Application Guide

How to Apply for Deputy Director of Programs, East

at International Rescue Committee

🏢 About International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading humanitarian organization responding to the world's worst crises, with over 20,000 staff across 40+ countries. What makes IRC unique is its commitment to delivering innovative solutions that help people survive, recover, and rebuild, guided by core values of integrity, service, accountability, and equality. Working here means being part of a purpose-driven global team where your impact is felt worldwide.

About This Role

As Deputy Director of Programs, East, you'll oversee and coordinate humanitarian programs across eastern regions, ensuring effective delivery of life-saving services in crisis zones. This remote leadership role involves strategic planning, team management, and partnership development to scale IRC's impact. Your work directly influences how communities recover from humanitarian disasters, making this a high-impact position at the operational heart of IRC's mission.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with virtual check-ins with field teams across different time zones, reviewing program reports from eastern operations, and addressing urgent humanitarian needs. You'd spend midday coordinating with other departments (finance, HR, advocacy) to support program delivery, then dedicate afternoon hours to donor communications, proposal development, and strategic planning for scaling impact in the region.

🚀 Application Tools

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🎯 Who International Rescue Committee Is Looking For

  • Has 7+ years of senior program management experience in humanitarian or development contexts, preferably with field experience in eastern regions
  • Demonstrates proven leadership in managing complex, multi-sector programs with budgets exceeding $10M
  • Possesses deep understanding of humanitarian principles, donor compliance (USAID, ECHO, UN agencies), and remote management challenges
  • Shows alignment with IRC's values through previous work promoting equity, accountability, and community-centered approaches

📝 Tips for Applying to International Rescue Committee

1

Quantify your impact: Use specific metrics (e.g., 'managed $15M portfolio serving 200,000 beneficiaries') rather than generic descriptions

2

Highlight remote management experience: Emphasize how you've successfully led teams or programs from a distance, as this is a fully remote role

3

Connect to IRC's values: Use their language (integrity, service, accountability, equality) in your application materials

4

Demonstrate regional knowledge: Reference specific contexts or challenges in eastern humanitarian operations

5

Show innovation mindset: Include examples of how you've developed 'new and better solutions' in previous roles

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your alignment with IRC's four core values and how they've guided your previous humanitarian work", 'Specific examples of managing complex programs in crisis settings, particularly any experience in eastern regions', "How you've led teams to deliver measurable outcomes for vulnerable populations", 'Your approach to remote leadership and cross-cultural team management in humanitarian contexts']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → IRC's current programs in eastern regions (Middle East, East Africa, or Asia) and their specific challenges
  • → IRC's 2020-2030 strategy and how this role might contribute to its 'outcomes and evidence' framework
  • → Recent IRC annual reports to understand funding sources, program priorities, and organizational challenges
  • → IRC's partnerships with UN agencies, governments, and local organizations in eastern operational contexts
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you managed a humanitarian program remotely during a crisis. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
2 How would you ensure accountability and service delivery in a complex eastern region with limited access?
3 What strategies would you use to promote equality in program design and implementation?
4 How have you previously innovated to improve humanitarian outcomes within budget constraints?
5 How do you balance donor compliance with community needs in emergency response programming?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using generic humanitarian language without specific examples or measurable outcomes
  • Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating alignment with IRC's values-based approach
  • Failing to address the remote nature of the role and how you'll manage teams across time zones and cultures

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to International Rescue Committee!

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