The International Rescue Committee’s mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded over 80 years ago, the IRC is a leading humanitarian and development organization with presence in more than 40 countries. Across contexts, the IRC is committed to delivering innovative, high-impact programs tailored to the needs of communities affected by crisis.

Position Summary:

IRC is seeking a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for an anticipated multi-year, multi-million dollar USAID BHA Ethiopia Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM). The aim of the mechanism is to facilitate time-bound emergency humanitarian assistance in the wake of an acute shock in any region of Ethiopia.

The DCOP will be responsible for supporting the COP in project management, management of staff, capacity building and stakeholder engagement, including relevant government line ministries. He/she will coordinate the development, implementation and reporting on detailed management plans that may include implementation plans, deliverable and budget tracking, etc., in assigned area of responsibility. The DCOP will also manage implementing partners and oversee programmatic excellence supported by and in coordination with the relevant IRC Ethiopia and implementing partner teams. 

Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project, and selection of final applicant is subject to BHA approval. The project is anticipated to begin in February 2024.

Job Responsibilities:

• Support the COP in providing strategic and technical leadership and direction, defining and implementing activities to achieve the greatest impact toward project goals and objectives; serve as Acting COP in the COP’s absence.

• Closely monitor the implementation of project activities against approved work plans and budgets and ensure timely completion of results and achievement of objectives.

• Ensure project delivery meets all standard operational policies and procedures.

• Oversee project management of multi-million dollar project in full compliance to BHA regulations, terms, and conditions.

• Support the COP in managing consortium partnerships and maintain collaborative partner relations, ensuring that all partners are aware of the project’s expectations and are actively involved in achieving the objectives while using the project

• management tools developed or adapted for the consortium.

• Support reporting to BHA through both formal and informal debriefings, annual and semi-annual reports; lead review of periodic programmatic reports and their ensure timely submission to the COP.

• Assist COP in maintaining active and cooperative relationships with all key stakeholders, including government officials, project partners, other implementing agencies, and related institutions.

• Work closely with project staff and partners to identify, document and disseminate best practices.

• Represent the project and the organization in public, as assigned, and support the distribution of information about project achievements and lesson learned.

• Support project staff by creating and maintaining a work environment that promotes teamwork, trust, mutual respect, and empowers staff to take responsibility.

• Conduct other activities as assigned by the COP

• Ensure that IRC and donor visibility standards are maintained by all implementing partners.

• Ensure that a broad range of communications products are developed and disseminated to inform stakeholders on the objectives and achievements of the project.

• Lead strategy review and ensure that staffing structure is fit for purpose.

Job Requirements

• Degree from an accredited university in international development, or other related field; equivalent experience may be substituted for graduate degree.

• At least 8 years of experience in managerial roles in comparable programs, including contracts, including substantial supervisory experience; previous experience as a DCOP or project leader on Institutional Donor funded programs preferred.

• Significant knowledge of BHA compliance, rules and regulations required.

• Substantial experience managing diverse sub-grantees/sub-contractors, including INGO, NGO, local FBO and private sector actors.

• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to develop relations with local counterparts, donors, and other stakeholders.

• Demonstrated innovation and success in staff capacity-building and in participatory, flexible, and gender-sensitive programming and implementation.

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written;

• Fluency in English required.

How to Apply

Candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply only through the below IRC On-line recruitment website:  CLICK HERE

Please include 3 references from current and former employers.

Applications will not be returned. IRC discourages phone calls or personal visits.

Only applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be short listed and contacted.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Your application letter/cover letter must include the following information.

• Name of the position you have applied for

• Date of application

• Summary of  your qualifications and experience

• Motivation/objective of why you have applied for the job

• Permanent Address and present address (if different from permanent) and telephone number if possible also email address

• Disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees.

IRC is an equal employment 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 or disability.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances

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.