Partnership Manager

Job Title: External Relation/Partnership Manager

Department: Career Connect Program

Reports to: Program Manager

Location: Laos, Vientiane

Job Summary:

The Partnership Manager plays a crucial role in the success of the Career Connect Program. This

position is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with both student

sourcing partners and employer partners in the Lao private sector, identifying suitable job

openings for graduates, and facilitating the hiring process. The ideal candidate will possess

excellent communication, networking, and relationship-building skills, along with a deep

understanding of the Lao job market.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Program Planning and Execution:

Develop and execute a comprehensive partnership development and engagement

strategy that aligns with DDD's Career Connect program goals and objectives,

ensuring it contributes to overall success.

Conduct thorough needs assessments to identify critical skills gaps in the Lao job

market, pinpoint emerging employment sectors, and understand the specific

needs of both potential student sourcing partners and employer partners.

Create and implement an annual action plan and budget for the effective

execution of the partnership development and engagement strategy, ensuring

efficient resource allocation and measurable outcomes.

2. Student Sourcing Partner Relationships:

Develop and maintain strong relationships with key student sourcing partners

(universities and colleges, vocational training institutions, youth volunteer groups,

NGOs, CSOs, and social enterprises focused on youth development, Community

based organizations, etc)

Collaborate with sourcing partners to identify and refer eligible and motivated

candidates for DDD's training programs.

Organize joint recruitment events and information sessions with sourcing

partners.

3. Career Placement & Support:

Work closely with the Career Connect team to match suitable graduates with

relevant job openings.

Support the Career Connect team by providing career guidance and support to

graduates throughout the job search process (resume and cover letter reviews,

interview preparation, salary negotiation, job search strategies, etc.).

4. Employer Partner Relationships:

Identify and engage potential employer partners (small and medium-sized

enterprises (SMEs), multinational corporations, and relevant industry

associations).

Conduct regular outreach activities, such as industry visits, workshops, and

networking events, to promote the CCs training programs and the skills and

talents of DDD graduates to potential employers.

Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers within partner

companies.

Negotiate and secure employment opportunities with partner companies,

ensuring competitive salaries and benefits packages for graduates.

Cultivate corporate partnerships with those who are willing to provide financial

support for long-term program sustainability.

5. Professional Training

Customized Co-Training Programs: 3-8 week course co-designed with employers

to match industry skill needs.

6. CSR & Career Connect Branding

Demonstrate corporate social responsibility through youth employment. Gain

visibility as a Career Connect partner employer.

7. Reporting and Administration:

Track and analyze data on student referrals and placements to assess the

effectiveness of partnerships.

Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of job openings and employer

contacts.

Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of the Career Connect

Program, including identifying areas for growth and innovation in partnership

development.

Collect and analyze data on graduate employment outcomes and partnership

effectiveness to inform program improvements and strategic decision-making.

Represent DDD at industry events and conferences to promote the organization's

mission and the impact of the Career Connect Program.

Assign other tasks requested by the supervisor(s).

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Sales and

Marketing, or a related field. A masters degree is preferred.

Minimum of 7 years of experience in recruitment, employer engagement, or

business development within the Lao job market.

Minimum 5 years in supervisory roles.

Strong understanding of the Lao private sector and industry trends.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.

Good networker who enjoys meeting and interacting with new people

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant CRM software.

Fluent in both Lao and English.

Strong presentation and facilitation skills.

Strategic thinker with a passion for talent development and continuous

improvement.

Passion for social impact and a commitment to empowering young people.

Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.