The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is excited to announce a new full-time opening for a Regional Research Deputy Director, and we’re looking for a visionary, analytical, and committed individual to join our team.
Salary Range: $56,875.00 – $66,354.00
Job Type: Full-time
Location: [Available In 3 Locations
Department: Research & Innovation
About the IRC
Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future.
Operating in over 40 countries and 20 U.S. cities, the IRC provides emergency aid and long-term assistance to refugees and those displaced by war, persecution, and natural disaster. With a reputation for bold leadership and cutting-edge solutions, the IRC is committed to delivering aid that is efficient, evidence-based, and designed to last.
The Role: Regional Research Deputy Director
This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that informs IRC programs across the globe. As the Regional Research Deputy Director, you will play a critical role in guiding, managing, and implementing research initiatives that help improve humanitarian and development interventions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Research Planning: Assist in the development of the IRC’s regional research strategy, aligning with both global objectives and local programmatic needs.
- Research Management: Oversee a portfolio of research projects, including study design, implementation, monitoring, and dissemination.
- Team Leadership: Supervise research officers and work collaboratively with program staff, technical advisors, and regional leadership.
- Ethics & Compliance: Ensure that all research adheres to ethical guidelines, including IRC’s internal protocols and local/international research standards.
- Capacity Building: Provide training, mentorship, and guidance to IRC staff and local partners to enhance research literacy and capacity within the region.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build partnerships with academic institutions, local NGOs, government agencies, and global research networks.
- Data Utilization: Translate research findings into actionable insights for program improvement and policy advocacy.
This is more than a desk job. You will travel, collaborate, and communicate with frontline staff, refugees, local governments, and other stakeholders to ensure that our work is driven by data, rooted in context, and aligned with our commitment to serve the most vulnerable.
Who Should Apply?
We’re looking for someone who combines intellectual curiosity with practical experience. You thrive in dynamic environments, adapt quickly to changing priorities, and bring both humility and confidence to your work. Most importantly, you believe in the power of research to improve lives.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD preferred) in social sciences, public health, development studies, economics, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in applied research, particularly in humanitarian or development contexts.
- Proven ability to manage complex research projects, including budgeting, reporting, and team coordination.
- Strong knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Experience working in diverse cultural settings, especially in conflict-affected or low-resource regions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Additional languages (e.g., French, Arabic, Spanish) are a plus.
- Demonstrated commitment to ethical research practices and inclusive data collection.
Also Read And Apply: Apply Now: British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships at the University of Edinburgh 2025
Why Work at the IRC?
Working at the IRC is more than just a job—it’s a calling. You’ll be part of a global team that believes in the dignity of every person and the potential for positive change in even the most difficult situations.
Here’s what you can expect when you join us:
- Meaningful Work: Your research will directly inform life-saving programs, from child protection in conflict zones to public health initiatives during disease outbreaks.
- Global Reach: Collaborate with colleagues across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.
- Supportive Environment: Join a culture of learning, diversity, and collaboration. We invest in our staff through training, mentoring, and career development.
- Competitive Compensation: The salary range for this position is $56,875.00 to $66,354.00, based on experience and qualifications.
- Work-Life Balance: While our work is serious, we also understand the importance of time off, family, and self-care.
The Impact of Research at IRC
Research is not a side activity at IRC—it’s at the heart of how we operate. The organization is renowned for its Airbel Impact Lab, a center for innovation and evidence-based decision-making. With initiatives like the What Works to Prevent Violence program and education-in-emergencies evaluations, IRC is helping to set new standards for what effective, ethical, and actionable research looks like in humanitarian settings.
As the Regional Research Deputy Director, your work could shape policies, transform programs, and ultimately change lives for the better.
Ready to Apply?
If you believe in research as a force for good and have the skills to lead impactful, rigorous, and ethical studies, we want to hear from you.
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To apply, please visit the IRC Careers Portal and search for the Regional Research Deputy Director role. Be sure to include:
- Your CV/resume
- A cover letter detailing your experience and interest
- Examples of past research or publications (if available)
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early.
Final Thoughts
In a world where crises are increasing in frequency and complexity, the need for smart, adaptable, and data-driven responses has never been greater. At the IRC, we believe that the right research can save lives, influence policy, and pave the way for sustainable solutions.
The Regional Research Deputy Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the evidence base behind our work. If you’re looking for a job where your insights matter—where they can help protect children, empower women, or improve the delivery of health care in emergencies—this is your chance.
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