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 50 countries and more than 25 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.
Fluency in both English and Arabic required
The IRC launched an emergency response in oPt in 2023, responding to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. Prior to October 7th, in June 2023, we conducted a scoping mission to oPt, in the West Bank, and subsequently developed a strategic plan to initiate programming in the West Bank. Since then, and in the context of catastrophic fighting and renewed violence, the IRC has initiated an emergency response in Gaza and developed a response plan with partners which includes Gaza and the West Bank. Implementing a diverse, integrated program of health, protection, cash, and scaling up in WASH and nutrition, these programs prioritize local partnerships with both public institutions and civil society, and span emergency, humanitarian, recovery, and development modalities, while serving vulnerable Palestinians in oPt.
Job Overview
The Deputy Director Field Management Gaza provides leadership, decision-making and coordination on the field program’s critical support functions. They ensure that programs are supported and that all necessary systems are in place and consistently implemented.
The position reports to the Country Director (CD) and is a country program Senior Management Team member. The DDFM oversees Humanitarian Access & Security, Supply Chain, IT, and Administration and supports field Programming, Finance, and Human Resources for Gaza.
The DDFM is responsible for ensuring cohesion between programs and operations through a close working relationship with the Deputy Director for Programs and Supply Chain Coordinator. The DDFM advises senior management about programming directions and opportunities and ensures that program activities are carried out effectively, efficiently, and safely, in furtherance of objectives as laid out in the Strategic Action Plan and taking into consideration all internal and external factors affecting the operational environment in Gaza.
Major Responsibilities
Leadership and Management
• Develops and leads, in collaboration with SMT colleagues, management fora to ensure cross-sectoral program integration and cross-departmental partnership and synergies;
• In collaboration with the Operations, oversees robust and comprehensive security and risk management through participatory approaches across all departments and levels of staff in field location
• In collaboration with the Program Field Leads and Field Coordinators, continually monitor and assess the evolving humanitarian context and needs in Gaza and channel these to SMT colleagues
• Act as a champion for the Strategic Action Plan (SAP), ensure that all operations and program activities are orientated towards meeting SAP objectives, and participate fully in SAP reporting and revisions
• In partnership with the Deputy Director for Programs, provides leadership and supervisory management of Program Field Leads for the efficient and effective delivery of program commitments through overseeing the development and implementation of tools such as procurements plans, budget versus actual reports, work plans
• Working closely with the Deputy Director for Programs, Program Coordinators, and the Grants Team, support program staff to ensure comprehensive donor grant management and compliance.
• Works closely with SMT colleagues, ensuring that operations (Finance, Supply Chain, HR, IT) are responsive to the needs of programs, are in line with IRC policy /donor regulations, and meet the highest compliance standards possible.
Field Operations Support
• Provide overall support and guidance to field operations, with a focus on Supply Chain, Logistics, and Administration, including providing support to ensure field offices and program centers are functioning efficiently and transparently and in compliance with IRC policies.
• Supports the IT staff to provide effective IT services and support to the Field Office
• In cooperation with the CD and HR Coordinator, ensures the risks IRC field staff face in their work environment are mitigated to the degree feasible given the context
• Ensures field leadership competency in budgeting functions, contributing to the proposal and operating budgets, and leading on field budget vs actual oversight.
• Ensures Security Management Plan, SOPs, and Contingency Plans are kept up to date, ensuring that staff are aware of and supported in following these documents
Staff Leadership and Development
• Ensures effective management, in conjunction with relevant colleagues, through responsive supervision and performance management of direct reports across relevant teams.
• Adheres to and acts following the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures, and communicates through word and example a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations
• Ensures implementation of HR policies and procedures at all times
• Provides supportive mentorship, leadership, and clear performance objectives to team members
• Set regular meetings with staff members to prioritize information-sharing and team-building
• Ensures that all reports develop and implement Capacity Building Plans for their teams
Representation and Coordination
• Represent IRC through Gaza based coordination forums
• Serves as an active Senior Management Team member
• Serves as a focal point and maintains communication oPt SMT members across the base and regional/Emergency unit counterparts as needed.
Requirements
• Advanced degree in relevant technical or managerial subject area
• Excellent professional track record with 6-8 years of humanitarian management experience, preferably in a conflict/post-conflict environment with leadership responsibilities
• Demonstrated skills and experience in program design and delivery, including proposal development and/or strategic-level operations design and delivery
• Experienced in working in hostile environments as well as security analysis and management
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Excellent leadership, people management, interpersonal and negotiation skills, and a demonstrated ability to develop collaborative teams in a multi-ethnic context that requires cultural sensitivity. We are looking for someone with good team-building skills and knowledge of participatory approaches; you should display flexibility, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity.
• Experience managing country program teams with a diverse portfolio
• Proven ability to think strategically, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a complex and challenging environment
• Proven experience in transitional organizational structures, change projects, and development of policies and procedures in complex environments a strong advantage
• Knowledge and experience of sanctions and related law, regulations and compliance a strong advantage
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Languages:
• Fluency in English. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Arabic required
Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.
How to apply
https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/job/req52234/Deputy-Director-of-Field-Management