Deputy Director for Programs (DDP)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian aid, relief, and development organization that was founded in 193

• The organization responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. IRC operates in over 40 countries and has a workforce of more than 14,000 employees. The mission of IRC is to help people affected by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. The organization focuses on various sectors including health, education, protection, and economic recovery, ensuring that programs are evidence-based and needs-driven.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director for Programs (DDP) plays a crucial role in providing strategic leadership and decision-making for the development and delivery of IRC’s programs in Syria. This position is responsible for overseeing the effective implementation and technical quality of programs, ensuring they are evidence-based and aligned with the needs of the communities served. The DDP will report directly to the Country Director and will be a key member of the Senior Management Team, supervising various program coordinators and ensuring that the programs are well-coordinated and funded appropriately. The DDP will also work closely with regional and technical advisors to ensure that the programs are aligned with IRC’s strategic objectives and best practices. This role requires a strong understanding of the humanitarian context in Syria and the ability to manage a diverse team effectively, ensuring high-quality program delivery across emergency, recovery, and development contexts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The DDP will be responsible for a wide range of duties including providing overall leadership and management of IRC Syria programs, ensuring strategic direction and growth. This includes championing IRC’s Strategy 100, leading the development of the Syria Strategic Action Plan (SAP), and ensuring that operational budgets are reflective of program needs. The DDP will actively participate in management and coordination meetings, liaise with regional teams, and represent IRC to various stakeholders including government officials and donors. Additionally, the DDP will lead business development efforts, ensuring that programs are adequately funded and aligned with community needs. The role also involves ensuring program quality and delivery through collaboration with technical advisors, promoting a culture of data-driven decision-making, and managing staff performance and development. The DDP will also be responsible for compliance with IRC policies and donor regulations, promoting accountability and ethical practices within the program.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree in International Relations, Business Administration, or a related field, with a graduate degree preferred. A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in managing complex humanitarian and development programming is required. Strong familiarity with IRC Syria’s core programming areas such as Health, Protection, Education, and Economic Recovery is essential. Candidates should demonstrate successful leadership experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams and possess superior diplomatic and coordination skills. The ability to analyze complex issues rapidly and make informed decisions is crucial, along with experience in managing high-value donor-funded projects and a strong understanding of the political complexities in the Middle East region.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in International Relations, Business Administration, or a related field. A graduate degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in humanitarian and development work.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in managing complex humanitarian and development programming. Candidates should have a proven track record of successful leadership in diverse and multi-disciplinary teams, as well as experience in navigating the complexities of the humanitarian landscape in Syria and the broader Middle East region.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, while a working knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset. Strong oral and written communication skills are essential for effectively conveying ideas and concepts to senior stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Syria and is likely to involve significant responsibilities in a challenging and rapidly changing context. The role is full-time and may require international travel. IRC encourages national or returning national candidates to apply, offering an attractive remuneration package that includes competitive compensation, return flights, shipping allowances, temporary housing, and relocation allowances. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, promoting gender equality and ensuring a safe environment for all employees.