The International Rescue Committee (IRC) have been working in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for more than forty years. Today, the IRC has more than 2,200 staff working across the region, including in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, and Yemen to support those affected by some of the world’s most complex and protracted humanitarian crises.
An estimated 70 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in the MENA. This includes people caught up in protracted conflict, those displaced by crisis, and those affected by global shocks, changing climates, and natural disasters, such as last year’s devastating earthquakes that struck southern Türkiye and Syria. Across the region, vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and people on the move, continue to be disproportionately affected, all while rising economic instability and often weak national governance exacerbate levels of extreme poverty and disrupt the provision of basic services.
The IRC responds to people’s acute and longer-term needs with integrated programs that improve health and safety, prioritize children’s education, foster economic wellbeing, and empower communities to regain control over their lives. Our work gives rise to some of the most pressing issues facing contemporary humanitarian action, including questions of access, conflict sensitivity, coordination, and impact.
Contextual background
Iraq is emerging from over six years of fighting against the Islamic State and remains one of the most complex operating environments in the world. The devastating human consequences to huge numbers of people will endure for decades and the destruction of communities, livelihoods, homes and infrastructure will take years to repair.
Over 5 million Iraqis have returned in the past years, but 1.1 million remain displaced. Over 230,000 Syrians continue to seek refuge in the Kurdish region. The new government is struggling to build trust and restore basic services.
Since 2003, the IRC has been at the forefront of providing humanitarian aid and assistance in Iraq. Over the past five years, post the conflict with the so-called ISIS group, our focus has evolved towards offering integrated services across the humanitarian-peacebuilding-development nexus. Operating in seven governorates, we extend our support to internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities, aiming to facilitate recovery and build resilience across the country. Over the past 8 years, 2.5 million Iraqis have benefitted from IRC services directly and indirectly.
Our strategic positioning allows us to scale our efforts across the nexus, with a keen emphasis on durable solutions, development and system strengthening, localization and partnerships, evidence-based policy and advocacy approach. Building on our successful localization efforts, we are committed to addressing the medium to long-term needs of communities, irrespective of their displacement status.
Job Overview/Summary:
The IRC Country Director sets the vision and strategic direction for the response and operations in Iraq and oversees all programs implemented within Iraq. The Country Director will maintain continuity of programming support in current operational areas in the country, while exploring the possibility of expanding the geographic scope as conditions allow and in collaboration with the regional office. The Country Director is responsible for overall leadership and supervisory management of IRC staff, programming, and operations within Iraq, including program quality and accountability, stewardship of resources, staff safety and security, performance management and external representation. The Country Director is IRC’s principal representative on behalf of the Iraq country program to government officials, non-governmental actors, Iraqi civil society, donors, international organizations and the media. The Country Director is expected to manage responsive and effective programs implemented both directly and with Iraqi partner organizations.
Success in this position requires an individual with exemplary, demonstrated leadership abilities who deploys strong communications and interpersonal skills effectively, both internally and externally. The successful candidate will enjoy contextual analytical skills with an ability to translate the impact of geopolitical events to our day to day operation. S/he will build a network of partnerships and diversify program resources. S/he will be directly responsible for the overall coordination and strategic direction of the country program; providing oversight and coaching for directly supervised senior managers; leading country program teams to identify, design and deliver responsive, high-quality programs; ensuring efficient management of public grants and private funds for results, compliance, and focused, timely reporting; and oversight of financial management and compliance systems.
Major Responsibilities:
Leadership and Representation
Strategic Direction, Program Quality and Growth
Safety and Security Management
Staff Management, Learning and Development
Stewardship and Operational Management
Communications
Key Working Relationships:
Position Reports to: Regional Vice-President - MENA
Position directly Supervises: A senior management team responsible for programs, operations, finance, HR, compliance, security, and policy & advocacy.
Key Internal Contacts:
Country Program: All staff
Region: Middle East Regional Team
HQ: Crisis Response and Recovery Department (CRRD), Ethics & Compliance, Operations and Strategy, Finance, Global Philanthropy & Partnerships, Technical Excellence and General Counsel
Key External Contacts:
Partner organizations
Host country government officials
Public and private donor agencies
International and national NGOs
UN agencies
Foreign governments.
Job Requirements:
Education and Work Experience:
Demonstrated Technical Skills:
Demonstrated Managerial/Leadership Competencies:
Languages Required/Preferred:
Computer/Other Tech Requirements:
Ability to Travel: approximately 25% within and outside the region for workshops, representation and conferences
Returning National Candidates: We strongly encourage national or returning national candidates to apply for this position. If you are a citizen of the Country in which this position is based and are currently located outside of your home country and possess over two years of international work experience, the Middle East Region has introduced an attractive remuneration package. The package includes competitive compensation, return flight to post, shipping allowance, temporary housing and a relocation allowance. Certain restrictions may apply. IRC strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff in our programs.
Diversity and Inclusion: at IRC MENA, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Organizations that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, nationality, and perspective are validated to be better organizations. More importantly, creating a safe workspace environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best is the right thing to do. So, bring your whole self to work.
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