Deputy Director of Programs, Global Surge

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 30 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure.

The IRC’s Global Surge Team (GST) is a roster of esteemed and highly qualified humanitarian professionals who deploy on short notice to non-emergency and emergency contexts to support the IRC’s mission. Members of the GST provide specialist support where talent is most needed for short-term deployments of up to three months. The GST is a flexible, occasional employment opportunity. Deployment needs vary based on demand. Staff can take on additional deployments as opportunities arise and if they are interested.

Job Description:

The Deputy Director for Programs, Global Surge (DDP) provides leadership, decision-making and coordination on programmatic issues, including the development of quality proposals and overseeing the effective implementation of IRC’s programs. You should be able to motivate and lead a diverse team, as well as effectively manage programs, partnerships and budgets. 

The position reports to the Country Director (CD) and is an active member of the Country Management Team. The DDP directly supervises Technical Coordinators, the Senior Program Coordinator for protection sectors, and the Senior Coordinator for Grants & Accountability. You will have close working relationships with the Deputy Regional Director and other members of the regional support team, along with Technical Advisors who support the country program.

Major Responsibilities:

Strategy, Planning, and Business Development 

• Together with the CD, lead in the development and implementation of the IRC Strategy Action Plan (SAP)
• Ensure programming is aligned with SAP priorities and IRC’s Outcome Strategies, including program planning, project design, and communications with staff

Program Development and Fundraising

• In coordination with the Grants lead and the CD, actively design and implement the Country BD Plan, incorporating donor mapping and communication plans
• Support the Grants lead and MEAL lead in ensuring the high quality and needs-based project proposals are developed in compliance with regulations and within the parameters of the SAP
• Ensure program teams to adhere to internal schedules for delivering their contributions for concept notes, proposals and donor reports. Ensure program inputs are in the required format and to the desired quality
• Ensure IRC’s dedication to gender equality is factored into program design and implementation

Program Implementation

• Ensure the systematic review and updating of the Systems Stakeholder Analysis, and use this information to inform partner selection 
• Maintain a sound understanding of the implementation progress of IRC programs
• Chair data-driven project cycle meetings, including, but not limited, to monitoring spending. When required, coordinate corrective measures to ensure projects finish on time and on target, ensure timely follow up on any agreed actions
• Support Technical Coordinators to ensure that project delivery is guided by structured work-plans and approved monitoring plans based on project proposals
• Ensure program teams develop, implement, and revise as required, detailed Procurement Plans and Staffing Plans; and these plans develop in cooperation with Field Management Teams and Operations functions
• Provide the CD with accurate and up to date advice on developments and opportunities in program implementation, together with any necessary recommendations for course correction
• Support the MEAL lead to deliver on MEAL strategy priorities 
• Ensure use of information collected through MEAL and client feedback mechanisms to inform all stages of the project life cycle
• Ensure that program teams are submitting timely and high quality reporting to the grants team, per IRC and donor guidelines
• Monitor program delivery through regular field visits and review sessions. Ensure senior program staff are frequently visiting project sites to monitor implementation
• Be responsible for emergency preparedness, alongside other functional leads to enable quick emergency response when necessary

Staff Leadership and Development

• Ensure implementation of People & Culture policies and procedures at all times in the management of the team
• Provide supportive mentorship, leadership and clear performance objectives to team members
• Ensure that regular and quality staff performance discussions and evaluations are conducted for all program staff
• Set regular meetings with staff members to prioritize information-sharing and team-building
• Ensure that all reports agree on and support the achievement of development goals for their teams

Representation and Coordination

• Actively, systematically and regularly connect with various partners in country
• Ensure that IRC's interventions are planned and coordinated within the broader humanitarian effort
• Ensure representation of IRC at sector coordination groups, including the clusters
• Help maintain a positive relationship with donors / Government counterparts

Partner Management

• Support the Country Program in achieving its commitments to expand local partnerships
• Develop and maintain effective partner working relationships
• Ensure regular technical program support and share capacity with partners, in accordance to partnership agreements

Requirements

You should have excellent leadership, people management, interpersonal and negotiation skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to develop collaborative teams in a multi-ethnic context that requires cultural sensitivity. We are looking for someone with the ability to think strategically and to prioritize and meet goals in a timely manner while working in a complex environment. 

• Graduate degree in International Development, International Relations, Business Management and Administrative Science, or equivalent
• Excellent professional track record with 5-6 years of overseas experience in a conflict/post-conflict environment with program leadership responsibilities
• Demonstrated experience in program design, MEAL and project cycle management; experience developing and monitoring budgets, work plans and other program management tools
• Demonstrated coordination, networking and relationship building skills with key partners including government, donors, INGOs, national and local organizations, UN agencies
• Fluency in English. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Working knowledge of French, Spanish and/or Arabic strongly preferred
• Self-motivated, honest, highly responsible, high attention to detail,  flexible and adaptable
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Capable of working and living in an emergency environment while maintaining a healthy outlook. Willing to travel in remote and conflict affected areas

Compensation: Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.  Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements. 

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.