Ebola Response Director

The Ebola Response Director (ERD) will lead IRC's emergency response to the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak in DRC, based in Bunia.

The ERD will oversee all operational, financial, and programmatic aspects of the response, including supply chain, safety and security, finance, people and culture, partnerships, and program delivery.

The ERD will report to the Emergency Unit's ERMT Lead (Emergency Response Management Team), with a dotted line to the DRC Country Director (CD) for coordination on critical incidents, security, legal, donor, and media matters.

Main Responsibilities:

Leadership and Representation

• Serve as IRC's key representative for the Ebola response, coordinating with the DRC CD and wider country program as needed.
• Develop and maintain relationships with donors, UN agencies, INGOs, MOH, and local partners to promote effective collaboration and raise the visibility of IRC's response.
• Participate in DRC Country Program SMT meetings and maintain regular coordination check-ins with the CD.
• Oversee safety and security aspects of the Ebola response.

Strategic Direction and Program Oversight

• Lead and contribute to the execution of IRC's strategic response plan for Ebola.
• Oversee emergency program implementation across the Ebola response.
• Directly supervise the Ebola Response department Leads.
• Support strategic decision-making on program design, proposals, and budget development for new Ebola response funding.

Stewardship and Operational Leadership

• Drive operational excellence, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness across all Ebola Response functions.
• Oversee the development, deployment, and utilization of financial and operational policies, procedures, and systems.
• Ensure responsiveness and appropriate levels of in-person and remote support to all offices.

Organizational Culture and Communication

• Role model IRC's Core Values and Inclusion Principles.
• Foster an open, inclusive, and respectful team environment.
• Model accountability and commitment to safeguarding.

People Leadership

• Oversee the management, coaching, and development of national and international staff working in the Ebola Response.
• Supervise and mentor direct-report staff.
• Hold high-quality 1:1 meetings with each direct report on a regular and predictable basis.

Key Working Relationships:

• Position Reports to: Emergency Unit Emergency Response Management Team (ERMT) Lead.
• Position Directly Supervises: Ebola Response Program Lead, Ebola Supply Chain Coordinator(s), Ebola Response Deputy Director Finance, Ebola People & Culture Lead and Ebola Humanitarian Access, Safety and Security Lead.

Job Requirements:

• University degree in related field or equivalent experience preferred.
• 8 years’ experience leading complex on site emergency health response projects and/or programs requiring extensive judgment and interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to influence peer agencies, local government and community leaders.
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English and French required.