BACKGROUND: 

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their lives. The IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities which support them, as well as those who remain within their homes and communities. We began work in Ethiopia since 2000 and currently implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response.

The IRC has a focus on narrowing the gender gap in humanitarian aid and ensuring that we contribute to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in both our programs and operations by working to establish a context where our clients (including those from minority groups) enjoy the same rights and opportunities as well as an equal access to services. The IRC also has a strong commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture, where safeguarding is upheld in our workplace and programs. We are determined to protect our clients and staff from safeguarding violations through prevention and, where misconduct is alleged, to address it without fear or favor.

Job Overview:  

The Senior Health and Nutrition Manager will be stationed in Shire and will report directly to the Senior Programs Manager in the same location. Their primary responsibilities include supervising the development and execution of health and nutrition program initiatives. Demonstrating their management expertise and knowledge, the Senior Health and Nutrition Manager will drive continuous improvement in the impact of IRC’s health and nutrition programs. Specifically, they will provide technical guidance, monitor project performance, and lead project teams to achieve their targets. Additionally, the Senior Health and Nutrition Manager will conduct regular field visits and work together with the Health and Nutrition Coordinator on new business development and strategic assignments related at the designated field offices.

Major Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Track project performance against key performance indicators and strive to attain project objectives.

• Identify performance gaps and collaborate with Health and Nutrition staff to design and develop action plans that enhance the quality of services.

• Ensure the quality of project activities and service provisions in IRC-supported Health and Nutrition facilities, aligning with national and international standards.

• Assist the HN Coordinator/Assistant HN Coordinator by providing timely and high-quality inputs for new project designs and funding proposals. This includes writing technical narrative content, developing logical frameworks, and budgeting.

• Provide technical support for all IRC projects within designated regions, including both directly implemented and sub-granted projects.

• Represent IRC in relevant forums, working groups, and coordination meetings specific to the assigned regions. Maintain regular communication with the HN Coordinator and field offices.

• Ensure that Health and Nutrition interventions in the assigned regions align with IRC’s core policy documents and guidelines, including the Strategy Action Plan and Outcomes and Evidence Framework (OEF).

• Promote the quality of IRC’s health programs by establishing quality assurance systems and checks in collaboration with Health and Nutrition staff and colleagues from Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning. 

Program and Grant Management

• Ensure that HN grants in assigned field offices are implemented according to internal IRC and donor regulations.

• Participate in Project Cycle Meetings for all relevant grants and ensure that the same process is implemented within the designated domain.

• Support field staff in use of grant management tools such as the budget tracking tools, activity progress monitoring tools, procurement, and spending plans, etc.

Budget Monitoring

• Ensure adherence to budget plans and contractual agreements with donors.

• Collaborate with field staff to develop spending and procurement plans for each grant. Monitor the implementation of these plans.

• Work with the HN Coordinator, Assistant HN Coordinator, and relevant staff to enhance program staff’s capacity in effectively using budget tracking and other project management tools.

• Conduct monthly Budget vs. Actual (BVA) reviews. Provide appropriate recommendations to Finance and Supply Chain staff in Addis, as well as to field-based HN staff.

• Coordinate technical team inputs for project/budget amendments. Provide direct inputs when necessary. Collaborate with Finance for budget recording as required. 

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Ensure that all projects supervised by this position achieve their stated goals and objectives.

• Actively participate in designing and implementing robust M&E plans. Additionally, contribute to the development or adaptation of health information systems, including surveillance systems, for IRC’s Health and Nutrition programs.

• Review reports prepared by field office staff and provide relevant feedback to the concerned team members.

• Assist the HN Coordinator and/or Assistant HN Coordinator in preparing reports for donors and headquarters.

• Conduct regular project review meetings with field-based staff to assess the progress toward achieving project targets across various Health and Nutrition grants.

Human Resource Management

• Support the HN Coordinator with staff development plans for field office HN staff based on performance reviews in collaboration with the human resources department and contribute to strengthening capacity of HN staffs (mentoring, on-the-job sessions as well as formal trainings).

• Support the HN coordinator, in reviewing applicants for HN positions and assist in recruitment of qualified HN staff for assigned field offices.

• Representation

• Represent IRC to local communities, government departments, international agencies, local partners, and donors as requested by the HN Coordinator.

• Attending and document relevant meetings and sharing notes with all concerned.

Miscellaneous

• Support with updating of the IRC’s staff Health protocols and train staff, as necessary.

• Other duties as assigned by the HN Coordinator.

• Safeguarding Responsibilities:

• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion, and cohesion in IRC [team/office].

• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue, and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.

Job Requirements:

Four years relevant years’ professional experience for degree holders and three years demonstrated ability for post graduate degree or equivalent experience in implementing and leading health programs and related budgets.

Educational Requirements:

• BSC and or master’s level education in Health-related field such as RN or MPH. Must have health clinical background (nursing, health officer, MD)

Preferred experience & skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in supervising, leading, and providing technical support to field-based program and project staff.

• At least 1 year of managerial experience.

• Proven track record in proposal development, including practical experience with budgeting, log-frame development, and crafting technical descriptions.

• Ability to possess excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Able to demonstrate strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

• Highly effective both with minimum supervision and as a collaborative team member.

• Experience with an international NGO in a similar role.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ensuring clarity and conciseness in all interactions.

• Proven ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and consistently deliver on time.

• Demonstrated strong analytical problem-solving skills.

• Adaptable to a dynamic, cross-functional global team structure.

• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office suite.

• Effectively collaborates with stakeholders at all levels.

• Able to proactively and positively manage change, ensuring smooth transitions.

Language Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English

• Verbal and written communication skills in Tigrigna and Amharic is advantageous.

Certificates or Licenses:

• Renewed Professional license.

How to Apply:

Candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply only through the below IRC On-line recruitment website by using THIS LINK

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. 

IRC strives to build a diverse and inclusive team at all levels who as individuals, and as a group, embody our culture statement creating a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity for us to achieve our aspirations as a team and deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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.