Department Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Airbel Impact Lab is the Research & Innovation Unit of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), which focuses on designing, testing, and scaling innovative solutions for individuals affected by conflict and disaster. Established to address the urgent needs of vulnerable populations, the lab combines deep technical expertise with field experience, leveraging skills from behavioral sciences, human-centered design, and strategic research in humanitarian contexts. The organization aims to develop impactful solutions that are both creative and rigorous, ensuring that they are effective in real-world applications. The IRC operates in multiple countries, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to humanitarian efforts and innovation.

Job Overview:
The Department Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the administrative excellence of the Airbel Impact Lab. This position involves coordinating various operational aspects such as procurement, contracts, payments, and logistics, ensuring that all processes are executed flawlessly and on time. The Department Manager will serve as a key partner to senior leadership, managing schedules, coordinating meetings, supporting travel arrangements, and fostering collaboration within a dynamic and distributed team. This role is ideal for an organized and proactive individual who is eager to contribute innovative solutions to a high-performing international group, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the lab's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department Manager will lead the procurement process, acting as the primary contact for Global Supply Chain and Accounts Payable. Responsibilities include initiating and tracking Purchase Requisitions and Purchase Orders, ensuring timely and accurate contract administration, coordinating contract reviews, vendor setup, and procurement documentation. The manager will monitor payments to vendors and consultants, resolving any delays or issues promptly. Additionally, the role involves maintaining and updating procurement templates and tools, serving as a resource for procurement processes, and managing the roster of short-term consultants and service providers. The Department Manager will also handle the Department Credit Card, including expense reconciliation and travel card issuance. High-level executive support will be provided to the Chief Research & Innovation Officer (CRIO), which includes managing calendars, coordinating schedules, arranging travel, and preparing meeting materials. The manager will assist the Airbel Advisory Board Chair with planning and executing board meetings, coordinate departmental meetings and conferences, and respond to staff inquiries to ensure timely communication and issue resolution. In terms of people operations, the manager will coordinate onboarding for new hires, support staff transitions, and develop initiatives to strengthen an inclusive and high-performance culture. In finance and grants administration, the manager will be the first point of contact for team questions about INTEGRA, IRC’s ERP system, process payments and reimbursements, and review expenditures for accuracy while keeping financial tracking tools updated.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess 3–4 years of professional experience, ideally within an international NGO or global organization. A proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment is essential. Experience in supporting senior leaders with scheduling, communications, and administrative tasks is required. A strong interest in research and innovation within the humanitarian sector is also important. The ideal candidate will have a flexible, proactive, and solutions-focused approach, along with strong interpersonal skills that enable effective collaboration across diverse groups and time zones. A dedication to excellent customer service and timely problem-solving is crucial, as is proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Educational Background:
While the specific educational background is not explicitly stated, candidates are typically expected to have a relevant degree or equivalent experience in fields related to administration, management, or humanitarian studies. A background that supports the understanding of procurement processes and operational management in a humanitarian context would be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires 3–4 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in roles that involve administrative support, procurement, and operations within an international NGO or similar global organization. Experience in managing schedules and communications for senior leaders is particularly valuable, as is familiarity with the unique challenges of working in a humanitarian context.

Languages:
Strong written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages such as French, Spanish, or Arabic is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse and multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
The job is likely to be full-time, with a focus on administrative excellence and operational support within the Airbel Impact Lab. The position may involve working with international teams and stakeholders, reflecting the global nature of the IRC's operations. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job description, but candidates can expect a competitive package typical of international NGOs.