Mission
The Contract Management & Liaison division functions as the primary intermediary between Member Associations (MA’s) and the International Development Support (IDS) teams. This department oversees the entire support delivery process, encompassing strategic planning, contract administration, delivery coordination, and post-delivery follow-up. It guarantees that MA’s’ expressed needs are converted into precise support requests, secure funding arrangements, and aligned capacity. By maintaining a comprehensive perspective on MA engagements, the team ensures seamless cross-functional coordination, consistent stakeholder relationship management, and alignment with organizational objectives. The objective is to deliver timely, cohesive, and impactful support to MA’s, while fostering efficient planning, governance adherence, regulatory compliance, and transparent reporting—ultimately strengthening trusted partnerships to advance the broader SOS mission.
The Head of the Contract Management & Liaison (CML) Unit offers strategic direction, governance oversight, and centralized coordination for IDS contractual engagements throughout the federation. This role spearheads the federation-wide orchestration of strategic support and service agreements, cooperation frameworks, externally funded initiatives, and operational partnership frameworks between IDS, Member Associations (MA’s), Promoting & Supporting Associations (SAS), donors, and internal stakeholders.
This role oversees the integrated IDS engagement, encompassing Member Association liaison frameworks, coordinated support planning, demand capture methodologies, strategic portfolio oversight, governance structures, operational escalation protocols, and digital contract management systems.
This role serves as a pivotal liaison and relationship manager within IDS, aligning federation objectives, IDS priorities, contractual obligations, operational execution, financial viability, and stakeholder engagement. In collaboration with the IDS Leadership Team, the position delivers strategic guidance to the COO and senior leadership on contracting frameworks, market access (MA) engagement dynamics, demand forecasting for services, risk mitigation in operations, coordinated delivery efforts, and the long-term sustainability of partnerships across the federation ecosystem.
This position spearheads the ongoing advancement of the federation’s unified contract management infrastructure, encompassing governance frameworks, digital solutions, reporting systems, demand capture methodologies, support planning coordination, and strategic portfolio management oversight.
Oversee and execute a comprehensive range of duties and obligations, including but not limited to strategic planning, operational oversight, and project management. Ensure adherence to organizational policies, industry regulations, and quality standards while fostering collaboration across departments. Develop, implement, and monitor key performance indicators to drive efficiency and continuous improvement. Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and documentation to support decision-making and stakeholder communication. Identify and mitigate risks, troubleshoot issues, and implement corrective actions as necessary. Lead cross-functional teams, delegate responsibilities, and provide mentorship to enhance team capabilities and productivity. Stay current with emerging trends, best practices, and technological advancements to maintain a competitive edge.
Strategic leadership and coordination of federation contracting initiatives are essential responsibilities of this role. This position requires the ability to guide cross-functional teams toward achieving long-term organizational objectives while ensuring compliance with contractual obligations. Key duties include overseeing contract negotiations, fostering collaborative partnerships, and aligning federation strategies with broader business goals. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical skills, exceptional negotiation abilities, and a track record of driving successful outcomes in complex contractual environments.
Provide overarching strategic guidance and leadership to the CML unit, steering its direction and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Oversee and coordinate a globally dispersed CML team functioning within a multifaceted international matrix structure.
Supply strategic leadership, mentorship, prioritization, and performance management to MA’s Relationship Advisors, contracting advisors, and coordination staff.
Provide strategic guidance to the COO, Executive Board, and IDS Leadership Team on matters concerning contractual governance, operational coordination, and Member Association relationships.
Foster robust collaboration and strategic alignment among IDS, MA’s, SAS, donors, and internal support systems to ensure cohesive operations and shared objectives.
Deliver strategic analyses, prepare concise briefing materials, conduct comprehensive risk assessments, and perform scenario modeling to enhance leadership decision-making processes.
