Livelihoods Research and Communications Manager

Background:

The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, IRC offers life-saving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in more than 40 countries and in 22 U.S. cities, IRC restores safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted by conflict or disaster. IRC leads the way from harm to home.

The Syria crisis is often described as the worst humanitarian catastrophe since the end of the Cold War. Inside Syria, 7.6 million people are internally displaced and 12.2 million are in need of humanitarian assistance. Today’s 3.2 million refugees are expected to increase to 3.5 million by the end of 2015. IRC is offering a robust humanitarian response to the Syria crisis. With an annual budget approaching $100 million and a rapidly expanding portfolio, supported by more than 1100 staff in the region, IRC is undertaking programs in Syria and the neighboring countries of Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan in the fields of health, child protection, education, women’s protection and empowerment, NFI and food distribution, cash assistance, water and sanitation, and livelihood programming. Our work in these challenging settings gives rise to some of the most pressing issues facing contemporary humanitarian action, including questions of access, security, funding and coordination. As refugee displacement becomes more protracted, livelihood programs – specifically those related to direct employment and self-employment – are essential to increasing refugee income, reducing bloated aid budgets, and decreasing protection concerns related to limited economic opportunity such as child labor, survival sex, and exploitative labor practices.

Job Overview/Summary:

Reporting to the SRR Director of Public Affairs and in close collaboration with the Technical Advisor for Enterprise Development and Employment, the Livelihoods Research and Communications Manager will take the lead on commissioning, managing and developing a communications strategy for research and associated communications products. These research and communications materials will provide evidence to influence regional policies and raise awareness of employment and livelihoods challenges and opportunities in global capitals. The publication of this research should position the IRC as a thought and practice leader and thereby strengthen the organization’s ability to influence key policy-makers.

Major Responsibilities:

Program Management:

In close collaboration with the Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) Technical Unit (specifically the SRR Enterprise Development and Employment Technical Advisor), Director of Public Affairs, and the Communications team, develops research and communications strategies for identified priorities.

Hires and manages research consultants and is responsible for follow up and delivery of commissioned projects.

Develops project workplans, indicators and monitors program progress.

Convenes regular coordination and ‘update’ calls to inform key internal and external stakeholders to communication project progress

Produces a monthly, mid-year, and final report.

Research & Communications:

Within the first month of employment, finalizes a “who does what, where” (www) mapping of actors conducting research on livelihoods and employment.

Conducts desk research on topics related to livelihoods and employment including, but not limited to: Right to work legislation, informal economy for Syrians in refugee hosting countries, remittances to Syria, and the economic impact of Syrian refugees on refugee hosting countries.

Develops research agenda and plan for conducting research

Identifies key media targets who would be interested in featuring the research, using that information to tactically shape the frame of the research

Gathers and analyses relevant program (and non-program) data to ensure that information is used in policy and advocacy, program and communications products.

Works with the ERD unit and Communications team to synthesize research findings and presents papers to key internal and external stakeholders.

Takes the lead in drafting of livelihoods briefings, presentations, talking points and IRC positions

Works closely with researchers, the ERD team, communications and advocacy to develop policy and advocacy messages and materials (multimedia) for in-country, regional and international stakeholders, ensuring that field priorities and perspectives are integrated into strategy and messaging documents

Supports the Director of Public Affairs and ERD Technical Advisor to identify gaps, priority streams of work, and spaces for collaboration with NGO, Private sector, and UN counterparts.

Job Requirements:

At least five years of professional experience crafting and delivering policy-and program relevant research and communications products, preferable in the field of economic recovery and development;

At least three years project management experience;

Demonstrated creativity, ability to apply innovative thinking and problem-solving skills;

Experience in a team that has developed, executed and evaluated communications products and outreach

Excellent analytical, presentation, communication and reporting skills;

Fluency in English (written and spoken) is essential, with demonstrated strong writing skills;

Must be willing to travel regularly and occasionally for extended periods of time to remote sites and endure basic living conditions;

Ability to work well in unstable security environments, and under significant administrative and programmatic pressures;

Flexible to adapt to changing requirements;

Culturally sensitive, able and interested in working with a multi-ethnic team;

Strong commitment to the IRC’s mission, purpose and values

Must be able to work independently while being a team player.

Advanced degree in relevant field desired;

Middle East regional experience preferred