WHAT IS START NETWORK? 

Our purpose is to be a catalyst for system-level change that improves the efficiency, effectiveness and ethics of humanitarian action. We do this by working as a network to develop, test & spread new ways of collaborating and resourcing locally-led crisis response and anticipation. 

Our current membership is made up of nearly 100 local, national and international NGOs based all around the world. We also support 10 national and regional hubs made up of civil society organisations and NGOs as our vehicle for devolving power, resources and accountability. 

OUR SOLUTIONS 

DECENTRAISLING & LOCALLY-LED ACTION: Shifting power and resources and decentralising decision-making to locally led networks and organisations. 

EARLY & RAPID FINANCING: Building a global financing system that reduces risk, anticipates, and acts ahead of predictable crises. 

COMMUNITY-LED INNOVATION: Incentivising innovative, locally led, and contextual solutions and learning from them together with people affected by crises.    

For more information about Start Network and what we do, please visit our website.  

OUR VALUES 

WE PUT PEOPLE FIRST: Communities come first in our decision-making and programming. 

WE ARE BRAVE: We have great ambition and are willing to explore new things and take risks to achieve it 

WE OPERATE COLLECTIVELY: We leverage the value of working as a network, sharing risk and resources, and learning together. 

WE ARE INCLUSIVE: We see the value in diverse perspectives and work to remove the barriers that prevent voices from being heard. 

WE ARE OPEN: We work transparently and with integrity, building mutual trust in all levels of our work, from governance to programming. 

WE ARE ETHICAL: We behave and operate based on key principles of anti-racism, non-discrimination, and anti-colonialism. This is a work in progress. 

JOB PURPOSE 

The Senior Network Development Advisor (Partnerships) plays a critical leadership role in advancing Start Network’s transformation into a distributed network of locally led Hubs. This involves contributing strategic advice on the development of Hubs, fostering key partnerships, and supporting collaboration both within individual Hubs and across the collective network. The role is central to guiding Hubs toward becoming interdependent, while helping to shape Start Network as a service provider supporting the evolution of the network of networks. 

The primary purpose of the role is to build and sustain strategic relationships and engagement mechanisms that enable Hubs to grow, develop, and establish themselves as sustainable entities. This involves providing technical support and facilitating co-design processes to ensure that systems, resources, and processes are aligned with Hubs’ needs and the broader vision for systems change. The role requires the ability to deliver this support through remote coordination, facilitation, and engagement, with some travel required depending on the specific needs of the Hubs. 

Working closely with the wider Network Development team, the Senior Advisor will advocate for change, employing user-centred and iterative design approaches to ensure flexible and responsive support for Hubs. The role emphasizes continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring that Hubs receive tailored support that aligns with their evolving needs while also contributing to the network’s strategic objectives. 

The Senior Advisor (Partnerships) will report directly to the Head of Network Development, and work in close collaboration and coordination with the Senior Network Development Advisor (Infrastructure and Design) to ensure alignment between the technical and partnership aspects of hub development and provide a cohesive approach to the ongoing growth of Start Network’s network of Hubs. The post-holder will manage two Network Development Advisors (Partnerships) and work across Start Network to guide and support the design, development, and delivery of initiatives that advance the network of networks and support Hubs to develop and realise their visions and strategic goals. This role requires a strategic thinker, a collaborative leader, and an effective problem-solver, with a commitment to learning and development. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 

STRATEGY & DEVELOPMENT PLANNING 

• Work closely with the Network Development Team, wider Start Network and the Hubs to co-design, develop, and enable the evolution of the network of networks, promoting a 'user-centred' approach, whereby processes are driven by Hubs themselves, and centre Hub perspectives, learning and experience. 

• Coordinate and facilitate the delivery of support, expertise, and services to hubs, ensuring they receive appropriate guidance in developing their vision and goals to catalyse system-level change in their respective contexts. 

• In service to the Hubs, and in collaboration with teams across Start Network, devise and deliver an approach to the development of programmatic initiatives that align with Hub visions and goals. 

• Foster a culture of evidence-based decision-making, feedback, and continuous learning within hubs, helping the network adapt to emerging needs. 

• Advise senior leadership on strategic decisions, challenges, and opportunities concerning Hub development and the overall transition to a network of networks. 

PARTNERSHIP BROKERING AND RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT 

• Build and nurture strong, enabling relationships within and between Hubs, and with the wider Start Network. 

• Facilitate and broker partnerships that advance the vision of Start Network, including connecting hubs with necessary resources, expertise, and opportunities. 

• Manage complex issues and shifting power dynamics, promoting constructive dialogue and resolution of conflicts that may arise within the network. 

• Work closely with the Advocacy and External Affairs teams to raise the voices and perspectives of hubs in both local and global forums. 

• Advocate internally and externally for locally driven humanitarian action, creating and holding space for Hubs to shape their development according to their unique priorities and needs. 

SUPPORTING HUB DEVELOPMENT 

• Support Hubs to develop their vision, identify blockages, and overcome challenges, helping them to work collaboratively to transform their ideas into actionable plans. 

• As part of the Network Development Team, ensure that Hubs are guided and supported through their development journey, helping them navigate each stage and overcome challenges in areas such as governance, operations, fundraising, program design, and impact evaluation. 

• Broker and coordinate linkages between hubs and Start Network teams to provide support in visioning, strategising, team building, and operationalizing their goals. 

• Lead on the continued development and delivery of a Hub for global network members. 

• Promote peer support and collaboration across hubs to build an interdependent, accountable, and interconnected network of networks. 

