Partnerships Manager

Job Description

KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Partnerships Manager
Sector: Gender-Based Violence Prevention
Duration/Level of Effort: Full-time Position
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Deadline to apply: 24/June/2025


SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
The Southeast Asia Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention Platform is a pivotal initiative supported by a AUD20 million investment from the Australian Government over five years (2024 to 2029). The Platform aims to enhance GBV prevention efforts across Southeast Asia by fostering collaboration among governments, civil society organisations, international bodies, and other stakeholders. We are guided by the principles of being locally driven, evidence-based, inclusive and diverse, survivor-centred and trauma informed, adaptable, collaborative, minimising harm, accessible and innovative. We seek to build capacity, amplify evidence, and innovate in the prevention of GBV.    


SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
Based in Bangkok and reporting to the Partnerships Advisor, the Partnerships Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management of partnership agreements, project managing grants to ensure they remain on track, and compliant with Cowater and DFAT policies and processes. The Partnerships Manager will support the Partnerships Advisor by managing the administration of grant application processes, grantee due diligence, collecting and processing partner reports, and identifying and mobilising technical and other support to partners upon request. The Partnership Manager plays a critical role in liaising with the Platform operations and finance staff for efficient grant administration.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Establishment of partnerships and grant management processes
Support the development of the Platform Grants Management system including procedures and management protocols, in line with Cowater and DFAT policies.

• Support the development of partnership agreement templates for the different types and sizes of partnership grants (e.g. project-based, output-based or input-based).
• Coordinate with Management Information Systems (MIS) Specialist and website developer to ensure that both online platforms support the partnerships and granting process (e.g. application portal on the website; data collection and management of grant finance and reporting in the MIS).
• Administer the various processes and channels for grant applications (expect a combination of open calls and targeted outreach).
• Establish and manage relationship with other funder(s) to support targeted outreach approach and for sharing of potential grantee’s due diligence information.

Partnerships administration

• Review applications to support shortlisting processes for open calls.
• Respond to all unsuccessful applicants to share outcomes of the process.
• Administer due diligence processes.
• Liaise regularly with the Grants Officer to understand the financial progress and risks associated with each grant and support the efficient administration of grant disbursements.
• Draft partnership agreements with guidance from the Partnerships Advisor.
• Support logistics and administration of co-creation processes between grantee partners and Pillar leads.
• Lead day-to-day management of grants, keeping the Partnerships Advisor abreast of any new or emerging risks related to grants.
• Liaise with partners to collect and collate regular reporting and administration data.
• Manage feedback mechanisms for partners.
• Support the close-out of grants, including all final administration and reporting requirements and celebrating the partner’s achievements.

Planning and reporting

• Actively participate in annual work planning exercises for the Platform, supporting the development of the work plan for the Partnerships team.
• Contribute to ad hoc reports on grants as requested by the Partnerships.
• Provide progress updates to the Advisory Committee during Committee meetings.
• Contribute to all other Partnerships deliverables and reports as requested by the Partnerships Advisor.

Qualifications and Competencies:

• A bachelor’s degree
• At least 5 years of DFAT program management and administration experience.
• Demonstrated project management skills including maintaining work plans and budgets, reporting, administration and logistics coordination. 
• Experience in areas of operations management, including finance, administration, logistics, human resources and partnership/contract management.
• Demonstrated commitment to feminist principles, locally led development, and inclusive practices. 
• Experience managing partnerships and/or grants with diverse organisations. 
• Experience liaising with DFAT and applying DFAT policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with MEL systems, outcome tracking, or learning documentation. 
• Proven ability to effectively provide administrative support and to accurately report project outputs and outcomes. 
• Excellent interpersonal, writing, and coordination skills. 
• Ability to work both independently and in a diverse and collaborative team environment.  
• Proficiency in English and at least one Southeast Asian language, both written and oral. 
  
  

APPLICATION PROCESS
This position is open for citizens of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. We will not consider applicants from other regions/countries.  
We strongly encourage applications from women in all their diversity, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those from historically marginalized or underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the values of gender equality and intersectionality. 
Candidates are encouraged to apply by 24/06/2025. For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as follows: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.  
To apply, please submit the following:

• Updated CV that highlights relevant experiences and achievements vis-a-vis this job description
• Cover letter outlining your interest and suitability in the role.

Equal Opportunity:
Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring based on merit and qualifications. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law. 

Salary Information
This position offers a salary within the range of AUD 4,000 - AUD 5,500 per month, based on the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.

For More Information:  For further details or to apply, please contact collaborate@prevention-platform.org or visit www.prevention-platform.org.  Join us in driving impactful GBV prevention efforts in Southeast Asia! 

About the Organization

ABOUT US
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017. 

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.