Mission
The Contract Management & Liaison team acts as the primary intermediary between Member Associations (MA’s) and the International Development Support (IDS) units. This team oversees the entire support delivery process, encompassing planning, contracting, coordination of services, and follow-up activities. It translates MA-initiated demands into well-defined support requests, establishes funding agreements, and aligns available resources. By maintaining a comprehensive perspective of MA engagements, the team facilitates seamless coordination across various support domains and ensures consistent relationship management with MA’s. Its objective is to deliver timely, coherent, and high-value support to MA’s while promoting efficient planning, robust governance, regulatory compliance, and transparent reporting. Additionally, the team fosters trusted partnerships to advance the broader SOS mission.
The Head of the Contract Management & Liaison (CML) Unit delivers strategic leadership, governance oversight, and centralized coordination for IDS contractual engagements across the entire federation. This position spearheads the federation-wide alignment of strategic support and service agreements, cooperation frameworks, externally funded initiatives, and operational partnership frameworks involving IDS, Member Associations (MA’s), Promoting & Supporting Associations (SAS), donors, and internal stakeholders.
This role oversees the end-to-end execution of the integrated IDS engagement, encompassing Member Association liaison frameworks, coordinated support planning, demand capture mechanisms, strategic portfolio governance, structured operational escalation protocols, and digital contract management systems.
This role serves as the primary liaison and relationship management hub within IDS, fostering alignment among federation objectives, IDS priorities, member commitments, contractual obligations, operational execution, financial viability, and stakeholder interactions. In close collaboration with the IDS Leadership Team, the position delivers strategic guidance to the COO and senior leadership on contracting frameworks, Member Association engagement dynamics, service demand optimization, operational risk mitigation, delivery synchronization, and the long-term sustainability of partnerships throughout the federation ecosystem.
This position spearheads the advancement of the federation’s unified contract management ecosystem, encompassing governance frameworks, digital solutions, reporting systems, demand capture methodologies, support planning coordination, and strategic portfolio oversight.
The primary duties and obligations involve performing a range of tasks to support operational efficiency and team objectives. Key responsibilities include managing daily workflows, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring adherence to established protocols. Additionally, the role requires maintaining accurate records, addressing stakeholder inquiries, and contributing to process improvements where feasible. Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment are essential, along with a commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy and professionalism.
Strategic leadership and coordination of federation contracting initiatives require a visionary approach to align organizational goals with procurement objectives. This role demands the ability to oversee complex contractual negotiations, ensuring compliance with federal and organizational standards while fostering collaborative partnerships across stakeholders. Responsibilities include developing and implementing strategic procurement frameworks, managing high-stakes vendor relationships, and driving cost-effective solutions that enhance operational efficiency. Candidates must possess a proven track record in contract management, exceptional negotiation skills, and the capacity to lead cross-functional teams through dynamic regulatory and market environments. A deep understanding of federal contracting policies, procurement laws, and strategic sourcing methodologies is essential, along with strong analytical and communication abilities to articulate value propositions and mitigate risks.
Offer strategic guidance and vision to the CML unit, overseeing leadership and management responsibilities for a globally dispersed team functioning within a multifaceted international matrix structure.
Offer strategic leadership, mentorship, and performance management to MA’s Relationship Advisors, contracting advisors, and coordination personnel, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational excellence.
Provide strategic guidance to the Chief Operating Officer, Executive Board, and IDS Leadership Team regarding contractual governance, operational coordination, and Member Association relationships.
Foster robust collaboration and ensure alignment among IDS, MA’s, SAS, donors, and internal support systems to drive cohesive outcomes and shared objectives.
Deliver strategic analysis, develop briefing materials, conduct risk assessments, and perform scenario modelling to aid executive decision-making.
Contract Portfolio Leadership & Governance
We are responsible for overseeing the strategic alignment and operational execution of our organization’s contract portfolio, ensuring compliance, optimizing value, and mitigating risks. This role involves establishing governance frameworks, defining clear policies and procedures, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to enhance contract performance and stakeholder satisfaction. Key responsibilities include leading contract negotiations, managing vendor relationships, and monitoring contract milestones to ensure timely delivery and adherence to terms. Additionally, the position requires strong analytical skills to assess contract risks, track performance metrics, and implement continuous improvement initiatives. A deep understanding of legal and regulatory requirements is essential to ensure compliance while driving efficiency and cost savings across the portfolio.
Strategically oversee the IDS agreement portfolio, encompassing Support Domain Agreements (SDA), Cooperation Agreements (CA), Externally Funded Agreements (EFA), and Actual Use Agreements (AU) frameworks.
Ensure seamless coordination throughout the entire lifecycle of agreements, from initial demand capture to planning, implementation, amendments, monitoring, reporting, and final closure.
Oversee the governance, compliance, risk management, and escalation protocols for all contract types, ensuring adherence to established standards and regulatory obligations.
Collaborate effectively with Legal, Finance, MA IDS Leads, and operational teams to address strategic contractual issues and ensure sound governance decisions.
Facilitate the standardization, streamlining, and ongoing enhancement of contracting and engagement processes throughout IDS.
