United States of America: Technical Advisor, Ebola


Background/IRC Summary: More than 80 years after Albert Einstein helped create the International Rescue Committee, the number and intensity of humanitarian crises across the globe warrant a dose of Einstein-inspired vision.


The IRC’s Policy and Practice (P&P) division is answering that call by designing evidence-based interventions that bring real change to people’s lives. The IRC’s P&P teams are leading the development of successful, high-impact humanitarian programs by developing a body of evidence detailing how those programs work


The IRC has been at the forefront of the fight to stem the spread of Ebola in Sierra Leone and Liberia since the outbreak began in March 2014. We’re working closely with local governments in both countries on the transition to recovery and long-term rehabilitation of health systems, schools and communities, while also responding to new outbreaks as they arise.


Job Overview/Summary: The Technical Advisor will be responsible for capturing institutional knowledge and creating content that will influence the policies and practice of the key actors engaged in Ebola recovery efforts. This role will work closely with the health communications officer, as well as country program and technical unit colleagues to amplify the influence, visibility and thought leadership of the IRC via various outputs. As part of this role, the Technical Advisor will provide on the ground support to an evaluation of the IRC’s EVD response in Montserrado County, Liberia set to take place from December 2014 – March 2015.


Major Responsibilities:


  • Work with the communications officer and other internal stakeholders to leverage learning and insight from Sierra Leone and Liberia programs to influence policy and practice through communications and advocacy

  • Develop compelling external-facing products that raise the IRC’s thought-leadership profile among diverse audiences and demonstrate operational leadership in Sierra Leone and Liberia

  • Help to disturb status quo with advocacy content containing concrete recommendations about changes in policy, donor attitude and actions necessary to improve global response in the affected countries and future epidemics

  • Support Ebola-related research and academic publications

  • Oversee Liberia evaluation, ensuring the process is implemented according to agreed upon timelines

  • Contribute to evaluation TOR, providing guidance on evaluation questions and methodologies.

  • Support collection of data on the ground, liaising with government, NGO and community partners.

  • Take the lead on analysis and write up of Liberia evaluation and ensure dissemination to relevant stakeholders.

Job Requirements:


Education: Master’s degree in public health preferred. Bachelor’s degree required.


Work Experience: 5-7 years of experience in a fast-paced, complex and decentralized organization, with experience in the Ebola response.


Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:


  • Ability to quickly and accurately distill complex themes into compelling content

  • Experience initiating and implementing health programming in an established organization or function

  • Experience with project evaluations.

  • A team player who is able to work with, identify and leverage critical expertise from various divisions of an organization

  • An ability to identify key policy barriers and solutions

  • An active listener, excellent writer and team player

Working Environment: Standard office work environment


The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.


IRC et les employés de IRC doivent adhérer aux valeurs et principes contenus dans le IRC WAY (normes de conduite professionnelle). Ce sont l’Intégrité, le Service, et la Responsabilité. En conformité avec ces valeurs, IRC opère et fait respecter les politiques sur la protection des bénéficiaires contre l’exploitation et les abus, la protection de l’enfant, le harcèlement sur les lieux de travail, l’intégrité financière, et les représailles.





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