Education:

Master’s Degree (MA/MSc) or Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BSc) in a related field (Check details)

About the Organization

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global leader in humanitarian response, providing a lifeline to those affected by the world’s most severe crises. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC has spent nearly a century restoring health, safety, and economic well-being to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Operating in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, the IRC is a force for humanity, driven by the mission to help people survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities through sustainable and impactful programming.

In Ethiopia, the IRC maintains a robust presence, tackling complex humanitarian and development challenges through evidence-based strategies and data-led innovation. We pride ourselves on being a dynamic and global workplace where ideas are exchanged across time zones and cultures. Our team is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and heard, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the NGO sector by setting industry-leading standards in aid delivery.

The IRC is deeply committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions and fostering an inclusive workplace characterized by critical reflection and power sharing. We believe that a diverse team is our greatest strength, and we provide an enabling environment for all employees to thrive. By joining the IRC, you become part of a community that truly cares for one another, supported by comprehensive safety initiatives and continuous learning programs designed for your personal and career advancement.

We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just values but mechanical necessities for solving global problems. Our culture encourages honest dialogue and reflection to promote our core principles of Integrity, Service, and Accountability. We strive to build teams that embody our culture statement, creating a workplace where diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes for the millions of clients we serve worldwide.

The IRC is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce at all levels. We explicitly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for this leadership role. We provide supportive benefits, including parental leave and gender-sensitive security protocols, to ensure that all talented professionals have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the world.

Job Description and Strategic Impact

The Deputy Director of Grants and Partnerships (DDGP) is a high-impact leadership role essential to the strategic growth and operational excellence of IRC Ethiopia. Collaborating directly with the Director of Programs and the Country Director, the DDGP provides the strategic direction necessary to achieve annual growth targets and diversify funding sources. This role is at the center of the IRC’s mission, ensuring that resource mobilization efforts are aligned with the Strategic Action Plan to deliver life-saving services across the region.

The "day-in-the-life" of a DDGP involves navigating complex grant lifecycles, leading a dedicated team of 11 professionals, and engaging with high-level institutional donors. You will be the architect of the Business Development Action Plan, translating high-level strategy into operational priorities. This role offers the unique opportunity to manage a diverse portfolio of funding from major global entities like the EU, FCDO, and the World Bank, directly influencing the scale of IRC’s humanitarian reach.

Strategically, the DDGP strengthens the systems and processes that ensure donor compliance and high-quality reporting. By overseeing grants and partnership management, you safeguard the IRC’s reputation and ensure that every dollar is used effectively to restore dignity and hope to those in need. Your leadership will enhance the IRC’s visibility both internally and externally, making you a key figure in the Ethiopian humanitarian landscape.

Career growth in this position is significant, offering exposure to global HQ teams and regional leadership. The DDGP is empowered to mentor and coach a talented unit, fostering a culture of accountability and professional development. For a solutions-driven change-maker, this role provides a platform to pioneer innovative partnership models and drive proactive engagement with local NGOs and private sector actors, ensuring long-term institutional sustainability.

Ultimately, the DDGP’s work ensures that the IRC remains a reliable and powerful force for good. By balancing competing priorities and meeting tight deadlines with high-quality deliverables, you enable the organization to react swiftly to new crises. This is more than a management role; it is a strategic partnership position designed to redefine how humanitarian aid is funded and managed for a better future.

Job Positions and Requirements

Deputy Director of Grants and Partnership

Educational Qualification: Master’s degree in International Affairs, Social Sciences, or any related field of study.

Work Experience: 8–10 years of substantial experience leading proposal teams for complex, multi-year, and multi-partner projects; at least 6 years of senior-level management experience within an International NGO (INGO).

Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Salary: Per Scale / Competitive INGO Package

No. Required: 1

Employment Type and Compensation

This is a full-time, permanent position based in Addis Ababa. The IRC offers a competitive and growth-oriented compensation package designed to attract and retain world-class talent. Our benefits are built to provide an enabling environment, particularly for those in leadership roles, including comprehensive health coverage and supportive allowances.

We provide a stable and dynamic workplace where your professional contributions are matched by our commitment to your well-being. The IRC’s compensation structure reflects the seniority and strategic importance of this role, ensuring that our leaders are well-positioned to drive global change while enjoying career security and institutional support.

How to Apply

We wish to clarify that scanned certificates or physical attachments are NOT required during the initial application phase. The IRC values a streamlined application process focused on your professional track record and strategic fit for the role. We encourage all qualified candidates to submit their profiles through the official IRC career portal to ensure their application is captured correctly.

Original documents and academic credentials will only be requested for physical verification during the final stages of the interview process. This ensures that the preliminary selection is based on merit and the quality of your professional experience. We respect your time and aim to make the recruitment process as transparent as possible.

Please be aware that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. The typical recruitment process involves three rounds, starting with a conversation with our recruiting team, followed by an interview with the hiring manager, and concluding with a panel assessment of your role-specific expertise. Reference and background checks are standard procedures conducted after an offer is extended.

The timeline for this recruitment is active, and we encourage prompt submissions. Following the deadline, our team will review applications against the Business Development and Grants management requirements. We appreciate your interest in joining our global mission and look forward to learning how your leadership can contribute to our impact in Ethiopia.

Interested candidates should apply through the IRC’s official global careers site using the job requisition ID JR00002634. This is the primary channel for all applications to ensure compliance with our global hiring standards and privacy policies.

Application Deadline

April 15, 2026

Official Application Link / Contact

apply link