Job Description:
The Deputy Director for Programs, Global Surge (DDP) plays a pivotal leadership role, driving critical decision-making and strategic coordination across programmatic initiatives—from crafting high-quality proposals to ensuring the successful execution of IRC’s global programs. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to inspire and guide a multicultural team while adeptly overseeing program management, fostering strategic partnerships, and maintaining fiscal accountability.
This role reports directly to the Country Director and serves as a key contributor to the Country Management Team. As the DDP, you will oversee Technical Coordinators, the Senior Program Coordinator for protection sectors, and the Senior Coordinator for Grants & Accountability. Additionally, you will collaborate closely with the Deputy Regional Director, regional support team members, and Technical Advisors who provide guidance to the country program.
Overseeing key operational duties represents the core of this role, encompassing the management and execution of strategic initiatives aligned with organizational objectives. The position demands meticulous attention to detail in monitoring performance metrics, ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures, and fostering a culture of accountability. Additionally, the incumbent will be responsible for coordinating cross-functional teams, optimizing workflows, and driving continuous improvement across assigned processes. Collaboration with stakeholders at all levels will be essential to align efforts with broader business goals, while proactive problem-solving and decision-making will be required to address challenges effectively.
The role focuses on devising strategic initiatives, crafting comprehensive plans, and driving business development efforts to foster growth and enhance competitive positioning. Key responsibilities include analyzing market trends, identifying expansion opportunities, and implementing strategies to optimize revenue streams. Additionally, the position entails collaborating with cross-functional teams, evaluating potential partnerships, and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in strategic thinking, and the ability to execute long-term vision are essential requirements for success in this position.
Collaborating closely with the Chief Development Officer, you will spearhead the formulation and execution of the International Rescue Committee’s Strategy Action Plan (SAP).
Ensure that programming initiatives are in harmony with SAP priorities and IRC’s Outcome Strategies, encompassing program planning, project design, and staff communications.
Program Development and Fundraising professionals design, implement, and oversee initiatives that align with organizational missions while securing essential financial resources. They identify funding opportunities, cultivate donor relationships, and develop compelling proposals to support sustainable growth. Responsibilities include strategic planning, grant writing, stakeholder engagement, and performance tracking to ensure program efficacy and fiscal accountability. Strong communication, analytical, and project management skills are essential, along with a proven ability to meet fundraising targets and foster long-term partnerships.
Collaborating closely with the Grants Lead and Country Director, develop and execute the Country Business Development Plan, integrating comprehensive donor mapping and strategic communication strategies.
The Grants and MEAL leads will receive comprehensive assistance in crafting high-quality, needs-focused project proposals that adhere to regulatory standards and align with the parameters outlined in the SAP.
Ensure that program teams comply with established internal deadlines for submitting their contributions to concept notes, proposals, and donor reports. Verify that all program inputs meet the specified formatting requirements and quality standards.
Ensure that gender equality is integral to the design and execution of all IRC programs.
Program Implementation
We will conduct a thorough and regular examination and revision of the Systems Stakeholder Analysis to maintain its relevance, and leverage these insights to guide the selection of partners.
Stay abreast of the current status and advancement of IRC program implementations to ensure accurate tracking and alignment with organizational objectives.
Lead the facilitation of data-driven project cycle meetings, with a focus on overseeing financial expenditures and tracking progress. When necessary, spearhead the implementation of corrective actions to guarantee timely project completion and adherence to established objectives, while ensuring prompt follow-up on all agreed-upon actions.
Support Technical Coordinators in maintaining project delivery through structured work plans and approved monitoring frameworks derived from project proposals.
Program teams are responsible for creating, executing, and updating, as necessary, comprehensive Procurement and Staffing Plans in alignment with Field Management and Operations teams.
Deliver precise and current counsel to the CD regarding advancements and prospects in program execution, along with essential recommendations for any required adjustments.
