Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Research project Officer

at International Rescue Committee

🏢 About International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global 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 offers meaningful impact through purpose-driven careers in a diverse, global team environment.

About This Role

As a Senior Research Project Officer, you'll lead research initiatives that directly inform humanitarian interventions, likely focusing on crisis-affected regions like Syria or other conflict zones. This role involves designing, implementing, and analyzing research projects that generate evidence to improve IRC's programs, ensuring they deliver better outcomes for vulnerable populations. Your work will bridge research and practical humanitarian action, making findings actionable for field teams.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve coordinating with field teams in different time zones to monitor research data collection, analyzing qualitative or quantitative findings from crisis-affected communities, and preparing briefs that translate research into program recommendations. You'll likely participate in virtual meetings with program staff to ensure research aligns with operational needs while upholding ethical standards, and contribute to donor reports that demonstrate evidence-based impact.

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🎯 Who International Rescue Committee Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of experience in humanitarian research, preferably in conflict or crisis settings, with expertise in mixed-methods research design
  • Demonstrates strong project management skills for complex, multi-country research initiatives with tight deadlines and ethical considerations
  • Possesses deep understanding of humanitarian principles and can navigate research challenges in insecure environments
  • Shows alignment with IRC's values—particularly integrity and accountability—in previous research ethics and community engagement

📝 Tips for Applying to International Rescue Committee

1

Explicitly link your research experience to humanitarian contexts—mention specific crises or regions you've worked in, especially if relevant to IRC's focus areas like Syria

2

Highlight any experience with remote research coordination, as this role is remote but likely supports field teams in challenging locations

3

Quantify your impact: show how your past research directly influenced program decisions or policy changes in humanitarian organizations

4

Demonstrate cultural competency by mentioning experience working with diverse teams across different time zones and contexts

5

Tailor your resume to emphasize both technical research skills AND soft skills like stakeholder engagement, crucial for IRC's collaborative environment

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your motivation for humanitarian research—explain why you're drawn to IRC's mission of serving crisis-affected populations", 'Specific examples of research projects that improved humanitarian outcomes, emphasizing ethical considerations and community involvement', "How you've previously navigated the challenges of research in complex environments (security, access, ethics)", 'Your ability to translate research findings into actionable recommendations for non-research audiences like program teams']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review IRC's recent research publications on their website, focusing on themes like resilience, protection, or health in crisis settings
  • → Study IRC's specific responses in Syria and other major operations to understand their program priorities and challenges
  • → Explore IRC's organizational values and how they manifest in their research ethics framework
  • → Look into IRC's partnerships with academic institutions or other NGOs to understand their research ecosystem
Visit International Rescue Committee's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you designed research in a humanitarian emergency—how did you ensure ethical standards and community participation?
2 How would you balance rigorous research methodologies with the urgent needs of crisis-affected populations?
3 Share an example of research findings that conflicted with program assumptions—how did you handle this?
4 How do you ensure research inclusivity and equity, especially with vulnerable groups like refugees or displaced persons?
5 What experience do you have managing remote research teams or collaborating across different cultural contexts?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic applications that don't reference IRC's specific humanitarian focus or values
  • Overemphasizing academic research without showing practical application to humanitarian programming
  • Failing to demonstrate cultural sensitivity or experience working in cross-cultural, high-stress environments

📅 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!

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