is required.
• Knowledge of local Congolese languages is an asset 

Skills:

• Strong project planning and management skills
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills
• Excellent partnership development and stakeholder engagement capabilities
• Experience in proposal development and grant management
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Good knowledge of Kenya rural areas.
• Strong computer skills, in particular Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook required.
• Excellent report writing skills are required
• Fluency in Tshiluba and French;English and/or Swahili is an asset.

Abilities:

• Carry out all the duties efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision.
• Take initiative.
• Maintain strict confidentiality with CWS Africa administrative and operational information.
• Manage a large and diverse workload under pressure with competing priorities.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment required while maintaining a high level of motivation,
• Effectively manage CWS Africa's resources.
• Maintain the integrity of official records.
• Analyse and solve complex problems and make sound decisions.
• Work independently and contribute to overall operations of CWS.
• Communicate in English, both written and oral.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and willingness to support CWS’ Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee required.

Important Requirements:

• Strong English communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment required.
• Remain alert and responsive to any child safeguarding and PSEAH (Prevention of Sexual, Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment) risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills which will enable you to promote strong safeguarding PSEAH practices, understand the child safeguarding and PSEAH Policies and procedures, and conduct yourself in a manner consistent with the Child Safeguarding and PSEAH Policies.

• The candidate should be in good health, willing and able to travel extensively in often difficult conditions, and have a high degree of flexibility. Must have proof of Yellow Fever vaccination before traveling for CWS
• This position is based in Kazumba territory.
• This position requires use of laptops at all time, competence in Microsoft office packages is required.
• This position may require travel in sub-Saharan Africa on short notice and under sometimes difficult conditions to meet demands of a dynamic operational program.
• Background check which includes references, and an educational and criminal check is required before the start of employment.
• A valid passport and the ability to maintain a valid passport throughout the entire appointment is required, which includes having enough passport pages for travel.
• Physical: This position requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, kneeling, sitting, standing, walking, pushing/pulling, handling objects (manual dexterity), reaching above shoulder level, using fine finger movements and lifting/carrying heavy loads.
• Environmental: Incumbents in this position will be exposed to excessive noise, marked changes in temperature and/or humidity, dust and infectious diseases, harsh weather climates, long work hours, bumpy roads, extended travel, excessive sun exposure, and non-ventilated spaces.
• The US Embassy rates DRC rates as security level 4; incumbents should exercise high level security precaution.
• This position is Full time
• All employees should be prepared to work from the CWS office within their location of hire. Remote work arrangements may vary depending on location and the governing rulings regarding the prevailing context.

Church World Service (CWS) is a faith-based global humanitarian organization dedicated to eradicating hunger, poverty, and displacement. Founded in 1946 in the wake of World War II, CWS brings together dozens of Christian denominations to provide disaster relief, sustainable community development, and robust refugee resettlement programs worldwide. Guided by a vision of a world where everyone has "food, voice, and a safe place to call home," the organization works alongside.