Deputy Director of Programs

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

IRC entered Nigeria in October 2012 in response to a widespread flood disaster. Since then, the IRC has expanded its scope and size of the programs in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States. In 2023, IRC expanded its programming to the Northwest in Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto through partners. The IRC’s response to the humanitarian situation includes integrated health and nutrition services, reproductive health care and women protection services, Environmental Health, Child Protection, Economic Recovery and Development, Education and General Protection. The country program has a three-year strategy action plan currently being reviewed for another 3 years. IRC’s programming in Northeast and Northwestern Nigeria is supported by a team of more than 370 staff

Job Overview 
The Deputy Director of Programs (DDP) is a member of the senior management team (SMT) (along with the Deputy Director of Operations (DDO), Deputy Director of Finance, Snr. People and Culture Coordinator, Snr Program Coordinator, and Snr Humanitarian Access, Security and Safety Coordinator). She/he is responsible for leading and managing the program Technical teams/sector, Grant management and M&E teams in the Country Program. The DDP is expected to contribute to high levels of teamwork and inter-departmental and cross-sectoral collaboration.  Through her/his leadership the IRC Nigeria country program will develop and implement high quality programs based on the principles of results, data-driven analysis, problem identification and problem solving. The DDP will also be the focal point for strategy development, review and monitoring. The position is based in Abuja with frequent travel to all field locations

Major Responsibilities

•    Ethics, Integrity and Safeguarding: Adhere to and act in accordance with the IRC Way (Code of Conduct) and other global HR policies and procedures; model a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations. Ensuring integrity and safeguarding are central to program design and to all interactions with clients.
•    Security: Support strong security management by contributing to SMT-led risk analysis and planning, and by embedding security considerations into program design and delivery, grant management, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E).
•    Management and Strategy: Actively contribute to and participate in management and leadership platforms (e.g., Senior Management Team, Country Leadership Team, Country Management Team). Champion the development, periodic review, and implementation of the Nigeria Strategic Action Plan, ensuring meaningful participation of programs, grants, and M&E teams in strategy and research activities.
•    Program Design and Implementation: Ensure high-quality program design through robust context analysis, theories of change, and sector strategies. Use rigorous M&E and results-based management to drive learning, program adaptation, and continuous improvement. In partnership with the Deputy Director of Operations, support effective delivery of program commitments by overseeing key management tools (e.g., procurement plans, budget-versus-actual reports, work plans). Oversee technical assistance across sectors to ensure programs reflect best practice, evidence, and current learning.
•    Business Development and Grant Management: With SMT colleagues, lead the development, implementation, and review of the country program business development strategy to ensure sector programs, overall strategy, and operations are adequately funded. Lead the grant management team to ensure IRC Nigeria meets all institutional donor and internal reporting and compliance requirements.
•    Representation, Advocacy and Communication: With the Country Director and Deputy Director of Operations, ensure IRC is effectively represented with key stakeholders and in relevant coordination fora and networks, leveraging IRC learning and experience to strengthen humanitarian and development responses in Nigeria. Support the development and delivery of an advocacy strategy aligned to country program priorities. Work with the Country Director to ensure appropriate communication products highlight country program work for varied audiences.
•    Human Resources: As the leader for the programs team, work with People & Culture and Administration teams to ensure appropriate HR and administrative support for programs, including the application of best practices and adherence to national and state-level NGO compliance requirements.

Key Working Relationships
Position Reports to: Country Director
Position directly supervises: Senior M&E Coordinator; Senior Grants Coordinator; Consortium Coordinators; Senior Program Coordinator; and Senior Health/Nutrition Coordinator.

Through a “management in partnership” approach, the Deputy Director of Programs will jointly supervise selected cross-functional roles, as required by the country program structure.Management in Partnership is a type of matrix management used at the IRC. Management in Partnership aims to ensure effective and efficient management and supervision of multi-facing and cross-departmental roles.

Other key contacts:
Country Program:  Senior Management Team members, Security Coordinator, Field Coordinators, , Supply Chain Coordinator, HR Coordinator
Organizationally: Regional Director, Deputy Regional Director, technical advisors and the Award Management Unit.

Requirements

•    Minimum of seven years of international experience, including at least two years managing emergencies, post-conflict, and/or development programs.
•    Demonstrated experience in program design and delivery, including proposal development.
•    Proven capacity in staff management, multitasking, time management, and diplomacy.
•    Excellent communication and presentation skills.
•    High level Advocacy and interpersonal skills
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; innovative, collaborative, and effective in multicultural teams.
•    Fluency in English.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Work that has meaning: Every day at the IRC is a chance to make a difference through a purpose-driven career. Whether you're working directly with communities or providing support behind the scenes, you will be part of a dynamic team that is always innovating, scaling, and testing new and better solutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for the people we serve.

Global scale, dynamic workplace: At the IRC, we believe that the dynamic, global make-up of our team is our strength. When you join us, you're not just starting a job—you will be part of a global organization positively impacting millions of lives in over 40 get to work with colleagues from all around the world—working across time zones and regularly exchanging different ideas, perspectives and insights. You’ll join a team that is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.  

Challenging work, innovative solutions: We’re committed to excellence and innovation, and pride ourselves in setting industry-leading standards while practicing evidence and data-lead strategies. Come challenge norms, shatter conventions, and pioneer change while working on real, nuanced and complex issues we face in the world today.  

Community centered: We’re an empathetic community that truly cares for one another. Our comprehensive safety and security initiatives ensure a safe work environment, while our continuous learning and development programs provide ongoing opportunities for personal and career advancement.

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Our Typical Recruitment Process

The interview process typically includes three rounds, though the number may vary depending on the role and level of seniority. It usually begins with a conversation with our recruiting team to learn more about you and your goals. This is followed by an interview with a hiring manager or business stakeholder to explore your background and provide more insight into the role. The final round focuses on assessing your role-specific expertise and may be conducted as a panel interview to evaluate your cross-functional strengths. Before extending an offer, we generally conduct reference checks, and after an offer is made, a standard background check is completed. While we strive for consistency, the process may differ based on the role, business unit, location, job type, legal requirements, and other factors.

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