Senior Director and Head of Health

Senior Director and Head of Health

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

September 3, 2026November 1, 2026Switzerland
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world's worst crises and helps people to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Established in 1933, the IRC operates in over 40 countries and has a workforce of more than 14,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to providing assistance to those affected by conflict and disaster, including addressing the impacts of the climate crisis. The IRC's mission is to restore safety, dignity, and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. Through its various programs, the IRC aims to provide health care, education, and economic support to vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
As the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Senior Director and Head of Health, you will lead the IRC’s largest programming portfolio, which encompasses over $200 million in funding across 35 country offices. Your role will involve shaping the delivery of health care to individuals whose lives have been disrupted by conflict and disaster. You will provide strategic leadership for a diverse range of health programs, including Primary Health Care, Nutrition, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, Environmental and Climate Health, and Immunization. You will be responsible for setting global standards for the quality and technical soundness of health programming, representing the IRC in global forums, and influencing the health sector to enhance the organization's standing and funding opportunities. As a key member of the Technical Excellence Leadership Team, you will drive innovation and impact across health programs, policy, and partnerships, ensuring that health remains a priority within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your responsibilities will include defining and communicating a strategic vision for the IRC’s health portfolio, serving as the principal technical authority in global health, and advising the IRC President and CEO on health-related strategic matters. You will represent the IRC at high-level engagements with donors, governments, and policy makers, and lead fundraising efforts to secure partnerships across various sectors. Additionally, you will oversee the Health Technical Unit, managing a team of approximately 60 experts and ensuring that health programming aligns with organizational priorities. You will also be responsible for cultivating a high-performance culture within the team, mentoring emerging leaders, and driving organizational change to adapt to evolving challenges in the health landscape.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Policy, or a related field, with a preference for those holding an MD or PhD. A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience in global health or humanitarian health programming is required, along with a proven track record in strategic leadership, external representation, and fundraising. Candidates should have deep connections within the global health community and a strong understanding of the humanitarian and development sectors. Exceptional strategic thinking, communication, and partnership-building skills are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Epidemiology, or Health Policy. An MD or PhD is strongly preferred, indicating a high level of expertise and commitment to the field of health.

Experience:
The position requires at least 15 years of senior leadership experience in global health or humanitarian health programming, with substantial experience in crisis and post-crisis settings. Candidates should demonstrate a history of leading complex, globally dispersed teams and navigating matrixed organizations effectively. A deep understanding of the global health landscape, including major donors and policy platforms, is crucial for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, while proficiency in French is preferred. This linguistic capability will facilitate effective communication in diverse international settings and enhance collaboration with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position can be based in Geneva, New York, or London, with the possibility of being located in any country where the IRC operates, provided the candidate has the right to work there. The successful candidate will be hired on a local employment contract, with compensation based on local salary scales and benefits. Travel is expected to be up to 25% of the time. The compensation range for this role varies by location, with a U.S. pay rate of $240,000 - $300,000, UK salary of £95,000 - £110,000, and Geneva salary of CHF 195,000 - CHF 225,00
  • The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and adheres to professional standards that promote integrity, service, equality, and accountability.
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