Assist the MEAL lead in executing key priorities outlined in the MEAL strategy to ensure successful delivery of program objectives.
Utilize information gathered from MEAL systems and client feedback channels to guide decision-making throughout every phase of the project lifecycle.
To guarantee that program teams deliver accurate and timely reports to the grants team in accordance with IRC and donor requirements, oversight and coordination are essential.
Monitor program delivery by conducting routine field visits and structured review sessions. Maintain oversight by ensuring senior program staff regularly visit project sites to assess implementation progress.
Ensure the implementation of robust emergency preparedness measures in collaboration with other functional leads to facilitate rapid and effective emergency response when required.
The position oversees the cultivation and enhancement of staff capabilities, ensuring continuous growth and alignment with organizational objectives. Responsibilities include designing and implementing training programs, fostering a culture of professional development, and evaluating employee performance to identify areas for improvement. Candidates must possess strong interpersonal skills, prior experience in leadership or mentorship, and a proven track record in talent development initiatives. The role demands a strategic mindset, exceptional communication abilities, and the capacity to inspire and motivate teams toward achieving excellence.
At all times, oversee the consistent application of People & Culture policies and procedures in the management of the team.
Deliver guidance and mentorship, fostering leadership development while establishing transparent and measurable performance objectives for team members.
Consistent, high-quality performance discussions and evaluations will be carried out for every program staff member to support ongoing development and accountability.
Organize and schedule consistent meetings with team members to facilitate the exchange of critical information while fostering collaboration and a cohesive team environment.
Ensure that all reports consistently align with and contribute to the attainment of their respective team development objectives.
Representation and Coordination
Establish and maintain ongoing, structured communication with diverse partners across the country on a consistent basis.
Ensure that the International Rescue Committee’s interventions are strategically planned and harmonized with the overarching humanitarian response framework.
Ensures the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) presence and active participation in sector coordination groups, such as humanitarian clusters, to represent organizational interests and contribute to collaborative decision-making processes.
Help maintain a positive relationship with donors / Government counterparts
Partner Management
Provide assistance to the Country Program in fulfilling its commitments to broaden local partnerships.
Foster and sustain productive collaborations with key partners, ensuring alignment and mutual benefit in all engagements.
Ensure consistent technical program support and distribute capacity among partners in accordance with established partnership agreements.
Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of relevant experience in the field, along with a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline. Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools is essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail are required to ensure accuracy and efficiency in all tasks. Additionally, excellent communication abilities are necessary to convey ideas clearly and interact effectively with stakeholders.
A strong candidate must possess outstanding leadership, people management, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, along with a proven track record in building collaborative teams within a diverse, multicultural setting that demands cultural awareness. The ideal applicant will demonstrate strategic thinking, the ability to prioritize effectively, and a commitment to achieving objectives promptly within a demanding environment.
A master’s degree or higher in International Development, International Relations, Business Management, or Administrative Science is required.
With a proven professional track record spanning five to six years, this position requires extensive overseas experience in conflict or post-conflict settings, coupled with demonstrated leadership in program management.
With a proven track record in program design, MEAL, and project cycle management, the successful candidate will have extensive experience in developing and overseeing budgets, work plans, and other essential program management tools.
Proven ability to effectively coordinate with and cultivate strong relationships among essential stakeholders, including governmental bodies, donors, international non-governmental organizations, national and local entities, as well as United Nations agencies.
Fluency in English is required, along with exceptional oral and written communication abilities. Candidates with a working knowledge of French, Spanish, and/or Arabic will be given strong preference.
A highly motivated and dependable individual with a strong sense of accountability, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to respond effectively to changing priorities and environments.
Demonstrated capability to operate autonomously while effectively collaborating within a team environment.
Able to thrive in high-pressure emergency settings without compromising mental well-being, with a positive and resilient mindset. Open to extensive travel, including assignments in remote and conflict-affected regions, with full adaptability to challenging conditions.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 - 6 years
