About this role

f private enterprise to transform lives.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Partnerships Manager

Location: Nigeria

The Partnerships Manager will build and manage strategic partnerships, engaging diverse stakeholders including processors, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, Enterprise Support Organizations (ESOs), government agencies, financial institutions, and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to scale impact in food processing and waste-to-value (W2V) activities.
This role focuses on fostering inclusive sourcing, backward integration, and policy advocacy to create sustainable job opportunities for young women and persons with disabilities (PWD).
The Partnerships Manager will serve as a primary external-facing representative of the project, building trust and credibility with stakeholders across public, private, and civil society sectors.
The ideal candidate will have exceptional networking and negotiation skills, deep understanding of multi-stakeholder collaboration, and proven ability to influence policy and practice in support of inclusive economic development.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities

Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Engagement:

Establish and maintain relationships with TVET institutions, polytechnics, and universities across the ten implementation states
Develop memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with TVETs for participant recruitment, training delivery, and internship placement
Work with TVETs to align curriculum with industry needs and embed food processing and W2V content into existing programs
Facilitate internship and apprenticeship opportunities for TVET students with processing companies and W2V enterprises
Support TVETs in developing practical training facilities and updating equipment to meet industry standards
Create pathways for TVET graduates to transition into employment or entrepreneurship in target value chains
Engage TVET instructors in project training programs and capacity building initiatives
Explore opportunities for certification and accreditation of project training through TVET institutions.

Enterprise Support Organization (ESO) & Business Development Services:

Partner with ESOs, business development service providers, and business membership organizations to extend project reach and impact
Engage business associations, chambers of commerce, and industry groups in project activities
Facilitate ESO participation in training delivery, business advisory services, and mentorship programs
Support ESOs in developing specialized services for women-led and PWD-led enterprises
Create referral mechanisms between the project and ESO networks for ongoing business support
Build capacity of ESOs to deliver inclusive business development services
Leverage ESO networks for market linkages, peer learning, and advocacy.

Government Relations & Policy Engagement:

Build and maintain relationships with relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies at federal, state, and local levels. Engage with government initiatives such as Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs), import substitution programs, and youth employment schemes to create complementarities and avoid duplication
Advocate for policies that support gender inclusion, GBV prevention, PWD accommodations, and fair labor practices in food processing
Participate in policy dialogues, working groups, and technical committees related to agricultural processing, youth employment, and inclusive development
Support the development of regulations, standards, and guidelines that create an enabling environment for micro and small processors
Facilitate project participation in government-led forums, exhibitions, and promotional events
Monitor policy developments and regulatory changes that may affect project activities or target beneficiaries.

Organizations of Persons with Disabilities

Partnerships Manager