Capture demand, plan services, and coordinate operations efficiently to ensure seamless workflow alignment and optimal resource utilization across all stages.
Direct responsibility for overseeing the entire IDS demand capture and support planning process at the federation level.
Drive alignment between MA demand forecasts, operational capacity, resource availability, funding projections, and service delivery priorities to support strategic objectives.
Assist in developing scenario plans and operational models that address funding risks, trends in member account participation, and the long-term viability of services.
Devise and implement strategies to enhance the efficiency of support catalogs, service packages, operational coordination frameworks, and client engagement models.
Medical Assistants specializing in Liaison and Relationship Management serve as pivotal connectors within healthcare teams, fostering seamless communication between patients, providers, and administrative staff. They are tasked with cultivating and maintaining strong relationships to enhance patient satisfaction and operational efficiency. Key responsibilities include coordinating care plans, ensuring timely follow-ups, and addressing patient inquiries with professionalism and empathy. Additionally, they facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration by bridging gaps between clinical and non-clinical departments. This role demands exceptional interpersonal skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex healthcare systems with ease. Strong organizational and multitasking capabilities are essential to manage diverse responsibilities effectively.
Lead the strategic framework for managing relationships and serving as a liaison between IDS and Member Associations within the federation.
As a senior engagement liaison, you will serve as the primary point of contact for National Directors, MA leadership teams, SAS, and key federation stakeholders, facilitating discussions and coordination related to IDS services, support frameworks, and operational processes.
Proactively engage, communicate, and follow up with MA’s to maintain seamless relationship continuity throughout all phases of support planning, contract execution, implementation coordination, escalation management, and post-delivery service follow-up.
Identify and address potential relationship risks, operational challenges, funding uncertainties, dissatisfaction trends, and escalation cases early, ensuring leadership intervention is provided as needed.
We seek a seasoned professional to spearhead digital transformation initiatives and drive operational excellence throughout the organization. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in implementing innovative digital strategies, optimizing workflows, and enhancing overall efficiency through technology adoption. Requirements include a minimum of eight years of relevant experience in a leadership role, expertise in change management, and proficiency in digital tools and platforms. Responsibilities encompass leading cross-functional teams, identifying opportunities for process improvement, and ensuring seamless integration of new technologies to align with strategic objectives. Additionally, the role demands strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Design and implement dashboards, Power BI reports, analytics tools, portfolio insights, and management information systems to drive data-driven decision-making and enhance organizational performance.
Spearhead modernization and digital transformation efforts for contract lifecycle management, collaborating with stakeholders to enhance service tracking, automate workflows, implement e-signature solutions, and develop robust reporting systems.
Facilitate the deployment of unified digital systems to streamline operational coordination, enforce contract governance protocols, monitor effort tracking mechanisms, and optimize portfolio management processes.
Drive initiatives to enhance operational excellence, streamline processes, ensure scalability, and establish standardized protocols across federation engagement and coordination activities.
To ensure compliance with safeguarding protocols and foster a secure environment, the role will involve upholding rigorous safeguarding standards. This includes actively promoting and maintaining a safe and supportive atmosphere for all stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on vigilance and adherence to best practices in safeguarding.
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 children, youth, and adult participants in our programs. Your responsibilities will include:
Demonstrate a steadfast commitment to adhering to the Code of Conduct while continuously evaluating and addressing the safeguarding implications inherent in your professional responsibilities.
Collaborate with team members in discussions to assess potential risks and contribute and implement preventive and risk mitigation strategies and tactics.
Incorporate safeguarding principles into your routine decisions and responsibilities consistently.
Promptly escalate safeguarding concerns while adhering to established protocols.
Foster a values-driven organizational culture, uphold strict accountability standards, and enforce a zero-tolerance policy toward harm.
The ideal candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as computer science, engineering, or finance, along with at least three years of experience in a related role. Proficiency in data analysis, project management, and advanced software tools is essential, as is strong problem-solving and communication skills. Familiarity with industry regulations and compliance standards is also required. The position demands the ability to work both independently and collaborate rally in a fast-paced environment, with a keen attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality results.
A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Development, Law, Finance, or a closely related discipline is required.
A relevant postgraduate diploma or Master’s degree in Contract Management, Procurement, Project Governance, or a closely related discipline is highly advantageous. Additionally, professional certifications such as the Contract Management Certification (CCMP) or an equivalent qualification, alongside Procurement or Project Management certifications like PMP or PRINCE2, are considered beneficial.
A minimum of 8 to 10 years of professional experience is required, with at least four years in senior leadership capacities such as Lead or Head of Unit roles. This background should encompass work within international NGOs, donor-funded initiatives, or other global organizations.
Skilled professionals with a proven track record in contract management, procurement, office administration, or business operations are sought, particularly those with experience in international NGOs or donor-funded initiatives.
Proven ability to prepare, negotiate, and oversee contracts in strict adherence to donor mandates and internal organizational guidelines.
Proven expertise in performing compliance reviews, assessing potential risks, and implementing effective mitigation strategies to ensure adherence to regulatory standards and organizational policies.
The role involves handling financial coordination activities, including verifying budgets and evaluating the cost impacts of contractual decisions.