• Foster a learning environment that encourages self-reflection and adaptation, using insights to improve both hub development processes and network-wide approaches. 

PROMOTING AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR HUB FORMATION 

• Collaborate with hubs, members, and the wider Start Network team to ensure that Hubs represent genuine locally led systems change movements and remain aligned with Start Network’s strategy and values. 

• Serve as a critical friend to Hubs, helping them think through challenges and develop solutions while maintaining a trusting, supportive relationship. 

• Contribute to the continuous refinement of Start Network’s strategies, ensuring that Hubs’ evolving needs and feedback are integrated into the broader network development framework. 

LEADERSHIP AND TEAM MANAGEMENT 

• To carry out effective line management of a team, including recruiting and training direct reports and having an active role in building an inclusive team culture in line with our values 

• Lead, inspire, and motivate team members, fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture aligned with Start Network values. 

• Manage Network Development Advisors (Partnerships), including recruitment as needed, training, and support with professional development while ensuring the team remains committed to Start Network’s vision, mission and strategic goals. 

• Support the learning and development needs of team members and assist in upskilling team members to deliver on priorities as needed. 

• Monitor and evaluate individual performance, ensuring goals and objectives are set, supported, and monitored. 

• Manage consultants, contractors, and other third-party partners effectively to deliver on key initiatives. 

LEARNING AND STRATEGIC DESIGN 

• Co-design reflection and learning opportunities with the Learning Advisor, ensuring that both Hubs and Start Network as a whole learn from the process and impact of hub development. 

• Oversee, monitor and report on the progress of Hubs through various stages of their development, ensuring transparency and accountability. 

• Engage with the broader Start Network and current Hubs to support the strategic design of future Hub cohorts, continually evolving the model to better serve both current and future hubs. 

START NETWORK CULTURE  

• To carry out the responsibilities of the role in line with the Start Network Code of Conduct and with a commitment to safeguarding adults and children  

• A commitment to the Start Network vision, principles, values, and approach  

• The Start Network team is an agile group of individuals who use their experience and skills across the network, so flexibility to work in and with different teams and functions is a part of our culture. 

PERSON PROFILE 

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

ESSENTIAL 

• Extensive Experience in Network Development: Proven track record of working within or alongside complex networks, particularly in humanitarian, development, or social impact sectors. Experience in building, growing, and supporting networks of diverse stakeholders, particularly at the local and global level. 

• Expertise in Collaborative Leadership: Significant experience in leading and motivating teams, managing cross-functional teams or advisors, and fostering inclusive, high-performing cultures in geographically diverse, multi-disciplinary settings. 

• Proven Experience in Partnership Development and Relationship Management: Skilled at forging and maintaining relationships with partners and stakeholders, particularly in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Ability to broker partnerships, resolve conflicts, and address power dynamics to enable collective action. 

• Strategic and Programmatic Design Experience: Strong background in co-designing and delivering strategic initiatives that align with global and local visions, missions and goals. Experience in supporting networks or organisations through development processes, including governance, program design, fundraising, and operationalisation. 

• Change Management and Organizational Development: Experience in leading and supporting change processes within organisations and networks, including navigating ambiguity and complex challenges, and fostering adaptive, innovation-driven approaches. 

• User-centered and Adaptive Approach: Strong understanding and application of user-centered design principles and innovation methodologies. Proven ability to tailor approaches to the needs of Hubs, ensuring processes are driven by local context and priorities. 

• Experience with Global Network Models: Familiarity with innovative global network models and the dynamics of scaling networks. Experience working with systems-change initiatives and empowering local and national actors to lead and drive their agendas. 

• Flexibility and Empathy: Ability to adapt to changing demands, work across time zones, and demonstrate empathy while balancing competing priorities. Comfort in working in a dynamic, fast-paced, and sometimes ambiguous environment. 

 DESIRABLE 

• Multilingual (Desirable): Proficiency in one or more Hub languages would be an advantage. 

 KEY COMPETENCIES 

Stakeholder Management & Collaboration: 

• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with Hubs, members, and diverse stakeholders, facilitating collaboration and aligning efforts to achieve shared goals. 

Influence and Negotiation: 

• Expertise in influencing stakeholders, listening to diverse perspectives, and navigating difficult or complex issues with diplomacy and constructive dialogue. Ability to manage conflicting viewpoints while advancing the broader vision. 

Strategic and Tactical Agility: 

• Strong ability to hold both a strategic and tactical perspective, balancing long-term vision with the operational needs of Hubs and the wider network. Capacity to navigate uncertainty and risks while remaining focused on key objectives. 

Facilitation and Problem Solving: 

• Proven experience in facilitating conversations and solving complex challenges within multi-stakeholder groups. Ability to anticipate issues, engage stakeholders in collaborative problem-solving, and provide strategic guidance in decision-making. 

Commitment to Systems Change and Locally Led Action: 

• A deep understanding of the principles of locally led humanitarian action. Demonstrated commitment to creating space for local actors to drive their own development and ensure network initiatives reflect their priorities and needs.  

Learning and Self-Reflection: 

• Strong commitment to continuous personal and professional growth, with a demonstrated ability to reflect on and learn from challenges. Ability to foster a culture of learning within the team, encouraging open sharing of experiences and insights at the organisational and network levels.  

Adaptability and Resilience: 

• Capable of managing ambiguity, adapting to rapidly changing circumstances, and navigating complex relationships across different cultures and contexts. Comfortable working in diverse environments and managing shifting power dynamics within the network.