The position provides an overview of the role, detailing essential duties and necessary qualifications. It outlines key responsibilities that the successful candidate will be expected to fulfill on a daily basis. The description specifies required skills and experience levels needed to perform the job effectively. Additionally, it highlights the importance of meeting performance standards and contributing to team objectives.
The Emergency Women’s Protection and Empowerment Coordinator for Global Surge oversees the implementation of Women’s Protection and Empowerment (WPE) initiatives in urgent humanitarian crisis settings.
This role may encompass conducting prompt evaluations, initiating programs, formulating strategies, crafting proposals, providing technical guidance, recruiting and overseeing staff, managing budgets, ensuring grants compliance, and fostering relationships with local partners.
A strong candidate will exhibit a proven ability to operate autonomously within dynamic settings while employing innovative and adaptable design approaches to women’s protection and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) response initiatives in humanitarian settings.
Oversee and execute a comprehensive range of critical duties, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and industry standards. This role demands meticulous attention to detail while managing multiple priorities efficiently. Key tasks include developing and implementing strategic initiatives, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and monitoring performance metrics to drive continuous improvement. The position requires adherence to strict deadlines, compliance with regulatory requirements, and proactive problem-solving to address operational challenges. Additionally, the individual will lead process optimization efforts, mentor team members, and maintain clear communication with stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution.
Context assessment involves analyzing and interpreting the surrounding environment, conditions, or circumstances to determine their relevance, potential impact, or significance. This process includes examining external factors such as market trends, regulatory changes, competitive landscape, and internal capabilities to assess alignment with organizational goals. By identifying opportunities, risks, and key drivers, it enables informed decision-making and strategic planning to enhance performance, mitigate threats, and capitalize on advantages. Effective context evaluation requires a combination of analytical rigor, industry awareness, and adaptability to evolving situations.
Upon identifying an emergency situation, conduct an immediate assessment to determine the most severely affected regions, prioritize areas with the most critical needs, and evaluate emerging protection risks specifically impacting women and girls.
Perform stakeholder analysis by consistently reassessing the current actor mapping to pinpoint critical stakeholders and foster strategic partnerships, with the aim of enhancing the delivery of gender-based violence prevention and response services.
Conceive and execute comprehensive, multi-sector needs assessments to identify critical gaps, challenges, and opportunities across diverse stakeholder groups.
Design and oversight of programs encompass the creation, development, strategic planning, and continuous monitoring of initiatives to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and optimal performance. This involves establishing clear goals, defining key performance indicators, allocating resources efficiently, and implementing robust tracking mechanisms to measure progress and outcomes. Effective program management requires cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder engagement, risk assessment, and adaptive problem-solving to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities throughout the program lifecycle.
Deliver strategic guidance, leadership, and comprehensive technical oversight for IRC’s Women’s Protection and Empowerment (WPE) response, ensuring full alignment with established response strategies and emergency objectives while maintaining program excellence and adherence to IRC’s rigorous standards and methodologies.
Lead, initiate, and oversee the establishment, rollout, and seamless coordination of emergency WPE initiatives, with a strong focus on GBV case management, the creation and maintenance of women and girls’ safe spaces, as well as GBV prevention strategies and risk mitigation efforts.
Collaborate with prospective partners to devise a Women’s Protection and Empowerment (WPE) strategy that addresses identified gender-based violence (GBV) risks and needs, including the formulation of a clear problem statement, selection of response modalities, sequencing of activities, and allocation of necessary resources.
In partnership with response leadership and technical coordinators, contribute to the development of a comprehensive emergency response strategy that aligns with and enhances the efforts of key stakeholders. Facilitate strategic collaborations with Women, Peace, and Equality (WPE) partners, prioritizing community-based and national Gender-Based Violence (GBV) actors, with a particular emphasis on engaging women-led organizations and women’s rights networks.
Lead the development and execution of RACE (RISE) and Protection initiatives—such as Social Work in Emergencies, Community Risk Mitigation efforts, MHPSS, case management referrals, Cash for Protection, and material assistance—ensuring full alignment with emergency response objectives and established standards. Develop and facilitate community-centered risk mitigation and capacity-building programs, including targeted training on protection mainstreaming, outbreak-specific adaptations, safeguarding protocols, Psychological First Aid, infection prevention and control, and structured referral pathways, while fostering community-driven protection strategies in high-risk and unstable outbreak environments.
Engage collaboratively with colleagues across departments—including child protection, PRO, and other sector partners—to identify and mitigate risks of gender-based violence (GBV). Facilitate strong connections between programs and ensure they incorporate and benefit from the most effective protection practices.
Ensure that clients—particularly women and girls across all diversity dimensions—actively engage in the design and implementation of IRC programs through deliberate program design, staff capacity-building, and positive team behaviors, while guaranteeing their access to services and programs is both meaningful and secure.
Design and implement innovative technical tools and methodologies, tailoring them to address operational obstacles. Provide strategic solutions to streamline response initiation and ongoing execution, ensuring seamless integration and sustained effectiveness.
Skilled professionals are needed to assist emergency WPE staff in the execution and oversight of work plans, ensuring that all activities faithfully reflect the commitments made by IRC to both donors and the community.
IRC’s partnership management responsibilities include cultivating collaborative relationships with external partners through co-design initiatives, maintaining consistent communication channels for information exchange, and rigorously tracking project progress to ensure alignment with and achievement of program objectives.