Proven expertise in financial management principles, encompassing the evaluation of financial impacts, execution of cost-benefit analyses, and oversight of budgetary considerations tied to contractual resolutions.
Skilled in enhancing risk management frameworks and ensuring audit readiness through the development and execution of compliance initiatives, as well as providing assistance during contract audits.
Proficient in a range of technical skills, with demonstrated expertise in specific areas as follows: advanced proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools, including but not limited to Tableau and Power BI; strong command of programming languages such as Python and SQL for data manipulation and automation; experience with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure for scalable data storage and processing; familiarity with machine learning frameworks, including TensorFlow or PyTorch, for building predictive models; adept at using ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tools to integrate and process large datasets efficiently; solid understanding of database management systems, particularly relational databases like MySQL or PostgreSQL, and NoSQL databases such as MongoDB; capability to develop and deploy APIs using frameworks such as Flask or Django for seamless data integration; and hands-on experience with DevOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines and containerization using Docker and Kubernetes.
Advanced contract lifecycle management and compliance expertise are essential, with a strong emphasis on ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and organizational policies throughout each contract’s duration.
Intermediate-level responsibilities include drafting, coordinating, and negotiating contracts, ensuring alignment with legal and business objectives.
Skilled in facilitating negotiations and resolving disputes within complex multi-stakeholder settings.
The role involves managing contract amendments and renewal processes at an intermediate level, ensuring all modifications and extensions are processed accurately and efficiently. Responsibilities include reviewing existing contracts, negotiating terms where necessary, and coordinating with stakeholders to maintain compliance and alignment with business objectives. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills are required to handle multiple agreements while adhering to deadlines and legal requirements.
Ensures adherence to established compliance and governance frameworks, maintaining a thorough understanding of regulatory requirements and organizational policies to mitigate risks and uphold operational integrity.
Proficiency in e-signature and workflow automation platforms, such as DocuSign or Adobe Sign, is required, with a foundational skill level acceptable.
Proficient interpersonal and communication skills are essential for fostering productive teamwork and client relationships. Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in fast-paced environments is required. Strong problem-solving aptitude and adaptability to evolving priorities are necessary to navigate dynamic work settings. Capacity for collaboration across diverse teams and departments is also crucial. A commitment to continuous learning and professional development is expected to remain current with industry trends.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities are essential, enabling the cultivation of strong relationships and the capacity to engage and persuade a wide range of stakeholders effectively.
Ensures accountability and ownership of assigned contracts, maintaining unwavering accuracy and strict compliance throughout all stages of execution.
Proven ability to navigate intricate negotiations with a high degree of professionalism and strategic insight.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are required to effectively navigate intricate and uncertain scenarios.
Demonstrates meticulous attention to detail and exceptional organizational capabilities to uphold accuracy, ensure compliance, and facilitate timely project completion.
Possesses strong cross-cultural competence and excels in collaborating with diverse international teams across various settings.
Demonstrates the ability to adjust effectively to evolving priorities and shifting demands with ease and professionalism.
Emotional intelligence is essential, encompassing the capacity to actively acknowledge, interpret, and appropriately address the viewpoints and emotions of colleagues and stakeholders.
Result-oriented professional with a proven ability to meet and exceed contractually agreed KPIs, adhere to strict timelines, and maintain full compliance with established standards.
Ways of working: We embrace a flexible, results-driven approach that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Our team values open communication and adaptability, ensuring that each member can contribute effectively while maintaining work-life balance. Regular check-ins, cross-functional projects, and a supportive environment foster both individual growth and collective success. We encourage ownership of tasks while providing the resources and autonomy needed to deliver high-quality outcomes.
Proactively fosters global collaboration and seamless communication by bridging cultural, geographical, and temporal divides through consistent clarity, transparency, and mutual comprehension within distributed teams.
Cross-functional collaboration involves active engagement with professionals from diverse departments and specialized fields to integrate expertise, address challenges through joint efforts, and achieve impactful results that support the organization’s strategic objectives.
Effective collaboration within matrix structures requires skillful navigation of both solid and dotted reporting lines, achieved through transparent communication, alignment of priorities with line and functional managers, and clear definition of roles, responsibilities, and expectations to facilitate seamless team delivery.
Remaining agile and adaptable is essential, as it enables responsiveness to shifting priorities and evolving project, service, or organizational requirements, while allowing for adjustments in methodologies and collaborative strategies.
Demonstrates strong ownership and accountability by assuming responsibility for driving tasks and initiatives forward, identifying and overcoming obstacles proactively, and ensuring commitments, decisions, and actions are fulfilled to completion. Takes initiative within defined responsibilities, acting decisively without requiring constant oversight.
Enhancing the capabilities and autonomy of member associations is a key focus, achieved by disseminating knowledge, tools, and insights from completed projects and services. This enables associations to leverage these resources to build their own capacity and foster greater independence through shared learning and best practices.
Fostering a culture of open and constructive dialogue, we champion transparency by consistently sharing feedback and data, empowering teams and stakeholders to evaluate their progress, extract meaningful insights, and drive ongoing enhancements in both their work and overall impact.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Diploma , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 - 10 years
