Deputy Director of Operations (DDO)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) was founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein. The organization is dedicated to responding to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helping people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster. The IRC operates in almost 40 countries and several U.S. cities, restoring safety, dignity, and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC's mission is to support those forced to flee from war, conflict, and disaster, as well as the host communities that support them. The organization has been actively involved in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges posed by hyperinflation, mobility restrictions, and recent natural disasters.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Operations (DDO) will play a crucial role in the leadership and coordination of operations across Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. This position is responsible for ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability in a complex, multi-country operating environment. The DDO will supervise operations teams, including Administration, IT, and Supply Chain, and will work closely with the Finance department and the Country Director on financial management. The role requires strong leadership skills, particularly in emergency operations, and the ability to adapt quickly to rapidly evolving situations. The DDO will also be involved in strategic thinking on operations and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, contributing to the overall coordination efforts across the three countries. This position is vital for ensuring that the IRC's missions are executed in a timely manner and within budget, especially in light of the ongoing earthquake emergency response in Venezuela and heightened insecurity in Colombia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The DDO will oversee various responsibilities, including: Supervision of the Supply Chain Coordinator(s) across Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador; ensuring that Administration & Supply Chain policies are documented and applied consistently; overseeing external financial commitments; ensuring compliance monitoring processes are developed and implemented; assisting in developing coordination mechanisms among operational units; working with program staff on procurement planning; providing input on operational risk analysis; managing IT staff and ensuring compliance with IT standards; working closely with Safety and Security Coordinators to assess operating conditions; managing Field Coordinators and ensuring strong relationships between Field Offices and Country Operations; identifying opportunities for program expansion; supporting the Finance team in budget development; and serving as an active member of the Senior Management Team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least five years of progressively responsible international work experience, including three years in a leadership role at the Deputy Director level in multi-site, multi-sectoral operations. Experience in emergency operations, particularly in natural disaster or rapid-onset emergency response, is essential. Proven leadership and management experience in a cross-cultural setting, along with the ability to operate autonomously in high-risk environments, is required. Candidates should have strong budget oversight capabilities and the ability to manage security in fluid contexts. Previous experience with IRC or in the region is preferred, along with fluency in both Spanish and English.

Educational Background:
While the specific educational background is not detailed in the job ad, it is generally expected that candidates for such senior roles possess a relevant degree in fields such as international relations, humanitarian studies, business administration, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees may be preferred, particularly for leadership positions in complex operational environments.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of international work experience, with at least three years in a leadership role at the Deputy Director level. Candidates should have experience in managing multi-site operations in complex and insecure environments, particularly in emergency response settings. Demonstrated success in leading diverse teams and managing high-value donor-funded projects is crucial.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of working with diverse communities across Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to national candidates only or candidates with current residency in the country. The DDO will be based in either Caracas, Venezuela, or Bogotá, Colombia, with frequent travel to the other two countries as security conditions allow. The role is full-time and involves significant responsibilities in a high-pressure environment, requiring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. The IRC is committed to gender equality and offers benefits that support women's participation in the workforce.