Director of Global Policy and Solutions

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) was founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, with a mission to help people affected by humanitarian crises to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. The organization operates in over 40 crisis-affected countries and has a presence in communities throughout the U.S., Europe, and Latin America. The IRC focuses on delivering lasting impact through health care, education for children, and empowering individuals and communities, with a particular emphasis on the unique needs of women and girls. The Global Policy and Advocacy team is a vital part of the External Relations Department, leveraging IRC’s ideas to address the significant challenges faced by clients across various crises. The team is dedicated to understanding crises, mitigating their effects, and connecting analysis to actionable recommendations, aiming to drive policy solutions from both grassroots and top-down approaches.

Job Overview:
The role of the Director of Global Policy and Solutions at the International Rescue Committee is pivotal in leading a team dedicated to developing scalable, high-impact, and pragmatic solutions to humanitarian challenges. This position requires a strategic leader who can harness IRC’s extensive knowledge and foster innovative partnerships to enhance the organization’s understanding of policy issues. The director will work closely with program colleagues and a network of subject matter experts to prioritize initiatives effectively. The team is characterized by its boldness, agility, and collaborative spirit, working in alignment with IRC’s broader External Relations Department to achieve shared objectives related to policy, profile, and funding. The director will manage a global team of policy experts and serve as a thought partner to senior leadership, including the CEO and COO, while also developing relationships with key stakeholders in the policy arena.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director of Global Policy and Solutions will lead the Global Policy and Solutions team, managing a diverse group of policy experts to ensure cohesive strategies across global markets. Responsibilities include overseeing the production of timely policy outputs such as reports and briefs, fostering collaboration between various IRC teams, and supporting the VP of Policy & Advocacy in setting IRC’s policy priorities. The director will engage with senior policymakers, balancing long-term systemic change with immediate, politically feasible gains. They will create events and forums to cultivate new ideas and champions for IRC’s policy recommendations, and work closely with advocacy teams to craft impactful messaging around key policy priorities. The role also involves identifying priority policy windows, stewarding gender equality and diversity within IRC’s culture, and developing partnerships that refine solutions and influence opportunities. The director will oversee the analysis of data to inform policy strategies and collaborate with communications leads to deliver compelling policy messages.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position should possess a graduate degree in Public Policy, Law, International Relations, or a related field. Significant experience in humanitarian and development issues is essential, along with a demonstrated history of working with think tanks and policy organizations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of engaging in high-level policy forums, leading cross-functional teams, and integrating diverse perspectives to solve complex problems. Strong skills in policy analysis and strategy development are required, as well as familiarity with institutions that can be targeted for policy change. Outstanding interpersonal, organizational, communication, and writing skills are crucial, with the ability to translate complex information into coherent narratives for various audiences. A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with a passion for the IRC’s mission, is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a graduate degree in Public Policy, Law, International Relations, or a related field. This advanced education is essential for understanding the complexities of policy development and advocacy in the humanitarian sector.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in humanitarian and development contexts, particularly in roles that involve policy analysis and strategy. Candidates should have a history of effective engagement in high-level policy discussions and forums, as well as experience leading cross-functional teams. Familiarity with the workings of think tanks and policy organizations is also important, as is a demonstrated ability to integrate diverse perspectives into policy solutions.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with additional language skills considered a plus. Proficiency in languages relevant to IRC’s operational regions may enhance a candidate's profile, particularly in engaging with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time role, requiring at least three days a week in the office, with up to 15% travel expected. The compensation for this position ranges from $200,000 to $225,000, based on various factors including labor market conditions, job type, and individual candidate experience. The IRC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the application and interview process, ensuring that all candidates have equal access to employment opportunities.