Emergency Deputy Director of Programs (Global Surge Team)

About the role

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) seeks an Emergency Deputy Director of Programs to join its Global Surge Team. This senior position provides strategic leadership and coordination for IRC’s emergency program portfolio, ensuring evidence‑based, needs‑driven interventions across health, cash, basic needs, education and protection sectors.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation and technical quality of emergency programs, aligning with IRC’s strategic direction.
• Oversee the emergency response plan and guide the transition to a country‑specific Strategy Action Plan.
• Drive a “partner first” approach, building and nurturing relationships with local NGOs, government agencies and other stakeholders.
• Supervise grants, partnerships, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) functions, and technical coordinators across multiple sectors.
• Collaborate closely with the Emergency Unit Quality team, Regional Emergency Directors and other support units.
• Report to the Country Director and serve as a member of the Senior Management Team.

Required profile

• Proven experience in senior program management within humanitarian or emergency contexts.
• Strong strategic thinking, decision‑making and coordination abilities.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex partnerships.
• Experience supervising grants, MEAL systems and technical staff.

Required skills