About the Organization
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that helps people whose lives and livelihoods have been shattered by conflict, disasters, and crises. Founded in 1933 at the request of physicist Albert Einstein, the organization has grown into one of the world’s leading humanitarian agencies providing lifesaving assistance and long-term recovery support.
IRC works in more than 40 countries and numerous cities across the United States. Its programs support refugees, displaced people, and vulnerable communities to recover, rebuild their lives, and regain control of their future. The organization provides assistance in sectors such as health, education, economic development, water and sanitation, protection, and emergency response.
In Ethiopia, IRC began operations in 1999 in response to severe drought in the Somali Region. Since then, the organization has expanded its operations to multiple regions, delivering humanitarian and development programs that address both immediate and long-term needs.
IRC’s health programs focus on strengthening public health systems, improving maternal and child health, expanding immunization services, and preventing disease outbreaks. These programs are implemented in close collaboration with government institutions and community stakeholders.
The organization places strong emphasis on gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. IRC strives to create safe and inclusive environments where both staff and beneficiaries are protected and respected.
Through its work, IRC aims to restore safety, dignity, and hope to millions of people affected by crises.
Working with IRC offers professionals the opportunity to gain experience in international humanitarian programs while contributing to meaningful community transformation.
The organization provides a collaborative and mission-driven work environment where staff are encouraged to grow professionally while delivering impactful services to communities in need.
Job Description
The EPI Officer will support immunization and disease surveillance activities to improve child health outcomes in project areas. The position focuses on strengthening immunization outreach programs and improving access to vaccines for children in hard-to-reach communities.
The officer will play an important role in revitalizing community volunteers and village health leaders who support outreach immunization services. These community actors help raise awareness and mobilize families to ensure children receive life-saving vaccines.
The role involves working closely with community leaders and local authorities to increase public trust in immunization programs and improve community participation.
The EPI Officer will support logistics and operational planning to ensure vaccines and health teams reach remote communities effectively.
The position also includes supporting the introduction of new vaccines, such as Hepatitis B birth dose, malaria vaccine initiatives, and updates to measles vaccination programs.
Facilitating outreach and mobile vaccination sessions is a major responsibility of the role. This includes identifying vaccination sites, coordinating health teams, and ensuring safe delivery of vaccines.
The officer will also coordinate house-to-house identification of eligible children using community volunteers and health extension workers.
Accurate documentation and reporting are essential tasks. The officer will ensure all required formats and reporting tools are properly used during immunization activities.
Monitoring and supervision will also be conducted through spot checks during vaccination sessions to ensure service quality and proper cold chain management.
The officer will support immunization performance reviews at the woreda level and assist in strengthening data-driven planning for immunization services.
Participation in outbreak response activities, including coordination with local health authorities and One Health task forces, will also be required.
The role includes supporting disease surveillance activities such as sample collection and transportation for diseases like measles and polio.
The EPI Officer will also participate in monitoring and evaluation activities to assess program effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
Regular coordination with health offices, project teams, and implementing partners will ensure smooth program implementation.
The officer will represent IRC in local health meetings, workshops, and coordination platforms when required.
Overall, the role contributes significantly to strengthening immunization systems, improving disease prevention, and protecting the health of vulnerable children and families.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in a relevant health-related field.
Acceptable fields of study include Public Health, Nursing, Health Officer programs, or similar health sciences disciplines.
Educational background should demonstrate knowledge of immunization programs, maternal and child health services, and disease surveillance systems.
Candidates with specialized public health training or postgraduate degrees will have an added advantage.
Work Experience
Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree must have a minimum of two years of professional experience.
Applicants with a Master’s degree must have at least one year of relevant professional experience.
Experience working with international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) is highly desirable.
Candidates should have direct experience implementing immunization or disease surveillance programs.
Previous experience supervising immunization activities or managing community health initiatives will be considered an advantage.
Experience in project coordination, monitoring activities, and community mobilization is also beneficial.
Required Skills and Competencies
The role requires strong project management and coordination skills.
Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential for engaging with communities and stakeholders.
Experience in data analysis, reporting, and monitoring tools such as DHIS2 will be beneficial.
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to work under pressure and travel frequently to project sites.
Strong teamwork and networking skills are essential for collaborating with partners and local institutions.
Candidates should also have good computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Fluency in written and spoken English and Amharic is required, and knowledge of local languages is considered an advantage.
Job Location
The position will be based in Undulu Woreda, Ethiopia.
The role may require regular travel to surrounding communities and project sites within the region.
Employment Type and Salary
This is a full-time position within the International Rescue Committee’s health program.
IRC offers a competitive salary and benefits package in accordance with organizational policies and the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
Working with IRC provides professionals with opportunities for career development, training, and exposure to international humanitarian programs.
Employees benefit from a collaborative work environment focused on professional growth and impactful service delivery.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply through the official IRC recruitment portal.
Applicants should submit their application using the following link:
https://theirc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/External_Careers/job/Assosa-Ethiopia/EPI-Officer_JR00002057
Applications must include a cover letter and relevant professional details.
Candidates are also required to provide three references from current or former employers.
Applicants should clearly state the position they are applying for, the date of application, and a brief summary of their qualifications and motivation.
Candidates should include their permanent and current address, as well as contact information such as phone number and email address.
Applicants must also disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees.
Women and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Only applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be shortlisted and contacted.
Applicants are advised not to submit applications through phone calls or personal visits.
The application deadline for this position is March 14, 2026.