Experienced professionals are sought to spearhead the oversight and strategic direction of contract portfolios, ensuring robust governance frameworks are established and maintained. The role demands a deep understanding of contract lifecycle management, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation strategies to safeguard organizational interests. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing governance policies, overseeing contract negotiations, and monitoring performance metrics to drive operational excellence. Candidates must possess strong leadership skills, exceptional analytical abilities, and a proven track record in contract administration or related fields. Proficiency in contract management software and a keen eye for detail are essential to execute duties effectively.
Strategically oversee the IDS agreement portfolio, encompassing Support Domain Agreements (SDA), Cooperation Agreements (CA), Externally Funded Agreements (EFA), and Actual Use Agreements (AU) frameworks.
Oversee the seamless coordination of agreement lifecycles, spanning from initial demand capture through planning, implementation coordination, amendments, monitoring, reporting, and final closure.
Responsible for ensuring adherence to contract governance standards, maintaining compliance, managing risks, and facilitating escalation procedures across various types of agreements.
Collaborate effectively with Legal, Finance, and MA IDS Leads, alongside operational teams, to oversee high-level contractual negotiations and governance-related decisions.
Facilitate the standardization, streamlining, and ongoing enhancement of contracting and engagement processes throughout the IDS organization.
Capture demand forecasts, plan services, and coordinate operations to ensure seamless execution.
Facilitate organization-wide alignment and leadership in managing the demand capture and support planning processes for the IDS initiative.
Ensure that marketing analytics demand is strategically aligned with operational capacity, available resources, funding projections, and service delivery priorities.
Assist in developing scenario plans and operational models that address funding risks, trends in MA participation, and the sustainability of services.
Optimize support catalogues, service packages, operational coordination models, and engagement frameworks to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Medical Assistants in Liaison & Relationship Management roles serve as pivotal connectors between healthcare providers, patients, and administrative teams, fostering trust and streamlining communication. They cultivate and sustain professional relationships with internal departments and external partners to ensure seamless service delivery, aligning with organizational goals and compliance standards. Their responsibilities include resolving inquiries, addressing concerns, and mediating between parties to enhance collaboration and patient satisfaction. Additionally, they document interactions meticulously, maintain accurate records, and adhere to confidentiality protocols to uphold data integrity and regulatory requirements.
Spearhead the strategic management of relationships and liaison frameworks between IDS and Member Associations throughout the federation.
Act as the primary senior liaison for National Directors, MA leadership teams, SAS, and key federation stakeholders, focusing on IDS services, support frameworks, and operational coordination.
To maintain robust engagement and communication, follow up proactively, and ensure seamless relationship continuity with MA’s, oversee the entire support planning process, contract execution, implementation coordination, escalation management, and post-delivery follow-up.
Support the proactive identification and mitigation of relationship risks, operational challenges, funding uncertainties, and dissatisfaction trends, as well as escalation cases that necessitate leadership intervention.
Digital Innovation and Process Optimization
We are seeking a dynamic professional to drive digital innovation and enhance operational performance. The ideal candidate will lead strategic initiatives to modernize systems and processes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Responsibilities include identifying opportunities for improvement, implementing cutting-edge technologies, and fostering a culture of continuous enhancement. The role demands expertise in process optimization, change management, and technology integration, along with strong analytical and leadership capabilities to deliver measurable results.
Design, develop, and oversee dashboards, Power BI reports, advanced analytics tools, portfolio insights, and management information systems to drive data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency.
Drive forward modernization and digital transformation efforts focused on contract lifecycle management, ensuring seamless stakeholder coordination, real-time service tracking, workflow automation, secure e-signature solutions, and robust reporting systems.
Facilitate the deployment of unified digital systems to streamline operational coordination, enforce contract governance protocols, monitor effort tracking, and enhance portfolio management capabilities.
Drive operational excellence by streamlining engagement and coordination processes within the federation, enhancing simplification, scalability, and standardization.
Upholding safeguarding protocols and fostering a secure environment remain central responsibilities of the role. Ensuring compliance with established safety measures and cultivating a culture of vigilance are key duties within this position. The incumbent must actively contribute to maintaining a protected setting for all individuals involved.
