The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries, the IRC aims to restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure.

In response to the influx of Ukrainian refugees, the IRC Poland started operations in Poland in 2022 and currently implements programs directly and in partnership with Polish NGOs. IRC implements programs in the sectors of Protection, ERD and Education.

We are looking for a committed humanitarian worker, enjoying working collaboratively, building alliances with local and international partners; highly valuing trust, honesty, transparency, mutual support and information sharing. You are pro-active, business-minded, actively contributing to our business growth in Poland.

Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of refugees and contribute to their journey towards safety, dignity, and hope? If so, then this unique opportunity as a Head of Programs at IRC is perfect for you!

Job Overview:

The Head of Programs is in charge of program strategy implementation and development, business growth, ensuring program quality, impact and evidence. The position reports to the IRC Country Director Poland (who is the final decision-maker) and holds working relations with all departments of the organization and a variety of counterparts. The job holder supervises senior program staff (5).

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Program Strategy and Design

• Working in collaboration with in-country program specialists and HQ based Technical Unit staff ensure that programs are designed according to IRC and industry standard methodologies, the IRC program framework, and thorough context analyses.
• Leads the strategic and program initiatives along with the program managers and contributes to the regional (Europe) strategic direction.

Program Management – Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation

• Provide overall leadership and management to IRC Poland programs, ensuring strategic program direction and compliance with IRC and donor regulations.
• Working in collaboration with in-country program specialists Technical Unit staff, ensure that program implementation is managed closely through the development of workplans, indicator tracking sheets and approved monitoring plans. Ensure that monitoring data is used to improve program performance.
• Ensure the financial health of all projects by monitoring expenditure and ensuring that well- structured corrective action is initiated and tracked where required.
• Participates in the Steering Groups of programs in which the IRC is a consortium member or leader

Provide leadership to the program specialists to ensure – in coordination with the Grants and Partnership Manager – the development of timely, high quality and regulation compliant activity reporting per IRC and donor guidelines.

• In consultation with the Technical Unit and the Research, Evaluation and Learning Unit, ensure that evaluations take place around selected programs / program components to contribute to existing evidence bases. Ensure that lessons learnt are shared with other actors in Poland.

Business growth

• Develop/review the business development strategy
• Leads proposal development in cooperation with the grants department and the program’s leads.
• Leads the creation of consortium for proposal development.
• Reviews and signs off proposals prior to the submission.
• Support CD in positioning/fundraising work,

Staff Performance Management, Learning and Development

• Coach, train, supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting quarterly performance objectives, providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews.
• Provide supportive guidance and supervision to program specialists who are charged to implement programs.

Representation and Coordination

• Ensure that IRC’s contribution in the response in Poland is well-coordinated with other initiatives.
• Represents IRC towards authorities, forums and other relevant for the role bodies.
• Position IRC as thought leader and provider of Technical Assistance in IRC Poland’s priority areas.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

• Equivalent experience in the field is also acceptable, although a postgraduate degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of management-level experience in NGO senior positions and program implementation.
• At least 5-7 years of experience of working abroad in humanitarian settings with INGOs/UN;
• Understanding of the Polish civil society sector, governmental stakeholders
• Experience in creating and managing consortia, multi-stakeholders’ initiatives,
• Previous experience managing programs financed through EU/local/US grants is highly advantageous.
• Strong proposal development skills for institutional and private donors.
• Excellent English (C1/C2) and Polish (C2/native speaker) language skills required.
• Curious individual capable of making informed decisions even in situations with limited data.
• Proficient in formulating indicators, designing data collection tools, and analyzing data.
• Proactive member of the senior management team with problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively within a diverse organizational environment.
• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in IRC Greece.
• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies

Work Environment and Duration of Appointment:

This position is based in Warsaw, with occasional travel within Poland/EU, and potentially other locations. The working arrangements include a mix of in-person and hybrid work, with 1-2 days per week working remotely.

Apply now and be a part of IRC’s mission to restore safety, dignity, and hope to those who need it the most.

If you encounter any difficulties during the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at RAIEurope.jobs@rescue.org.

Standard of Professional Conduct: IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from

Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of IRC Persons in any work setting.

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, and we value diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, caste, sexual orientation, differently abled, geographic origin, marital status, veteran status and cultural background (or any other characteristic protected by law). We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.