Director, Health Policy, Advocacy and Communication Job at IRC International Res

Overview

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people affected by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933, the IRC operates in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, delivering lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope. We are seeking solutions-driven, passionate change-makers to positively impact the lives of millions.

Job Description

The Health Technical Unit is a dynamic team providing country offices and emergency response teams with technical expertise, capacity building, and cross-country insights to improve health outcomes. The unit leads a policy change agenda, influencing UN, donor, and national policy to support strengthened health outcomes for IRC clients.

Role

The Director, Health Policy Advocacy & Communication will work with the Senior Director for Health and Global Practice Leads to sharpen and advance policy solutions in IRC’s health priority areas, including nutrition, immunization, sexual and reproductive health and rights, infectious disease prevention and control, and climate-resilient Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). The role focuses on the IRC’s health-related Impact at Scale (I&S) priorities (immunization, malnutrition, and contraception) and Program and Learn (P&L) priorities (prevention & treatment of postpartum hemorrhage and infectious disease prevention & control). The Director will collaborate with Advocacy and Influence, Policy & Solutions, Airbel, and External Relations colleagues to drive these solutions to market, support Health Unit strategic business development, and lead the unit’s policy, advocacy, and communications initiatives, including immunization influence advocacy and malnutrition.

This role requires a high level of initiative and the ability to lead multiple initiatives. The Director reports to the Senior Director, Health and is part of the Health Leadership Group.

Responsibilities

Drive IRC’s thought leadership on health through policy analysis, strategy, and synthesis.

Develop a policy and advocacy strategy for the Health Unit aligned with I&S priorities, P&L priorities, and Health Unit Pillars.

Collaborate with Health Unit Global Practice Leads and Airbel to develop evidence-based policy solutions and translate research into practice.

Collaborate with senior colleagues in Policy & Solutions, Advocacy & Influence, and the President’s Office to ensure coherence across global health efforts.

Collaborate with cross-sector TechEx teams to identify synergies for joint policy and advocacy.

Support policy and advocacy efforts within the Health Unit and in coordination with A&I, P&S, and the President’s Office to address aid reform for better health outcomes.

Lead the design, development, and delivery of policy and communications products (e.g., talking points, posts, blogs) to advance health policy efforts.

Lead Health Unit-led strategic policy and advocacy business development and donor relations, working with the Director of Program Development and Partnership and the Grant Operations and Analytics Team. Oversee donor relations and strategic decisions for HU-led advocacy grants.

Explore new public health policy areas for IRC engagement (e.g., health financing, climate).

Collaborate with the REACH project management unit to align immunization messaging with the President’s Office.

Lead and oversee the drafting of policy and communications material for internal and external placement.

Oversee the production of the annual Health Unit report.

Supervise the Nutrition Policy & Research Uptake Advisor.

Qualifications

Work Experience : A minimum of 12+ years of progressive experience in public health, health policy and communication. Experience researching, analyzing, and developing policy recommendations for global health issues. Experience developing and advancing policy solutions in humanitarian or development settings; experience in health financing is an asset. Experience building partnerships and engaging with health sector partners. Experience managing a team and obtaining buy-in for ideas outside of the direct management line. A track record of publications demonstrating health policy expertise.

Demonstrated Skills and Proficiencies : Extensive knowledge of global health policy issues in humanitarian settings; strategic thinking and ability to synthesize complex information; strong written and verbal communication; ability to engage with experts and senior decision-makers; experience with high-level strategic thinking and detailed design; dedication to IRC’s mission and familiarity with Health Unit Strategy and IRC policy strategy.

Education : Advanced degree in public health, public policy, or a closely related field.

Language Skills : Fluency in English required; French is an asset.

Preferred Experience & Skills

Experience working in cross-cultural settings.

Experience working with media.

Advocacy experience is desirable.

Working Environment

Standard office working environment.

Some international travel up to 10% as needed.

May require remote work; part-time remote employees may share workspace.

Compensation

Posted pay ranges are based on factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Offers are calibrated by work location, candidate experience, and skills.

Equal Opportunity

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Working Title : Health Policy Advocacy & Communication Director

Standards

Standard of Professional Conduct : IRC workers must adhere to the IRC Way – Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

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