Application Guide

How to Apply for Food Security and Livelihoods Manager

at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

🏢 About International Rescue Committee (IRC)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading humanitarian organization that responds to the world’s worst crises, delivering life-saving aid and supporting long-term recovery. Working at IRC means joining a global team committed to helping people survive, recover, and rebuild their lives with dignity.

About This Role

As the Food Security and Livelihoods Manager, you will lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of programs that improve food access and economic stability for crisis-affected populations. This role directly impacts communities by ensuring they have sustainable means to feed themselves and rebuild livelihoods.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start your day with a virtual check-in with field teams in a different time zone to review program progress. Later, you could analyze monitoring data to identify gaps in food distribution, then draft a donor report or develop a concept note for a new livelihoods project. Afternoon might involve a cross-team meeting to coordinate with protection or health colleagues on integrated programming.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who International Rescue Committee (IRC) Is Looking For

  • Proven experience in food security and livelihoods programming in humanitarian or development contexts, preferably with an international NGO.
  • Strong project management skills, including budget management, donor reporting, and M&E frameworks.
  • Ability to work remotely and coordinate with field teams across different time zones, demonstrating excellent communication and self-discipline.
  • Deep understanding of IRC’s mission, values, and approaches to food security and livelihoods (e.g., market-based programming, cash and voucher assistance).

📝 Tips for Applying to International Rescue Committee (IRC)

1

Tailor your CV to highlight specific achievements in food security and livelihoods, using metrics (e.g., number of households reached, percentage increase in food security).

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention your familiarity with IRC’s outcomes and evidence framework (OEF) and how you have used it in past roles.

3

Research IRC’s current food security and livelihoods projects in crisis-affected regions and reference one that aligns with your experience.

4

Demonstrate your ability to work remotely by providing examples of successful virtual collaboration with diverse teams.

5

Ensure your application addresses the 'Impact Careers' aspect—show how your work has created measurable positive change for communities.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience designing and managing food security and livelihoods programs in complex emergencies.', 'Highlight your ability to use evidence and data to inform program decisions and demonstrate impact.', 'Show your commitment to IRC’s core values: integrity, service, accountability, and equality.', 'Explain your motivation for working remotely and how you stay productive and connected with teams.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review IRC’s Global Strategy 100 and its focus on outcomes for food security and livelihoods.
  • → Read IRC’s recent reports on food security crises in countries like Yemen, South Sudan, or Afghanistan.
  • → Explore IRC’s technical unit pages on Food Security & Livelihoods to understand their frameworks and tools.
  • → Check IRC’s job page for other similar roles to understand the typical expectations and career progression.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a food security program for a conflict-affected population with limited market access?
2 Describe a time you managed a budget for a livelihoods project and had to make adjustments due to funding constraints.
3 How do you ensure accountability to affected populations in remote programming?
4 What is your experience with cash and voucher assistance, and how do you integrate it with food security interventions?
5 How do you stay updated on best practices in food security and livelihoods in humanitarian settings?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without referencing IRC’s specific approaches or current crises.
  • Failing to provide concrete examples of remote work experience or self-management skills.
  • Overlooking the importance of monitoring and evaluation—not mentioning how you track and report program impact.

📅 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!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to International Rescue Committee (IRC)!

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