Advisor, Policy & Planning

IRC Summary ​

The International Rescue Committee helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities that support them, as well as with those who remain within their homes and communities. The IRC works today in over 40 countries and 25 U.S. cities to help people affected by humanitarian crises – including the climate crisis – to survive, recover and rebuild their lives.

Job Overview

The IRC is recruiting for an Advisor, Policy & Planning to assist with running the President’s Office. This is a fantastic opportunity for a thought partner, writer, thinker and do-er to impact the IRC’s mission and clients.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Policy & Planning, the Advisor will lead the Office’s efforts to research and develop positions on internal and external policy discussions; drive and produce products representing the IRC; vet and propose alternative thinking, stimulus, and partnerships; and manage day-to-day processes in the President’s Office.

A top applicant will be a detail-oriented self-starter with demonstrated ability to think critically. Previous professional or academic experience in policy research and analysis is essential, with a focus on international affairs, humanitarian crisis and conflict, and displacement being most relevant. Must be enthusiastic and able to cover multiple topics and project simultaneously, be a fast learner to pick up new topics independently, and have excellent research, writing and communication skills across multiple mediums. In addition, must have strong project management, organizational and interpersonal skills, to lead various processes involving a wide range of stakeholders.

Do you have a strong work ethic and experience in policy and planning? Are you passionate about IRC’s mission, making a positive impact and seeing an improvement in peoples work lives? Then join us!

We’ll trust you to provide frontline support including and not limited to:

1. Policy Development and Analysis

• Identify and conduct policy research on a range of topics relevant to the President’s Office.
• Provide policy stimulus for the CEO and the President’s Office by regularly disseminating articles and policy papers related to the IRC’s mission, along with providing analysis of these papers.
• Convene internal and external stakeholders to discuss, debate and inform IRC and CEOs policy positions.
• Research supporting data and facts to compliment broader policy discussions.
• As needed, join the CEO or represent the IRC in meetings with external stakeholders, research organizations, thinkers and influencers.

2. Product and writing

• Regularly produce written products at high frequency with high quality, including speeches, op-eds, talking points, blog posts, and correspondence.
• Understand the desired tone and thinking of the CEO and uses this to draft or review select internal and external communications from the President’s Office.
• Contribute and input into wider IRC products as required, such as the Emergency Watchlist, annual report, etc.

3. Coordination and Planning

• Liaise regularly with various departments, particularly Communication, Policy & Advocacy, and Awards Management Unit, on internal or external products’ content and process, as well as prepare for senior-level meetings (e.g., briefing materials and staffing needs).
• Coordinate travel planning for the CEO with internal and external stakeholders, including weighing institutional and CEO priorities, confirming trip goals and desired outcome, assessing risks, and organizing itinerary and briefing materials.
• Coordinate check-in with Country Program teams to ensure regular dialogue between the CEO and Leadership Board and Country Leadership to gauge the pressure points on IRCs strategy and advocacy needs.
• Represent the President’s Office in cross-departmental projects.

Development Value:

• Exposure to IRC leadership at a headquarters, regional and local level.
• Acquire deep understanding of IRC’s operations.
• Advise colleagues to make informed organizational and policy decisions with data and research.

Job Requirements:

• Post-graduate degree in relevant field.
• Minimum of 6 years of work experience including significant policy, research and analysis, or public affairs experience.
• Professional experience working in and traveling internationally; experience working well with colleagues from a wide range of national and linguistic backgrounds is preferred.
• Fluency and advanced writing skills in English is required; French language skills will be a plus.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office suite.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to manage and work through change in a proactive and positive manner.

Working Environment: ​**

• Hybrid work opportunity with a minimum of 3-days per week in our NYC headquarters.
• Employees may be required to share workspace while in office. Applicants must have a home or alternate workspace they can effectively complete their work from during regularly scheduled work hours when working remotely.
• Some international travel as needed, up to 20%.

recharge and be there for the people you care about.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Equality, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions. All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.