The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The IRC has a focus on narrowing the gender gap in humanitarian aid and ensuring that we contribute to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in both our programs and operations by working to establish a context where our clients (including those from minority groups) enjoy the same rights and opportunities as well as equal access to services. The IRC also has a strong commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture, where safeguarding is upheld in our workplace and programs. We are determined to protect our clients and staff from safeguarding violations through prevention and, where misconduct is alleged, to address it without fear or favor.

 

Job Overview: 

The Women Protection and Empowerment (WPE) Officer will play a key role in strengthening the capacity and leadership of Local Women-Led Organizations (LWLOs) by providing tailored technical support, ongoing mentoring, and coordination of project activities. The Officer will support LWLOs in assessing their organizational needs, delivering targeted training, and implementing effective gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response initiatives. They will also supervise GBV case management services to ensure they are survivor-centered, confidential, and follow global and national standards. Through peer learning, coaching, and continuous technical guidance, the Officer will help ensure quality service delivery and empower LWLOs to lead protection efforts within their communities.

In addition to supporting LWLOs, the WPE Officer will work closely with government stakeholders, INGOs, local NGOs, and community leaders to strengthen partnerships, referral pathways, and coordinated GBV responses. The Officer will play a key role in facilitating

collaboration across actors, advocating for women and girls’ protection, and ensuring the project aligns with both donor expectations and IRC’s WPE strategy. This position is essential for promoting inclusive, safe, and sustainable protection services for women and girls across the target areas.

Major Responsibilities:

Program Planning and Implementation

Support and coordinate the initial mapping and profiling of Local Women-Led Organizations (LWLOs). Facilitate and support capacity assessment and development planning workshops for LWLOs. Provide ongoing technical support and mentorship to LWLOs based on their identified capacity gaps. Coordinate and deliver thematic training on women’s protection and empowerment, GBV case management, and referral mechanisms. Organize and lead regular peer learning exchanges between LWLOs to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing. Facilitate joint community outreach activities with LWLOs to increase awareness on women’s rights and GBV prevention. Support the development and implementation of safeguarding and protection mainstreaming practices within LWLOs. Assist in organizing and participating in project monitoring visits, learning sessions, and review meetings with stakeholders. Conduct and oversee GBV case management, ensuring adherence to survivor-centered approaches and confidentiality standards. Strengthen and maintain effective referral pathways in collaboration with local service providers and community structures. Deliver technical support on GBV prevention and response, including capacity-building for local actors and community-based structures. Provide coaching and on-the-job mentoring to LWLO staff and community facilitators to strengthen their technical capacity in GBV programming and protection principles. Support in developing and reviewing case management tools, guidelines, and training materials based on global and national standards. Promote safe, inclusive, and dignified access to services for women and girls, while integrating safeguarding and Do No Harm principles across all activities.

Coordination

Facilitate stakeholder engagement meetings with government actors, community leaders, and partner organizations to support coordination and advocacy efforts. Lead coordination of WPE project activities with Local Women-Led Organizations (LWLOs), ensuring timely and quality implementation. Organize and facilitate peer learning forums and review workshops for continuous learning and knowledge sharing among LWLOs

Monitoring & Reporting

Prepare and submit reports as required and incorporate the supervisor’s feedback promptly. Participate in the development of procurement and spending plans and work plans to ensure the successful implementation of programs Monitor and track utilization of program supplies and resources to ensure efficient use of available resources. Ensure tracking of key program indicators and progress through utilization of the M&E data collection and indicator tracking tools are being followed by community workers with sufficient copies available on site.

Human Resources, Logistics & Finance

Adhere to IRC Country Program policies and procedures Ensure that all relevant financial documentation is completed accurately as required by IRC finance policy. Ensure logistics for training and other program activities are organized under IRC logistics policy and requirements Ensure that all relevant financial documentation is completed accurately as required by IRC finance policy and requirements. Adherence to the IRC code of conduct (IRC WAY) that ensures transparency, services, and accountability to beneficiaries and reports any abuse of beneficiaries by other IRC staff, including sexual exploitation and abuse, under the IRC reporting procedures. Perform any other duties as required by the supervisor from time to time Adherence to the IRC Security Policy.

Safeguarding Responsibilities: -

 Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in IRC [team/office] Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies
Minimum Qualifications:

Educational Requirement:

BA/BSc degree in Social Work, Psychology, Public Health, Nursing, Women’s Studies, or related social science fields Diploma of social work, psychology, PH, and women's studies.

Work Experience and Skills:

5 years of experience for diploma holders, 2 years of experience for degree holders and 1 year of relevant experience for masters.Related work and field experiences in counseling or social service provision with women and adolescent girls.Demonstrated confidence in discussing intimate gender and sexuality issues.Able to always maintain GBV and protection principles – including knowledge and practical application of the GBV Guiding Principles and PSEA. Strong organizational, interpersonal, coordination, and diplomatic skills are required.Able to organize, maintain composure, and prioritize work under pressure, able to coordinate multiple tasks, and maintain attention to detail.Willing to travel to potentially insecure sites with an IRC vehicle or rental vehicle, with security assessment and travel approval by the field coordinator.Familiarity with working in the Somali region.Ability to use MS Office, Word, Excel, and Outlook email applications very well. Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as, an overall ability to be clear and concise in all communicationsStrong organizational and time-management skills; proven ability to prioritize and deliver on timeStrong analytic problem-solving skillsAbility to work both independently and in a dynamic, cross-functional global team structureHighly proficient in the Microsoft Office suiteDemonstrated ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels Ability to manage and work through change proactively and positively.

Language Skills:

Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is essential. Speaking the local language, Somali, is a plus

Disclaimer: - Please note that IRC will never request applicants or candidates to make any form of payment at any stage of the recruitment process.

IRC is an equal employment opportunity employer.  IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

IRC strives to build a diverse and inclusive team at all levels who as individuals, and as a group, embody our culture statement creating a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity for us to achieve our aspirations as a team and deliver the best possible services to our clients.

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.