A JOB THAT INSPIRES YOU

Are you passionate about advancing localisation in humanitarian and development systems? Do you thrive in multi-stakeholder environments and enjoy shaping practical, evidence-based solutions? Are you motivated to strengthen equitable partnerships between national and international actors? If so, join our team.

Padova Consulting is seeking a qualified Localization & Partnerships Specialist to join our proposal team for an upcoming assignment as Strategic Research and Learning Partner for Localisation in Afghanistan. The role will contribute to shaping a high-quality technical proposal and, upon award, support the delivery of a strategic consultancy focused on localisation, partnerships, and system-level change.

Location: Afghanistan (Kabul preferred; combination of remote and in-country engagement)

Duration: Short-term consultancy (May – December 2026)

Benefits: Competitive consultancy fee; travel and accommodation support for in-country engagements (if applicable)

YOUR TASKS

As a Localization & Partnerships Specialist, you will play a key technical role in implementation. Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the development of a Strategic Action Plan (SAP) for localisation, with a focus on operationalizing partnership principles and actionable recommendations.
• Providing technical input into the design of a Monitoring and Results Framework (MRF), ensuring that localisation commitments are measurable and aligned with sector realities.
• Analyzing existing NGO–INGO partnership models, funding flows, and capacity-strengthening approaches to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities.
• Supporting the development of evidence and learning pieces, including topics such as the business case for localisation, partnership effectiveness, and innovative collaboration models.
• Facilitating and contributing to consultations, workshops, and validation sessions with NGOs, UN agencies, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Advising on principles of equitable partnership, including power-sharing, accountability, and locally led approaches.
• Collaborating closely with the Team Lead, research team, and client counterparts throughout the assignment.

A BACKGROUND THAT CONVINCES USYour Profile:

• Advanced degree in International Development, Humanitarian Affairs, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• 7–10+ years of professional experience in humanitarian or development programming, with a strong focus on localisation and partnerships.
• Demonstrated experience working with NGOs, INGOs, and/or coordination bodies on partnership frameworks and capacity strengthening.
• Strong understanding of the localisation agenda (e.g., Grand Bargain commitments, locally led development).
• Experience in the Afghanistan context or similar fragile and conflict-affected settings is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to contribute to high-quality proposals and technical frameworks.
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience working across diverse actor groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

READY FOR CHANGE?

Please submit your CV and a brief expression of interest to: hr@padua-consulting.com: Application deadline: 23 April 2026

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