Project Director

Project Director

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

August 29, 2026September 25, 2026Sudan
Job Description
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 is dedicated to responding to the world's most severe humanitarian crises, providing essential services to restore health, safety, education, and economic wellbeing to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. The IRC operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to deliver impactful solutions that help millions regain control of their lives and strengthen their communities. The IRC has a long-standing presence in Sudan, having re-registered in the country in November 2019 and expanded its operations in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, which has been exacerbated by the recent conflict. The organization is committed to supporting vulnerable populations, including women, children, the elderly, and refugees, amidst the complex challenges faced in the region.

Job Overview:
The Project Director position is a critical leadership role within the IRC, specifically for an upcoming World Bank-funded health project aimed at restoring access to essential health and nutrition services in Sudan. This project is designed to preserve key public health functions in the country, which has been severely impacted by ongoing violence and humanitarian crises. The Project Director will be responsible for providing strategic, technical, managerial, and fiduciary leadership throughout the project's implementation. This includes ensuring compliance with the World Bank's fiduciary and environmental/social safeguard requirements, as well as serving as the primary liaison with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders. The role requires a proactive approach to managing project components, aligning activities with the agreed workplan and budget, and adapting to the evolving operational context. The Project Director will also be responsible for reporting progress to the World Bank and other governance structures, ensuring that the project adheres to conflict-sensitive and gender-transformative approaches.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Director will oversee a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:
  • Providing overall leadership and strategic direction for the project, ensuring alignment with the World Bank's objectives and requirements.
  • Managing all project components, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, while ensuring adherence to the annual workplan and budget.
  • Serving as the primary representative of the IRC to the Ministry of Health PMU and the World Bank task team, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
  • Leading the preparation of progress reports and presentations for project governance structures, ensuring transparency and accountability.
  • Overseeing adaptive management processes, including project restructuring proposals and workplan revisions in response to changing circumstances.
  • Building and maintaining strategic relationships with state health authorities, local civil society, and other stakeholders to enhance project effectiveness.
  • Directly managing the senior project team, conducting performance reviews, and addressing HR issues in compliance with national labor laws and World Bank requirements.
  • Championing gender-based violence prevention protocols and ensuring the application of do-no-harm principles across all project activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Project Director position must possess a medical degree (MD) or an advanced degree in public health, health policy, or health systems management, with a preference for a Master's or Doctorate level education. Additionally, applicants should have a minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in international health, with at least 7 years in senior leadership or management roles within fragile, conflict-affected, or violence-affected contexts. Demonstrated experience in implementing World Bank Investment Project Financing (IPF) projects is essential, along with familiarity with World Bank Procurement Regulations, financial management, and Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) requirements. Candidates should also have a proven track record of managing complex health programs with budgets exceeding $15 million, and the ability to navigate multi-stakeholder environments effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a medical degree (MD) or an advanced degree in public health, health policy, or health systems management. A Master's or Doctorate degree is preferred, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and knowledge in the relevant fields necessary for managing a significant health project in a complex environment.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in international health, with a minimum of 12 years in the field. This experience should include at least 7 years in senior leadership or management roles, particularly in fragile or conflict-affected settings. Candidates must have a strong background in managing large-scale health programs, particularly those funded by the World Bank, and should be adept at navigating the complexities of multi-stakeholder environments, including government agencies, UN organizations, and other international NGOs.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is preferred for this position, as it is essential for effective communication within the local context. Proficiency in English is required, as it is necessary for reporting and liaising with international stakeholders, including the World Bank and other partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is contingent upon the outcome of the bid for the World Bank-funded project. The Project Director role is open to expatriates and is expected to run for a duration of three years, starting from February 202
  • All staff members are required to comply with IRC Sudan's security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-policies" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security policies and procedures, and adherence to the IRC's Standards for Professional Conduct is mandatory. The organization is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace, considering all applicants based on merit without discrimination.
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