Lead IRC’s humanitarian strategy in South Sudan. We are seeking an experienced Deputy Director to oversee a multi-sector portfolio including Health, WASH, and Protection.
Job Title: Deputy Director, Programs
Organization: International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Location: Juba, South Sudan (with regular travel to field sites)
Program Scale: 7 States + 2 Administrative Areas
Application Deadline: 23 February 2026
Executive Summary
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is recruiting a Deputy Director, Programs (DDP) for our South Sudan Country Program. This is a senior leadership position within one of our largest and most complex operational environments.
Reporting to the Country Director, you will hold delegated authority over the entire program portfolio. Your mandate is to ensure strategic coherence, operational quality, and financial compliance across a diverse range of sectors, including Health, Nutrition, WASH, Economic Recovery, and Protection. You will serve as a primary architect of our country strategy and a key representative to donors and government counterparts.
Scope of Authority
As a core member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), you are responsible for:
- Strategic Direction: Leading the design and prioritization of the country program strategy.
- Resource Management: Overseeing multi-donor grants, program budgets, and human resources within the Program and Grants departments.
- Representation: Acting as the principal liaison for programmatic matters with major donors (US, UK, EU, UN, World Bank) and the Government of South Sudan.
Key Accountabilities
Strategy, Design & Fundraising (30%)
- Operationalize the South Sudan response strategy, ensuring a balance between emergency response and long-term resilience.
- Lead the development of competitive, evidence-based funding proposals. You will ensure all project designs are technically sound, operationally feasible, and grounded in robust needs assessments.
- Drive a fundraising strategy that diversifies our donor base and secures sustainable funding for core sectors.
- Champion the “PEERS” system to strengthen partnerships and localization efforts.
Grants & Financial Oversight (25%)
- Direct the full grant lifecycle, ensuring strict compliance with donor regulations and internal policies.
- Collaborate with Finance to manage program budgets, control costs, and mitigate financial risks.
- Oversee the preparation and submission of high-quality donor reports.
- Conduct regular field monitoring to verify compliance and program quality on the ground.
Implementation & Emergency Response (20%)
- Provide high-level oversight of program implementation, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
- Lead the rapid scale-up and management of emergency responses when crises occur.
- Review Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) data to identify trends and adjust implementation plans accordingly.
External Representation (15%)
- Represent the IRC in high-level meetings with donors, UN agencies, and NGO coordination bodies.
- Lead advocacy initiatives at the country level, ensuring our programmatic evidence informs policy dialogue.
- Manage donor visits and external communications related to program impact.
Leadership & Team Development (10%)
- Manage and mentor a diverse team of Program Coordinators, the Grants Coordinator, and MEAL staff.
- Foster a culture of accountability and continuous learning.
- Prioritize national staff development through coaching, succession planning, and capacity building.
Candidate Profile
This role demands a leader with significant experience in complex humanitarian contexts.
Education & Experience
- Master’s degree in Development Studies, International Relations, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of senior management experience in humanitarian or development sectors.
- Proven track record of managing multi-sector portfolios; specific experience in Health and Protection programming is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success in securing and managing funds from major institutional donors, including USAID/BHA, FCDO, EU/ECHO, and the World Bank.
Professional Competencies
- Strategic Acumen: Ability to translate complex context analysis into actionable program strategies.
- Financial Literacy: Strong grasp of budget management and compliance in a grant-funded environment.
- Communication: Negotiation skills and the ability to represent the organization at a diplomatic level.
- Resilience: Capacity to work effectively in a high-pressure, security-sensitive environment.
How to Apply
Closing Date: 23 February 2026
To be considered for this leadership role, please submit your application via the IRC career portal.
The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We operate under strict professional standards regarding safeguarding, integrity, and accountability.