The International Rescue Committee (IRC) continues to lead global efforts in humanitarian response and resilience building in the face of crises and emergencies. As climate-related disasters and conflict-driven crises increase in complexity and frequency, IRC is investing in proactive, forecast-based humanitarian interventions designed to prevent suffering before disasters strike. In line with this, we are excited to announce the recruitment for the position of Anticipatory Action Coordinator in three dynamic international locations: New York, Nairobi, and Berlin. The role is offered on a fixed-term, full-time basis, with remote working arrangements available.
This opportunity is ideal for humanitarian professionals who are passionate about innovation, adaptive planning, climate resilience, and effective project management. If you are looking to work at the forefront of anticipatory action strategies, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected areas, and thrive in fast-paced, ever-evolving environments, we encourage you to apply.
About IRC’s Anticipatory Action Strategy
With funding from GFFO, Trafigura Foundation, SIDA, and Google.org, IRC has developed a robust anticipatory action approach that utilizes long-range seasonal forecasts (sourced from Columbia University’s International Research Institute for Climate and Society) to anticipate and prepare for potential floods or droughts months in advance. This 4-month forecast window provides a critical opportunity for preparedness and early response planning.
The anticipatory action model is underpinned by IRC’s proven use of forecasting tools such as GLOFAS and Google Flood Hub, drought contingency frameworks like the Household Economy Analysis (HEA), and SRAF planning tools. The core response strategy centers on unconditional, multipurpose cash transfers to households at risk. This is supported by a robust infrastructure of cash preparedness measures that ensure timely disbursement and effective community targeting.
The Role: Anticipatory Action Coordinator
The Anticipatory Action Coordinator plays a central role in managing the global anticipatory action program funded by GFFO. The position supports the Anticipatory Action Specialist (HEA) in delivering rapid, adaptive response mechanisms aligned with climate forecasts, and oversees the full project lifecycle — from contingency planning to donor reporting and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
1. Project Management (40%)
- Develop and enhance project management systems, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the implementation of program activities across multiple partners.
- Track progress against deliverables using structured workplans and financial forecasts; ensure timely identification and communication of risks or delays.
- Maintain dynamic and up-to-date workplans; coordinate regular reviews with stakeholders including IRC country teams and senior management.
- Monitor and update the project risk register; apply mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle.
- Ensure proper documentation and digital storage of project materials; support team members with access to shared files.
- Maintain expert-level familiarity with GFFO compliance requirements and provide ongoing guidance to partners.
2. Partner Coordination and Subcontract Management (20%)
- Collaborate with external research and implementation partners to co-develop workplans and performance monitoring systems.
- Oversee communication and implementation issues with partners, including tracking contract performance, workplan milestones, and donor deliverables.
- Lead due diligence efforts for new and existing subcontracts, in coordination with IRC’s Awards Management Unit.
- Coordinate amendments and compliance updates to partner agreements; manage documentation and performance reviews throughout the partnership.
3. Donor and Internal Reporting (40%)
- Lead the preparation and submission of high-quality narrative and financial reports for GFFO-funded activities.
- Develop templates, timelines, and tracking systems to ensure on-time reporting from IRC teams and consortium partners.
- Provide timely and constructive feedback to teams and partners, ensuring continuous improvement in reporting practices.
- Compile and submit annual reports and respond to donor queries in accordance with contractual obligations.
- Represent IRC in relevant global platforms by reporting AA activations to the Anticipation Hub and related forums.
Strategic Contribution
While the role is administratively and logistically focused, it also offers a unique opportunity for the Coordinator to contribute to the technical direction of IRC’s anticipatory action strategy. For professionals eager to deepen their skills in predictive analytics, climate risk forecasting, or cash preparedness, the position offers close collaboration with IRC’s leading specialists and access to cutting-edge tools and training.
Work Environment and Mobility
This role is open to candidates based in New York (USA), Nairobi (Kenya), or Berlin (Germany). Remote work is supported. However, due to the nature of anticipatory action and the requirement to operate in fragile and conflict-affected contexts, the Coordinator must be available and willing to undertake field deployments of at least three weeks per quarter.
Internal and External Relationships
Key Internal Collaborators:
- Anticipatory Action Specialist (HEA)
- Country Program Staff (Deputy Directors of Programs, ERD Coordinators, Emergency Coordinators)
- Emergency & Humanitarian Action Unit (EHAU)
- Economic Recovery & Development (ERD) Technical Unit
- Research and Innovation Department
- Global Awards and Compliance Teams
External Stakeholders:
- Research institutions and forecast modeling partners
- Donor reporting platforms (e.g., Anticipation Hub)
Skills and Experience Requirements
- A minimum of five years of professional experience in program or project management, ideally within the humanitarian or development sectors.
- Demonstrated expertise in developing and maintaining project management documents such as workplans, risk registers, and monitoring tools.
- Experience managing partnerships or subcontracting arrangements within complex consortia.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging multicultural and cross-functional teams.
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, with a proactive attitude toward emerging challenges.
- High level of digital literacy; proficiency in MS Excel is strongly preferred. Familiarity with project management tools like Asana is advantageous.
- Previous exposure to GFFO compliance frameworks is desirable but not mandatory.
- A deep commitment to humanitarian principles and IRC’s values, with particular attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Language Proficiency
- Exceptional written and spoken English is required, particularly for donor communication and reporting.
- Proficiency in German is preferred, especially for Berlin-based applicants, though not essential.
Why Join IRC?
At IRC, you will work alongside a global community of humanitarians committed to delivering high-impact, innovative solutions in the world’s toughest contexts. You will have access to a broad network of colleagues and resources, with the freedom to contribute ideas and lead change in real time. As the organization continues to expand its anticipatory action strategy, you will be at the center of one of the most forward-looking and impactful movements in humanitarian response today.
This position offers an annual compensation of USD 67,000 to 86,000, depending on location and experience. The role is ideal for professionals looking to grow in an international NGO setting while contributing meaningfully to global climate resilience and emergency preparedness efforts.
If you are eager to be part of a mission that saves lives before disaster strikes and thrives on teamwork, agility, and foresight, this could be the perfect role for you.
To apply for the position of Anticipatory Action Coordinator, please follow the link below.
