The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a globally recognized humanitarian and development organization dedicated to helping people affected by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC works in more than 40 countries and over 20 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity, and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure.
In alignment with its 2024 Emergency Health Strategy, Strategy 100, and the Emergency Unit (EmU) Strategic Action Plan, IRC is currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced Emergency Health Technical Advisor to join its global health team. This critical role aims to strengthen the organization’s emergency health programming capacity and will operate at the intersection of health, emergency response, data systems, partnerships, and preparedness strategies.
This position is available in two locations: Nairobi, Kenya (open to international staff), and London, United Kingdom (open to nationals only). The role is structured as a full-time, fixed-term contract with a hybrid work arrangement and requires up to 20% travel, including to high-risk emergency zones.
About the Emergency Health Technical Advisor Role
The Emergency Health Technical Advisor will report to the Senior Technical Advisor of Emergency Health and play a key role in delivering high-impact, timely, and quality emergency health services. This position integrates the dual mandates of direct emergency response and global capacity-building, supporting field operations while also leading technical strategy and data management within the Emergency Health team. The role requires a robust background in epidemiology, monitoring and evaluation, partnership coordination, and health program design in crisis settings.
Detailed Job Description
1. Data Management, Systems, Tools, and Learning (40%)
The Emergency Health Technical Advisor will lead the epidemiological and analytical functions of the Emergency Health Team and support standardization and systematization across data collection, analysis, and use. Key responsibilities include:
- Providing epidemiological insights into classified public health emergencies, including outbreaks, and guiding decision-making through data-driven advice.
- Leading epidemiological analysis across the organization, including interpreting data trends and communicating findings to non-technical stakeholders.
- Standardizing Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) systems for emergency health responses, supporting the development and use of surveillance databases and modalities like EWARN and GOARN.
- Managing central repositories for emergency health tools, including the STEP toolkit, rapid needs assessment instruments, technical dashboards, and libraries.
- Generating biannual reports summarizing learning and insights from primary and secondary health emergency data.
- Conducting trend analyses and health program evaluations across emergency responses.
2. Partnerships (20%)
Partnership building and support are central to this role. The Emergency Health Technical Advisor will:
- Ensure quality, accountability, and consistency in IRC’s emergency response programming through capacity-building, training, and technical support to local and national partner organizations.
- Review partner reports and data outputs, recommending adjustments or improvements as needed.
- Customize IRC’s emergency health implementation tools for partner use based on their specific needs.
- Provide guidance to deployed Emergency Health Coordinators supporting local partners.
- Integrate partnership considerations into emergency program design and proposal development, ensuring adequate budget provisions.
- Promote a deep understanding of IRC’s Partnership Excellence for Equality and Results System (PEERS) within the Emergency Health Team.
3. Country Support (20%)
When required, the Emergency Health Technical Advisor will deploy to support country offices during emergency start-up or major outbreaks. Activities in this area include:
- Conducting rapid health needs assessments, learning reviews, and other accountability-focused support functions.
- Taking on technical roles in complex or large-scale emergency responses for up to 6 weeks at a time.
- Leading post-response evaluations, gathering lessons learned, and facilitating improved emergency preparedness.
- Training IRC staff and partners on the use of emergency preparedness and response tools, fostering readiness and resilience.
4. Business Development and Grant Management (20%)
The advisor will play a key role in shaping and supporting IRC’s emergency health portfolio through:
- Leading or contributing to the development and submission of strategic proposals and concept notes that promote innovative emergency health programming.
- Ensuring alignment of new initiatives with existing IRC strategies, frameworks, and technical roadmaps.
- Supporting the management of emergency health grants, including those involving subawards to local partners (not more than once annually).
Team Culture and Collaboration
The Emergency Health Technical Advisor will contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and results-driven team culture. Responsibilities in this area include:
- Maintaining strong professional relationships with staff across the Emergency Unit, Technical Excellence (TechEx), regional offices, and field teams.
- Fostering a supportive, safe, and respectful work environment in line with IRC’s core values and “One IRC” way of working.
- Promoting inclusive practices and gender equality across all facets of emergency programming and team operations.
Key Working Relationships
- Reports To: Senior Technical Advisor, Emergency Health
- Direct Reports: May supervise interns occasionally
- Key Internal Stakeholders:
- Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Global Surge Team (GST) Health Coordinators
- Health Unit Technical Advisors
- Preparedness and Response Management teams
- Regional leadership and Country Program teams
Job Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in clinical or public health-related field required.
- Master of Public Health (MPH) or equivalent strongly preferred.
Work Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in health-related programming in humanitarian or low-resource settings.
- At least 2 years of direct experience working in emergency or humanitarian contexts.
- Demonstrated experience in epidemiology, monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, and technical tool development.
Core Competencies and Skills
- Expertise in planning and implementing health programs in emergency settings.
- Strong epidemiological analysis capabilities and proficiency in interpreting health data.
- Experience with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) in crisis contexts.
- Commitment to collaborating with local and national partners to enhance emergency health programming.
- Ability to translate strategic frameworks into actionable program guidance.
- Effective collaboration skills in multicultural, multidisciplinary settings.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
- Strong IT skills and ability to deliver under pressure.
- Ability to design and deliver impactful training sessions and knowledge transfer.
- Proven track record in donor engagement, proposal development, and project design.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English is mandatory.
- Proficiency in French is a valuable asset.
Work Environment
- Hybrid work model based in either Nairobi, Kenya (open to international candidates), or London, United Kingdom (open to nationals only).
- Position requires up to 15-20% travel, including to unstable emergency zones.
Why Join IRC?
The IRC is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and provides robust support for staff development, safety, and well-being. By joining as the Emergency Health Technical Advisor, you will contribute meaningfully to lifesaving programs, influence emergency health strategy at a global level, and help strengthen the capacities of national partners and field teams in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
You will be part of a dynamic, mission-driven team working at the forefront of humanitarian response—developing innovative, data-driven, and sustainable solutions to deliver critical health services to crisis-affected populations around the globe.
If you are passionate about public health, committed to humanitarian values, and possess the technical and strategic skills to thrive in a fast-paced emergency environment, we invite you to apply for this impactful role with IRC.
Applications
To apply, please use the official application platform by selecting the “Apply now” option.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for follow-up. The IRC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding.
