Ebola Response Director

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent humanitarian organization that responds to some of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. Established to provide life-saving assistance and support to those affected by conflict, displacement, and natural disasters, the IRC operates in multiple countries worldwide. The organization is committed to innovation, agility, and strong partnerships to deliver effective humanitarian action. With a focus on public health, education in emergencies, women's empowerment, and protection of rights, the IRC aims to assist individuals in transitioning from danger to safety. The IRC recognizes the importance of local actors in crisis response and is dedicated to increasing funding directed towards them, fostering equal partnerships, and ensuring that those most affected by crises have the power and resources to drive change.

Job Overview:
The Ebola Response Director (ERD) will lead the IRC's emergency response to the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), specifically based in Bunia. This role is critical in ensuring the continuity of primary health care services, strengthening infection prevention and control measures, and enhancing community protection in alignment with the IRC's strategic priorities. The ERD will oversee all operational, financial, and programmatic aspects of the response, including supply chain management, safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, finance, human resources, partnerships, and program delivery. Reporting to the Emergency Unit's Emergency Response Management Team (ERMT) Lead, the ERD will also coordinate closely with the DRC Country Director on critical incidents and strategic matters. The position requires a strong leader capable of motivating teams in a high-pressure environment while effectively communicating with various stakeholders, including government officials, donors, and UN agencies. The ERD will ensure that the programmatic strategy is clear and implemented effectively, participating in the DRC Country Program Senior Management Team to align the response with the broader country program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main responsibilities of the Ebola Response Director include serving as the key representative for the Ebola response, coordinating with the DRC Country Director and the wider country program. The ERD will develop and maintain relationships with donors, UN agencies, international NGOs, and local partners to promote collaboration and visibility of the IRC's response. The role involves overseeing safety and security aspects of the response, participating in weekly Emergency Response Management Team meetings, and ensuring the production of regular situation reports. The ERD will lead the execution of the strategic response plan for Ebola, supervise the Ebola Response department leads, and support strategic decision-making on design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and budget development. Additionally, the ERD will drive operational excellence, ensuring compliance with IRC and donor requirements, and maintain effective budget monitoring processes. The position also entails fostering an inclusive and respectful team environment, promoting staff well-being, and ensuring adherence to safeguarding standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the position of Ebola Response Director should possess a university degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience. A minimum of 8 years of experience leading complex emergency health response projects is required, with a preference for diverse geographical experience. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to influence peer agencies and local leaders, evaluate and implement best practices across multiple technical specialties, and manage large budget projects effectively. Strong management and leadership skills are essential, along with a commitment to inclusion and fair treatment of staff. The candidate should also have experience working with diverse teams and communities, including marginalized groups, and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and French.

Educational Background:
A university degree in a relevant field is preferred for the position of Ebola Response Director. Candidates with equivalent experience in emergency health response or related areas may also be considered. The educational background should ideally align with the responsibilities of leading complex health projects and managing diverse teams in challenging environments.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of experience in leading complex on-site emergency health response projects. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing large-scale projects that require extensive judgment and interpretation. Experience in diverse geographical contexts is preferred, as well as a demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and implement effective practices across various technical specialties.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position. Candidates should possess excellent verbal and written communication skills in both languages to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, donors, and local communities. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and involves working in a highly complex humanitarian and security context. The role is full-time and may require international travel. The IRC is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the well-being of its staff, partners, and clients, and the successful candidate will be expected to uphold these values. The position may also involve a transition to the broader country program once the emergency response phase is completed.