Director, Innovation Policy

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The organization operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on responding to the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The IRC's mission is to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a workforce dedicated to delivering lasting impact, the IRC aims to help millions regain control over their futures and strengthen their communities, embodying a force for humanity.

Job Overview:
The Director, Innovation Policy is a senior leadership role tasked with unlocking the necessary policy and financing conditions for breakthrough innovations developed by the IRC to achieve scalability. This position requires a dynamic leader capable of transitioning swiftly from strategic planning to execution, utilizing relationships to shape agendas and secure commitments from significant institutions. The primary objective is to facilitate the integration of innovations from pilot phases into humanitarian systems, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected regions. The role involves collaboration across various organizational levels, including country programs, technical experts, and headquarters leadership, to establish a clear vision and drive progress. The Director will also be responsible for hiring and leading a team of policy and partnerships experts, guiding them in developing actionable strategies, expanding their networks, and employing creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to meet ambitious goals. Travel is a component of this role, primarily between New York City and Washington DC, as well as to countries where the team operates.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the Director, Innovation Policy include developing strategies for policy change and financing to enable the adoption and scaling of priority innovations by governments, multilaterals, and large implementing systems. This involves identifying pathways through major financing institutions such as the World Bank and regional development banks to integrate innovations into national investment programs and large-scale financing mechanisms. The Director will conduct power and stakeholder mapping to identify key decision-makers, allies, and potential blockers, assessing the political economy dynamics that influence adoption. Leveraging an existing senior-level network across governments, multilaterals, and donors is crucial to accelerate the adoption of new approaches. The role also entails shaping agendas for high-impact convenings that lead to concrete outcomes, tracking progress towards policy adoption and sustainable financing, and addressing risks and bottlenecks proactively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess significant professional experience, ideally over 10 years, in areas such as policy, financing, systems change, or institutional reform within global development, humanitarian action, or related fields. A proven track record of driving policy or financing change is essential, including securing institutional commitments and influencing adoption decisions. Candidates should have a deep understanding of the operational dynamics of governments, multilaterals, and large funders, including policy processes and procurement dynamics. Strong people management and leadership skills are necessary, along with the ability to build and lead high-performing teams. Strategic and analytical skills, including stakeholder mapping and political economy analysis, are also required. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills are critical, as is the ability to navigate ambiguity and advance work in undefined pathways.

Educational Background:
While specific educational requirements are not detailed, candidates are typically expected to have advanced degrees in relevant fields such as public policy, international relations, or a related discipline that aligns with the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
The position requires a substantial level of experience, with a minimum of 10 years in relevant fields such as policy, financing, or systems change. Candidates should have experience working with senior stakeholders and decision-makers, particularly at the director, deputy, or ministerial levels, demonstrating the ability to influence and drive change within large systems.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international scope of the role. Additional language skills may be advantageous, particularly in regions where the IRC operates.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The compensation range for this role is between $120,000 and $155,000, depending on various factors such as labor market conditions, job type, and individual candidate experience. The IRC offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based employees, including paid time off, medical, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan, and an Employee Assistance Program. The IRC is committed to equal opportunity employment and considers all applicants based on merit without discrimination.