As an employee or representative of SOS Children’s Villages, your role involves fostering and sustaining a secure and nurturing environment for both staff members and the individuals we support—including children, young people, and adult program participants. Your responsibilities include:
Adhere to the Code of Conduct at all times and consistently evaluate the safeguarding implications associated with your work.
Engage collaboratively in team discussions to proactively identify risks and contribute by implementing and sharing effective preventative and mitigation strategies.
Incorporate safeguarding principles consistently into your daily decision-making processes and operational duties.
Any safeguarding concerns must be reported without delay and in strict accordance with established protocols.
Foster a culture grounded in core values, uphold accountability at all levels, and enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy toward harm.
Experienced professionals are sought who possess the following qualifications: a minimum of five years in a relevant field, proficiency in industry-standard software tools, and a track record of delivering measurable results in prior roles. Applicants must demonstrate strong analytical capabilities, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams. Familiarity with project management methodologies, data analysis techniques, and compliance standards relevant to the industry is essential. A bachelor’s degree in a related discipline is required, while an advanced degree or relevant certifications may be advantageous. Candidates should exhibit adaptability to evolving business needs and a commitment to continuous professional development.
A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Development, Law, Finance, or a closely related discipline is required.
A postgraduate diploma or Master’s degree in Contract Management, Procurement, Project Governance, or a related discipline is advantageous. Professional certifications, such as the Contract Management Certification (CCMP) or its equivalent, Procurement certification, or Project Management certification (PMP/PRINCE2), are also highly valued.
The ideal candidate should possess a minimum of 8 to 10 years of professional experience, with at least 4 years in senior leadership or supervisory capacities such as Lead or Head of Unit roles, specifically within international NGOs, donor-funded programs, or other international organizations.
Professionals with a background in contract management, procurement, office administration, or business administration, particularly within the context of international NGOs or donor-funded initiatives, are encouraged to apply.
Proven ability to prepare, negotiate, and administer contracts while ensuring adherence to donor mandates and organizational guidelines.
Proven track record in executing compliance assessments, detecting potential risks, and implementing corrective actions to address identified concerns.
Professional Version:
This role involves familiarity with financial coordination responsibilities, including verifying budgets and evaluating the cost impacts of contractual decisions.
Proficient in financial management principles, with expertise in evaluating financial impacts, conducting cost-benefit analyses, and effectively managing budgetary considerations tied to contractual decisions.
Proven expertise in risk management and audit preparedness, with a strong track record of establishing and enhancing compliance frameworks and providing assistance during contract audits.
Technical Proficiency Requirements
Demonstrated expertise across a range of technical competencies, with proficiency levels varying by specialization. Competencies include, but are not limited to, proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++, as well as an understanding of databases like SQL or NoSQL. Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) and DevOps practices is required. Additionally, experience with frameworks for web development (e.g., React, Angular, or Django) and version control systems (e.g., Git) is essential. Proficiency with containerization tools (e.g., Docker) and CI/CD pipelines is highly desirable. A strong grasp of data structures, algorithms, and system design principles is also expected.
Contract lifecycle management and compliance demands a sophisticated level of expertise, requiring professionals to oversee the complete trajectory of agreements from inception to renewal or termination. Candidates must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of regulatory frameworks, ensuring adherence to legal standards and mitigating risk exposure. Responsibilities include drafting, negotiating, and finalizing contracts, as well as monitoring compliance with internal policies and external mandates. Proficiency in contract management software and a keen eye for detail are essential to identify discrepancies and enforce compliance at every stage.
Contract drafting, coordination, and negotiation at an intermediate level are required, encompassing the preparation, review, and management of legal agreements to ensure compliance and mitigate risks. This role involves collaborating with stakeholders to finalize terms, addressing discrepancies, and securing mutually beneficial outcomes while adhering to organizational policies and regulatory standards. Proficiency in legal terminology, strong analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex concepts effectively are essential for success in this position.
