Downstream Partner Manager, Next Creata job at Next Media

Role Purpose

The Downstream Partner Manager is responsible for selecting, onboarding, supporting, monitoring, and performance-managing all downstream training and implementation partners under the Uganda Creatives Program.

This role ensures that training hubs across regions deliver to required standards, uphold participant safety, comply with reporting and documentation requirements, and support young women to learn and transition into dignified creative work.

The role is field-centered, relationship-driven, quality-assurance focused, and is a critical link between the Anchor (Next-Creata) and local implementing partners.

Required Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Experience managing field-based program delivery and multi-site partners/hubs.
• Understanding of media production environments and creative workforce dynamics.
• Familiarity with adult learning, youth skilling, or community training contexts.
• Strong documentation, reporting, and organizational systems skills.

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong relationship builder and collaborative facilitator.
• Comfortable traveling frequently and spending time in community-based settings.
• Able to coach struggling partners without damaging trust.
• Confident yet diplomatic, firm yet supportive.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5 years experience in any of the following:
• Program coordination or field implementation management
• Creative industry education/programs
• NGO or hub network coordination
• Community development and training support roles
• Experience working with creative hubs, media houses, youth networks, incubators, or cultural organizations is a strong advantage.
• Fluency in English and Luganda required; additional local languages are an asset.
• Willingness to travel regularly.

Key Performance Indicators

Partner delivery performance (quality & timeliness) ≥ 85% of hubs meet standards

Training attendance & retention across hubs ≥ 80% average retention

Portfolio project completion 100% of cohorts produce outputs

Safeguarding compliance ratings 100% compliance, zero unresolved cases

Reporting & documentation accuracy 100% complete & on-time

Outcome of the Role

This role is successful when:

• Partner hubs deliver consistent, high-quality training
• Participants across regions achieve equal learning standards
• Implementation risks are identified early and resolved quickly
• All partners upheld safe, inclusive, supportive learning environments
• Young women graduate with real skills → and transition into real creative work

• Lead the Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) and partner scoring process.
• Conduct site assessments for physical readiness, equipment availability, trainer suitability, and community access.
• Support the Program Lead and Finance Manager in contracting and onboarding selected partners.
• Orient downstream partners to: Curriculum delivery expectations, Reporting templates, Safeguarding & inclusion standards, Financial and procurement rules (where relevant)
• Facilitate training-of-trainers workshops in collaboration with the Curriculum & Training Manager.
• Conduct monthly partner performance reviews (online & in-person).
• Monitor: Training attendance & completion, Trainer performance and teaching quality, Portfolio project output quality, Facilities and equipment functionality, Participant safety and inclusion conditions
• Coordinate corrective support plans where needed.
• Maintain regular communication rhythms with partner hub coordinators.
• Facilitate problem-solving discussions to keep delivery smooth.
• Build a collaborative culture between partner hubs for learning exchange.
• Work closely with the Safeguarding & Inclusion Officer to: Audit learning environments, Ensure reporting mechanisms are visible and active, Immediately escalate any safeguarding concerns
• Ensure zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, or unsafe practice in training spaces.
• Ensure partners submit all required: Enrollment & attendance data, Training delivery reports, Production project outputs, Placement and progression data, Safeguarding incident logs (if any)
• Submit consolidated monthly partner performance summaries to: Program Lead, MEL Manager, Finance & Grants Manager (where partner stipends are performance-based)

• Experience managing field-based program delivery and multi-site partners/hubs
• Understanding of media production environments and creative workforce dynamics
• Familiarity with adult learning, youth skilling, or community training contexts
• Strong documentation, reporting, and organizational systems skills
• Strong relationship builder and collaborative facilitator
• Comfortable traveling frequently and spending time in community-based settings
• Able to coach struggling partners without damaging trust
• Confident yet diplomatic, firm yet supportive
• Fluency in English and Luganda

• Minimum 5 years experience in program coordination or field implementation management
• Experience in creative industry education/programs
• Experience in NGO or hub network coordination
• Experience in community development and training support roles
• Experience working with creative hubs, media houses, youth networks, incubators, or cultural organizations is a strong advantage
• Fluency in English and Luganda required; additional local languages are an asset
• Willingness to travel regularly