Cordaid is an international organisation for development and humanitarian assistance, working especially in fragile and conflict-affected regions. Guided by Christian values of human dignity, justice and compassion, we work towards a world without poverty and with equitable opportunities for all.
More than 1.9 billion people live in fragile contexts where access to essential services and opportunities is limited. Together with our partners, we support locally led programmes that strengthen healthcare, education, agrifood and justice systems. When crises occur, we work alongside local organisations to provide humanitarian assistance. Cordaid is headquartered in the Netherlands and operates in 15 countries across Africa and Asia.
Our Regional Cores serve as the strategic integrators of Cordaid's work, connecting partner priorities, regional opportunities, and organisational capabilities to strengthen locally led development and humanitarian action. The Regional Core works interdependently with External Engagement & Relations, Humanitarian Assistance, Global Practices & Standards, and Shared Services to ensure coherent, high-quality, and sustainable regional impact. Rather than directly managing implementation, we enable partners to lead by ensuring they have strategic support, organisational capabilities, and enabling environment needed to succeed.
Local Partnership Advisor
(Fulltime, based in one of Cordaid offices worldwide)
As our strategically minded Local Partnership advisor, you join our Regional Core leadership team. In this central and impactful senior role, you will strengthen strategic partnerships, steward programme portfolios, and ensure that Country Engagement Models are implemented effectively across the region, keeping local partners at the centre of programme delivery. You report directly to the Regional Director.
What you do
Partnership Stewardship: Lead the development of strong, equitable, and long-term partnerships with local organisations. Promote mutual accountability, trust, and shared learning, and represent Cordaid in strategic dialogues with key regional partners.
Portfolio Leadership & Performance: Provide strategic oversight to the countries' programme portfolios. Monitor portfolio health, quality, and sustainability, ensure alignment with regional strategies, and lead portfolio reviews to drive evidence-informed decisions.
Country Engagement Models: Lead the implementation and coordination of Country Engagement Models across the region. Adapt engagement approaches to local contexts and partner capacities and manage transitions between different engagement models.
Partner Capacity & Localisation: Strengthen the organisational capacity of local partners, promote locally led development principles, facilitate peer learning, and support regional innovation and localisation commitments.
Cross-Domain Leadership: Collaborate closely with the Regional Business Development Manager, Regional Finance & Operations Manager, Regional Humanitarian Manager, and global units (Shared Services, Global Practices) to ensure integrated, responsive support for partners.
Representation & Strategic Engagement: Represent the Regional Core with partners, regional institutions, and strategic networks. Promote Cordaid’s regional positioning and strengthen collaboration across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus.
People Leadership & Culture: Create an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing culture within the Regional Core. Coach staff, promote accountability, and model Cordaid’s values and leadership behaviours.
Who you are
You have a Master's degree in International Development, Public Administration, Political Science, Social Sciences, or a related discipline.
At least 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in international development or humanitarian organisations.
Extensive experience working through local partners, managing complex regional or multi-country portfolios, and steering multi-stakeholder partnerships.
A strong understanding of locally led development, partnership approaches, strategic planning, and organisational development.
A proven track record in leading organisational change in complex environments and engaging effectively with institutional donors and regional stakeholders.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence without authority.
Strong competencies in systems thinking, adaptive leadership, political awareness, and collaborative decision-making.
You are fluent in English. Knowledge of additional regional languages is a distinct advantage.
You recognize yourself in Cordaid’s mission and values.
What we offer
A key senior leadership position within an international, professional organisation with a focus on social impact.
A varied, highly impactful role where partnership stewardship and strategic portfolio management are central.
Hybrid working conditions and a market-conform contract with employment terms and conditions aligned with the responsibilities of the position.
More information
Applications, including a motivation letter and CV in English for the attention of Christèle Coutureau, HR Advisor, including the contact details of references at the last two employers can be uploaded through our website by clicking on the 'Apply now' button.
For information on the content of the advertised position, you may contact Liliane Bitong Ambassa via [email protected].
Your application must be received by 16 August 2026 at the latest.
Cordaid is fully committed to a safe working environment and the highest integrity standards. To read more on our commitment to Integrity, click here: https://www.cordaid.org/en/who-we-are/integrity-and-code-of-conduct/An integrity screening will be part of this application procedure. Cordaid signed up to the IASC Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.
An assessment and / or a presentation of a “case study” can be part of the selection procedure.
Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.