Skilled in facilitating negotiations and resolving disputes within complex, multi-stakeholder settings.
Intermediate-level responsibilities include managing contract amendment and renewal processes.
Intermediate-level expertise in compliance and governance frameworks is required, encompassing the development, implementation, and oversight of structured systems to ensure organizational adherence to regulatory standards and internal policies. Responsibilities include evaluating existing frameworks, identifying gaps or areas of non-compliance, and recommending corrective actions or enhancements to mitigate risk and align with industry best practices. Additionally, the role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to disseminate compliance requirements, conduct training sessions, and foster a culture of regulatory awareness across the organization. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards are essential for success in this position.
Proficiency in e-signature and workflow automation systems (such as DocuSign or Adobe Sign) is required, with a foundational understanding suitable for beginners.
Proficient in fostering collaborative environments, demonstrating exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to engage with stakeholders across all levels. Adept at problem-solving and analytical thinking, with a strong ability to adapt to dynamic situations and prioritize tasks effectively. Exhibits a proactive approach to continuous improvement, exhibiting a keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes. Strong organizational and time management capabilities ensure efficient handling of multiple responsibilities while maintaining a high standard of work.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities are essential, enabling the successful cultivation of relationships and the effective influence of various stakeholder groups.
Ensuring accountability and taking ownership of assigned contracts, maintaining strict adherence to accuracy and compliance requirements.
Proven negotiation skills essential for facilitating intricate discussions with a high degree of professionalism and tact.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential for navigating complex and ambiguous challenges with precision and adaptability.
Excellent organizational and meticulous attention to detail are essential to maintain precision, ensure adherence to compliance standards, and facilitate punctual delivery.
Individuals must possess strong cross-cultural competence and demonstrate the ability to collaborate efficiently with diverse international teams.
Demonstrates a capacity to adjust effectively to evolving priorities.
Strong emotional intelligence is essential, enabling the individual to accurately identify and positively address differing viewpoints with constructive responses.
Demonstrates a strong capacity to meet established contract key performance indicators, adhere to specified timelines, and ensure full compliance with applicable standards.
Ways of working include flexible arrangements to accommodate diverse schedules and preferences. Employees are expected to collaborate effectively within teams, utilizing digital communication tools and project management software. Regular meetings, both virtual and in-person, are conducted to ensure alignment on goals and progress. Additionally, a commitment to continuous learning and professional development is encouraged to stay current with industry trends and best practices.
Global collaboration and communication entails seamless interaction across diverse countries, cultures, and time zones, emphasizing clear communication, transparency, and a unified understanding among distributed teams.
You will engage in cross-functional collaboration by partnering with colleagues from diverse departments and specialized fields to integrate expertise, address challenges as a unified team, and achieve outcomes that align with the organization’s strategic objectives.
Effective collaboration in matrix organizations requires seamless interaction within both solid and dotted reporting structures by fostering transparent communication, harmonizing priorities with line and functional managers, and clarifying roles, responsibilities, and expectations to facilitate seamless cross-team execution.
To succeed in this role, you must demonstrate a high degree of flexibility and adaptability, proactively responding to shifting circumstances and recalibrating priorities, strategies, and collaborative methods in alignment with evolving project requirements, service needs, or organizational priorities.
Ownership and accountability involve assuming full responsibility for driving tasks and projects forward, anticipating and resolving challenges proactively, and guaranteeing that all commitments, decisions, and actions are executed to completion. Rather than relying on external guidance, you will take the initiative within your defined role to move initiatives forward efficiently and effectively.
Strengthening member associations and fostering their autonomy involves equitable sharing of knowledge, tools, and project-derived insights, empowering associations to enhance their capabilities and self-reliance through continuous learning from collective experiences.
Fostering a culture of open and constructive communication, this role champions ongoing feedback and transparency by ensuring data and insights are shared freely among teams and stakeholders, empowering them to evaluate, grow, and consistently enhance their performance and outcomes.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Diploma , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 - 10 years
