The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.The IRC has a focus on narrowing the gender gap in humanitarian aid and ensuring that we contribute to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in both our programs and operations by working to establish a context where our clients (including those from minority groups) enjoy the same rights and opportunities as well as an equal access to services. The IRC also has a strong commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture, where safeguarding is upheld in our workplace and programs. We are determined to protect our clients and staff from safeguarding violations through prevention and, where misconduct is alleged, to address it without fear or favor.

Job Overview:  

Scope: The Senior Rapid Response Mechanism Coordinator will support coordination efforts between different Rapid Response Mechanisms (RRMs) in Ethiopia: the Ethiopia Rapid Response Mechanism (ET-RRM), SWAN UNICEF’s WASH RRM, IOM’s Multi-sectoral Rapid Response Fund (RRF), and WHO's Rapid Response Team (RRT) and other humanitarian actors/sector clusters. The Senior Rapid Response Mechanism Coordinator will be hosted by IRC and seconded to OCHA   to work on multiagency/multi-mechanisms coordination efforts. 

The Senior Rapid Response Mechanism Coordinator will serve as the RRM TWG focal point with OCHA, engage in the DRM TWG, task forces, Cluster and Custer Coordinators to ensure all stakeholders are fully aware of planning, emergency responses, and ongoing discussions within the individual clusters. The Senior Rapid Response Mechanism Coordinator will also keep the clusters advised of RRM-related activities. The Senior Rapid Response Mechanism Coordinator will report to the Deputy Director of Emergency in the IRC’s Emergency Response structure, but will not be the IRC’s RRM representative in any of the forums/platforms.  

Main expectation of this positionThe specific objective of the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) project is based on three pillars: Assessments: Maintaining a humanitarian needs watch as the basis for the execution of rapid and multi-sector assessments for populations at high risk.Advocacy: Ensuring the effective use of the multi-sector assessment information and follow-up humanitarian action via close and constant coordination and advocacy with DRM TWG and other partners by disseminating alerts/results/recommendations; and,Response: In the absence of ready humanitarian action within the humanitarian community, facilitating emergency responses by the RRMs.Major Key responsibilitiesRapid Response Mechanism (RRM) Strategy DevelopmentProvide operational and technical leadership to the RRM TWG Develop 2025/26, Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) strategy complete with alert verification system, thresholds, timeframe, minimum packages, and exit strategy in coordination with active RRMs and the Anticipatory Action Working Group.With OCHA, establish RRM standard operating procedures for the DRM TWG operating in Ethiopia.With OCHA, establish data management systems for active RRMs, including a system for recording and classifying emergency requests.Establish relevant networks and connections with other national, regional, and local Emergency Response Mechanisms and their implementers/donors.Escalate incidents to the relevant regional mechanisms or raise an alert within the project to trigger emergency funding for the emergency response mechanism.Actively develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, government actors, UN agencies, international and local NGOs, and other relevant actors.

Coordinate with the implementing partners I/NGOs 

Co-lead the OCHA structures of emergency response and ensure regular communications.Organize meetings and workshops on how to improve and harmonize the RRMs response and coordination among the different mechanisms and actors (such as Anticipatory Action Working Group).Consolidate relevant program reports shared by different RRMs to be shared with key stakeholders on a monthly basis.  

Coordination and Advocacy for RRM Implementation and Alignment

Liaise with DRM TWG/OCHA and the humanitarian community to advocate for assessment results and identified needs to be addressed as per agreed thresholds/approaches.Ensure the RRMs approach works within the existing sector approach and framework.Ensure there is a good understanding of the RRM among the mechanisms managing organizations, and focal points  are kept abreast of RRM partner agreements, including any potential end-user monitoring and technical support.

Travel to Field Offices

Travel to other field offices approximately 25% of the time.Safeguarding Responsibilities: - Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion, and cohesion in IRC [team/office]Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue, and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.Minimum Qualifications:Job Requirements: Educational Requirements:An advanced university degree in Social, Management, Emergency, humanitarian, Disaster Management, or related field from an accredited/recognized institute.

Preferred experience & skills: 

Minimum of 6 years’ experience in emergency management and operations, with proven experience in emergency response and at least 4 years of management experience.Experience in multi-sector emergency program implementation and emergency system strengthening in conflict settings.Previous experience implementing and/or coordinating a Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) is highly desirable.Experience in multi-stakeholder coordination/Sector/Cluster Coordination and facilitation is highly desirable.Specialized training in emergency management; specific training in humanitarian responseEffective communication, networking, and organizational skills, and the ability to work well in a team.Ability to work well under pressure and in response to rapidly changing needs, and ability to work in difficult circumstances.Planning, organizing, and leadership skills.Excellent skills in Microsoft Office software applications; Excellent presentation skills.Language Skills:  Proficiency in English and the Ethiopian National working languages is Advantageous.Disclaimer: - Please note that IRC will never request applicants or candidates to make any form of payment at any stage of the recruitment process. IRC is an equal employment opportunity employer.  IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. 

IRC strives to build a diverse and inclusive team at all levels who as individuals, and as a group, embody our culture statement creating a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity for us to achieve our aspirations as a team and deliver the best possible services to our clients. 

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.