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 that 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.

The Senior Rapid Response Mechanism Coordinator will support coordination efforts between different Rapid Response Mechanisms (RRMs) in Ethiopia: the Ethiopia Rapid Response Mechanism (ET-RRM), SWAN UNICEF’s WASH RRM, IOM’s Multi-sectoral Rapid Response Fund (RRF), and WHO's Rapid Response Team (RRT) and other humanitarian actors/sector clusters. The Senior Rapid Response Mechanism Coordinator will be hosted by IRC and seconded to OCHA   to work on multiagency/multi-mechanisms coordination efforts.

The Senior Rapid Response Mechanism Coordinator will serve as the RRM TWG focal point with OCHA, engage in the DRM TWG, task forces, Cluster and Custer Coordinators to ensure all stakeholders are fully aware of planning, emergency responses, and ongoing discussions within the individual clusters. The Senior Rapid Response Mechanism Coordinator will also keep the clusters advised of RRM-related activities. The Senior Rapid Response Mechanism Coordinator will report to the Deputy Director of Emergency in the IRC’s Emergency Response structure, but will not be the IRC’s RRM representative in any of the forums/platforms. 

Main expectation of this position

The specific objective of the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) project is based on three pillars:

Assessments: Maintaining a humanitarian needs watch as the basis for the execution of rapid and multi-sector assessments for populations at high risk.

Advocacy: Ensuring the effective use of the multi-sector assessment information and follow-up humanitarian action via close and constant coordination and advocacy with DRM TWG and other partners by disseminating alerts/results/recommendations; and,

Response: In the absence of ready humanitarian action within the humanitarian community, facilitating emergency responses by the RRMs.

Major Key responsibilities

• Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) Strategy Development

• Provide operational and technical leadership to the RRM TWG

• Develop 2025/26, Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) strategy complete with alert verification system, thresholds, timeframe, minimum packages, and exit strategy in coordination with active RRMs and the Anticipatory Action Working Group.

• With OCHA, establish RRM standard operating procedures for the DRM TWG operating in Ethiopia.

• With OCHA, establish data management systems for active RRMs, including a system for recording and classifying emergency requests.

• Establish relevant networks and connections with other national, regional, and local Emergency Response Mechanisms and their implementers/donors.

• Escalate incidents to the relevant regional mechanisms or raise an alert within the project to trigger emergency funding for the emergency response mechanism.

• Actively develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, government actors, UN agencies, international and local NGOs, and other relevant actors.

Coordinate with the implementing partners I/NGOs

• Co-lead the OCHA structures of emergency response and ensure regular communications.

• Organize meetings and workshops on how to improve and harmonize the RRMs response and coordination among the different mechanisms and actors (such as Anticipatory Action Working Group).

• Consolidate relevant program reports shared by different RRMs to be shared with key stakeholders on a monthly basis. 

Coordination and Advocacy for RRM Implementation and Alignment

• Liaise with DRM TWG/OCHA and the humanitarian community to advocate for assessment results and identified needs to be addressed as per agreed thresholds/approaches.

• Ensure the RRMs approach works within the existing sector approach and framework.

• Ensure there is a good understanding of the RRM among the mechanisms managing organizations, and focal points  are kept abreast of RRM partner agreements, including any potential end-user monitoring and technical support.

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: 

Educational Requirements:

• An advanced university degree in Social, Management, Emergency, humanitarian, Disaster Management, or related field from an accredited/recognized institute.

Preferred experience & skills: 

• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in emergency management and operations, with proven experience in emergency response and at least 4 years of management experience.

• Experience in multi-sector emergency program implementation and emergency system strengthening in conflict settings.

• Previous experience implementing and/or coordinating a Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) is highly desirable.

• Experience in multi-stakeholder coordination/Sector/Cluster Coordination and facilitation is highly desirable.

• Specialized training in emergency management; specific training in humanitarian response

• Effective communication, networking, and organizational skills, and the ability to work well in a team.

• Ability to work well under pressure and in response to rapidly changing needs, and ability to work in difficult circumstances.

• Planning, organizing, and leadership skills.

• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office software applications; Excellent presentation skills.

Language Skills: 

• Proficiency in English and the Ethiopian National working languages is Advantageous.

How to Apply

• Candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply only through 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. 

Disclaimer: - Please note that IRC will never request applicants or candidates to make any form of payment at any stage of the recruitment process. 

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.