Design and create robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks to systematically track progress, analyze performance metrics, and generate actionable insights that enhance program efficiency and overall quality. Ensure these systems facilitate consistent data collection, reliable reporting, and evidence-based decision-making to drive continuous improvement in program outcomes.
Deliver a thorough handover to the successor, guaranteeing the complete transfer of all pertinent documentation, program data, and staff performance records.
Grant and financial management encompasses the strategic oversight and meticulous administration of funds, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and organizational policies. This role involves the preparation, tracking, and reporting of grant expenditures, as well as the development of financial projections to optimize resource allocation. Key responsibilities include verifying funding eligibility, maintaining accurate financial records, and collaborating with stakeholders to align fiscal strategies with program objectives. Proficiency in grant compliance, budgeting software, and financial analysis is essential, along with strong attention to detail and adherence to deadlines.
Oversee the execution of emergency grants and programs, encompassing recruitment and staff training, formulation of work plans, procurement and inventory planning, budget administration, and development of monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
Craft compelling technical proposals and reports in close collaboration with pertinent program personnel, ensuring full compliance with IRC standards and donor specifications.
Work alongside IRC grants and finance personnel to complete proposals and address any inquiries for further details.
Overseeing and leading a team of employees to ensure optimal performance and productivity, staff management involves delegating tasks, providing guidance, and fostering a positive work environment. This includes recruiting, training, and evaluating staff, as well as addressing any performance issues or conflicts that may arise. Additionally, it requires monitoring workloads, scheduling shifts, and ensuring compliance with company policies and labor laws. Effective staff management ensures that the team operates efficiently and meets organizational goals.
Recruit, integrate, and lead emergency WPE personnel, while delivering continuous training and strategic skill enhancement initiatives. This includes offering expert technical guidance, hands-on coaching and oversight, as well as developing structured plans to strengthen both technical and leadership competencies.
Ensure strict adherence to and facilitate staff comprehension of the IRC Code of Conduct, as well as policies addressing Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Child Safeguarding. This entails guaranteeing that both staff and community members are fully informed about reporting mechanisms and support services, while ensuring their confidentiality and accessibility.
Maintain professional and transparent relationships with colleagues, fostering a cohesive team environment while offering supervision and direction to ensure staff can perform their roles effectively.
You will be responsible for managing coordination efforts and representing the organization in various capacities. This includes liaising with stakeholders, attending meetings, and ensuring seamless collaboration across departments. Your role will involve presenting the company’s interests, maintaining professional relationships, and serving as a key point of contact for external parties. Additionally, you will oversee the alignment of initiatives with organizational goals and facilitate effective communication to uphold the company’s reputation and strategic objectives.
Actively cultivate and sustain productive working relationships with essential stakeholders, such as donors, governmental bodies, UN agencies, international and local nongovernmental organizations, and other pertinent parties.
Consistently participate in GBV coordination and task force meetings at various levels to ensure IRC priorities are represented from the field.
Advocating for robust standards and procedures in GBV programming at the field level is essential to address and elevate women’s protection concerns and challenges. This role involves engaging with pertinent forums to ensure these issues are effectively represented and addressed, thereby systematizing implementation and coordination efforts.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a proven track record of success in a similar role, possessing strong analytical skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years of relevant experience, a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and exceptional communication skills. This position requires the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet tight deadlines, and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams. Proficiency in industry-specific software and tools, as well as a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, are essential. The successful applicant will be responsible for driving key initiatives, analyzing complex data to inform decision-making, and ensuring all projects adhere to company standards and regulatory requirements.
A master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Social Sciences, or a closely related discipline is required, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience may be considered.
A minimum of five years of professional experience in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) response programming, preferably at the Coordinator level or higher, is essential. Candidates must demonstrate a strong background in overseeing multi-donor portfolios, with a focus on acute emergency response initiatives and the effective initiation of programs and projects.
Experienced professionals with a track record in leading RACE initiatives within emergency or outbreak contexts are sought, demonstrating expertise in crafting community engagement frameworks, addressing public perceptions and information gaps, and overseeing RACE operations across health, WASH, and protection domains.
Experience working with IRC and an understanding of IRC’s systems and processes is strongly preferred
Proficiency in essential donor regulations, including UNHCR, FCDO, BPRM, and ECHO, is a prerequisite for this role.
Professional experience collaborating with United Nations agencies, donor organizations, international nongovernmental organizations, and other humanitarian stakeholders is required.
Professional experience includes leading and mentoring teams, developing staff capabilities, designing strategic initiatives, and overseeing financial planning and allocation.
Proven ability to successfully develop and implement programs and/or operations in fast-paced, high-pressure settings. Strong leadership qualities and the capacity to effectively manage teams are essential.
Proven expertise in communication, writing, and editing, with a strong capability to craft and refine grant proposals and reports effectively.
Adaptability and resilience are essential, requiring a balance between flexibility and dependability amid constrained resources and evolving priorities. Strong interpersonal skills are necessary to foster collaboration, while comfort in multicultural settings ensures effective teamwork across diverse backgrounds.
Proficiency in digital tools is essential, including adept use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and email/internet applications.
Proficiency in English is essential, with strong oral and written communication skills required. Knowledge of French and/or Arabic would be highly advantageous.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA , PhD/Fellowship
Experience Required
5 years
