The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their lives. The IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities which support them, as well as those who remain within their homes and communities. We began work in Ethiopia since 2000 and currently implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response.
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 an 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.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking four senior health officers who will manage and coordinate a project titled “Scaling the Last Mile Delivery of Immunization Services: Reaching the Missed Community in Ethiopia.” The initiative focuses on introducing and scaling up the use of innovative Indigo backpacks to enhance immunization coverage and access to essential health services in Ethiopia.
The health officers will oversee the overall management, coordination, and day-to-day implementation of project activities, with a particular emphasis on deploying and evaluating the Indigo Backpack cold chain technology to strengthen vaccine delivery in remote and conflict-affected areas. The role involves leading regional planning and monitoring efforts, Regional Health Bureaus (RHBs), and key partners, while ensuring adherence to IRC and donor compliance standards.
This position demands organizational, communication, and partnership skills to ensure efficient, timely, and high-quality execution of activities aimed at reaching zero-dose and under-immunized children across target regions. The position holders will be located in Afar, Tigray, Amhara and Oromia regions, in addition the position holder who will be deployed at Oromia will also be supporting Benishangul Gumuz and south Ethiopia regions.
Duties and Responsibilities
Program Implementation & Technical Support
Support the implementation of the Gates Foundation-funded Indigo Backpack Device introduction and implementation research project in conflict affected regions` woredas adjacent to Gavi REACH sites, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Regional Health Bureaus.
Provide technical assistance for the planning, deployment, and monitoring of Indigo devices introduction, implementation research and utilization ensuring alignment with IRC standards and national protocols.
Work closely with IRC’s Health and Nutrition, and MEAL teams to strengthen immunization supply chain performance, including monitoring vaccine stock levels, cold chain equipment (CCE) status, and reporting vaccine wastage and stock incidents.
Contribute to the development and use of vaccine consumption tools across supported locations, including outreach, mobile, and cross-border sites.
Support the adoption and implementation of national immunization guidelines, SOPs, training materials, and waste disposal protocols.
Technically support the immunization sessions using Indigo backpack devices
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning
Collaborate with MEAL and research teams to develop and submit timely IRC and donor reports.
Maintain and share monthly activity reports with relevant stakeholders, including RHBs, Zonal and Woreda Health Offices, and IRC country office teams.
Document lessons learned to contribute to the REACH learning agenda, particularly in strengthening immunization systems in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
Coordination & Representation
Represent IRC in regional health bureau, sector meetings, technical working groups, and vaccine logistics working groups (LWGs).
Liaise with government officials, UN agencies, and other partners to ensure coordinated implementation and smooth communication.
Assist in organizing workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns to strengthen health system capacity.
Grant & Budget Management
Other Duties
Participate in team meetings and collaborative planning exercises.
Ensure adherence to IRC’s standards for program management and technical quality.
Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Key Working Relationships
Internal: Collaborate with IRC’s Health and Nutrition, MEAL, Finance, HR, Supply Chain teams, and grant unit
External: Engage with Regional Health Bureaus, Zonal and Woreda Health Offices, HEWs, community volunteers, and implementing partners involved in Indigo device deployment and immunization services
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
Job Requirements
Education: -
Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Medicine, Public Health Officer, Nursing, or BA in Supply Chain Management (BA-SCM) with master’s degree in supply chain, public health and Logistics Management or related field is an added advantage.
Experience and Skills:
Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in health services, particularly in medical device introduction, implementation research, and vaccine/cold chain management.
Experience working on immunizations in conflict-affected or hard-to-reach settings is an advantage
Training, experience or TOT certification in Effective vaccine and cold chain management, IIP RED/REC preferred.
Experience working with the Ministry of Health (MoH), Regional Health Bureaus (RHBs), EFDA and EPSS, with strong understanding of national immunization supply chain policies and strategies.
Demonstrated ability to manage teams, plan and supervise community-based health projects, and build capacity of government staff.
Strong project management, financial management, analytical, and report-writing skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital data management tools.
Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.
Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities; ability to adapt to change proactively.
Experience in new medical technology/ new medical device introduction, training and deployment and effective vaccine management will be a plus
Language:
How To Apply
Candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply only through THIS LINK
Please include 3 references from current and former employers.
Applications will not be returned. IRC discourages phone calls or personal visits.
Only applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be short listed and contacted.
Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
Your application letter/cover letter must include the following information.
Name of the position you have applied for
Date of application
Summary of your qualifications and experience
Motivation/objective of why you have applied for the job
Permanent Address and present address (if different from permanent) and telephone number if possible also email address
Disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees.
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.
Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, 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 Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons.
Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances.
