Application Guide

How to Apply for WASH and IPC Manager

at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

🏢 About International Rescue Committee (IRC)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) stands out for its commitment to implementing innovative, evidence-based solutions in the world's most challenging humanitarian crises. With a global team of over 20,000 staff across 40+ countries, the IRC offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful change while working alongside diverse, dedicated professionals who share a mission to help people survive, recover, and rebuild.

About This Role

As the WASH and IPC Manager, you'll lead critical programs in humanitarian crisis settings, ensuring the delivery of water, sanitation, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions that directly impact survival and recovery. This remote role involves collaborating with a global team to implement data-driven strategies, making it a high-impact position that bridges immediate crisis response with long-term rebuilding efforts.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning virtual coordination with field teams in different time zones to assess WASH program needs in active crisis areas, followed by analyzing IPC data from multiple locations to identify trends and risks. The afternoon could include developing evidence-based program adaptations, reviewing implementation reports, and collaborating with global health and operations colleagues to ensure integrated response approaches.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who International Rescue Committee (IRC) Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years of hands-on experience implementing WASH and IPC programs in active humanitarian crisis settings (not just development contexts)
  • Demonstrates specific knowledge of evidence-based approaches in WASH/IPC, such as Sphere Standards or WHO guidelines
  • Shows proven ability to work effectively in multicultural, remote teams across time zones and cultural backgrounds
  • Can provide concrete examples of using data to improve program outcomes in previous humanitarian responses

📝 Tips for Applying to International Rescue Committee (IRC)

1

Quantify your WASH/IPC experience: Instead of 'managed programs,' specify 'managed 5 WASH programs serving 50,000+ beneficiaries in conflict zones'

2

Highlight remote collaboration experience: The IRC specifically mentions global teamwork, so emphasize experience with virtual coordination across countries

3

Reference IRC's evidence-based approach: Use terms like 'data-led strategies' and 'evidence-based solutions' that appear in their materials

4

Tailor your resume to crisis settings: Use action verbs like 'responded,' 'stabilized,' 'recovered' rather than generic project management terms

5

Include language skills: While not required, French, Arabic, or Spanish proficiency would be valuable for this global humanitarian role

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience implementing WASH and IPC programs in humanitarian crisis settings (not just general development work)', 'Specific examples of using evidence and data to improve program outcomes in previous roles', 'Your ability to work effectively in multicultural, remote environments (mention specific experiences with global teams)', "Why the IRC's mission and evidence-based approach specifically resonates with your professional values"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review IRC's recent emergency responses (Yemen, Ukraine, Afghanistan) to understand their current crisis work
  • → Study IRC's 'Outcomes and Evidence Framework' to understand their specific evidence-based approach
  • → Research IRC's 2022-2024 strategy focusing on 'scale, impact, and influence' in humanitarian response
  • → Look into IRC's specific WASH and health programs in countries like Syria, South Sudan, or DRC

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you had to adapt a WASH or IPC program based on data or evidence in a crisis setting
2 How would you coordinate with field teams across different time zones and cultural contexts while working remotely?
3 What evidence-based approaches would you prioritize in a rapid-onset humanitarian crisis?
4 How do you ensure program quality while working within the constraints of emergency response?
5 Describe your experience implementing Sphere Standards or similar humanitarian standards in WASH/IPC programs
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on development experience without highlighting specific crisis/humanitarian response work
  • Using generic application materials that don't mention WASH, IPC, or humanitarian contexts specifically
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of evidence-based approaches or data-driven decision making

📅 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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