Director of IRC Canada

Director of IRC Canada

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

May 22, 2026June 30, 2026Canada
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) that was founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The organization is dedicated to responding to the world's most severe humanitarian crises, providing assistance to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With operations in over 50 countries and more than 25 cities across the United States, the IRC is recognized as one of the largest organizations of its kind. The IRC's mission is to help people survive, reclaim control over their futures, and strengthen their communities, delivering lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity, and hope to millions of individuals worldwide. As part of its expansion, the IRC is establishing a presence in Canada to enhance its global mission and engage with Canadian partners.

Job Overview:
The Director of IRC Canada is a senior leadership position that requires an experienced humanitarian leader with an entrepreneurial mindset. This role is pivotal in driving IRC Canada's market entry and establishing its operational presence in the country. The Director will report directly to the President of IRC Canada and will be responsible for leading day-to-day operations, external engagement, and executing the strategic agenda of IRC Canada. The position involves close collaboration with various departments, including Donor Engagement, USA Philanthropy, and Policy and Advocacy, to advance IRC Canada's fundraising, advocacy, and communications efforts. The Director will play a crucial role in ensuring that IRC Canada's operations align with the organization's global priorities and will be accountable for reporting on key performance indicators to the President.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director of IRC Canada will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: leading the day-to-day operations and overall strategy of IRC Canada, ensuring alignment with IRC's global priorities; overseeing the establishment and implementation of operational workplans across various functions such as legal, finance, human resources, governance, and project management; managing people and office operations, including recruitment and performance standards; maintaining cross-functional coordination between IRC departments and mobilizing global resources to support Canadian priorities; developing a cohesive institutional engagement strategy for public and private donors in collaboration with IRC HQ; advocating for IRC's programming to Canadian audiences, including policymakers and media; building and maintaining relationships with the Canadian NGO community and government counterparts; ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations; establishing HR systems and processes in accordance with Canadian employment law; overseeing financial and operational controls; and supporting engagement with the IRC Canada Board.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Director of IRC Canada position must possess essential experience and qualifications, including: a self-starter mentality with over 15 years of leadership experience in an international NGO, humanitarian organization, government, or similar institution; a proven track record in humanitarian programming, policy, and operations; an entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to deliver results in ambiguous and resource-limited conditions; experience in winning and managing large public and private grants; a history of influencing policy change and engaging with institutional donors in the Canadian landscape; and the ability to engage in high-level discussions on programming quality and cost-effectiveness.

Educational Background:
While the specific educational background required for the Director of IRC Canada position is not explicitly stated, candidates are generally expected to have a strong academic foundation relevant to humanitarian work, international relations, public policy, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred, particularly for senior leadership roles within international organizations.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have significant experience, specifically at least 15 years in leadership roles within international NGOs or humanitarian organizations. This experience should include direct exposure to humanitarian programming, policy, and operations, as well as a demonstrated ability to navigate complex environments and deliver results effectively.

Languages:
Bilingual proficiency in French and English is mandatory for this position. Candidates must be able to engage effectively across various audiences, including government, civil society, media, and donors, in both languages. This linguistic capability is essential for successful stakeholder engagement and advocacy efforts in the Canadian context.

Additional Notes:
The compensation for the Director of IRC Canada position ranges from 150,000 to 185,000 CAD, with variations based on factors such as the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. The exact offer will be determined based on the candidate's work location, experience, and skills in relation to the defined job requirements. The role is expected to be full-time, and the organization is focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce.
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