Introduction
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is urgently seeking a Research Consultant to support a strategic programme focused on humanitarian response, social protection, or evaluation and learning. The IRC is a globally respected humanitarian organization that helps people affected by conflict and disaster survive, recover, and rebuild their lives.
This consultancy opening matters because the IRC’s work spans emergency response, economic wellbeing, protection, health, and education in fragile contexts worldwide. Consultants play a vital role in generating evidence, improving programme quality, and supporting rapid decision-making in complex environments. The position offers competitive compensation, reflecting market standards for senior research and policy expertise.
The Research Consultant will operate within fast-moving programmes and provide timely insights on humanitarian challenges. This posting is written as a third-party job board curator, offering a professional and structured overview of the vacancy including responsibilities, qualifications, compensation, application tips, and FAQs.
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Urgent Hiring at IRC 2026: Research Consultant – High-Impact Humanitarian Consultancy Role
Background & Job Description
About the International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading global humanitarian NGO founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein. The organization works in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities to respond to humanitarian crises, support refugees, and rebuild communities affected by conflict and disaster. IRC teams provide emergency assistance, health services, education, protection, and economic support to vulnerable populations.
Consultancy Purpose & Impact
This Research Consultant role is designed to support evidence-generated programming, learning, and strategy across a priority IRC initiative. Assignments may include research, evaluation, data analysis, and knowledge products that inform programme design, advocacy, and external partnerships.
The focus of the work could include:
- Humanitarian needs analysis
- Social protection or resilience research
- Programme design evaluation
- Operational learning and gap analysis
The outcomes produced by the Research Consultant help IRC improve programme quality and impact in complex humanitarian settings.
Key Responsibilities
The Research Consultant will be responsible for:
- Research & Analysis
- Conducting rigorous research on humanitarian, development, or social protection themes
- Synthesizing literature, programme data, and secondary sources into clear insights
- Report & Product Development
- Producing evidence-based reports, briefs, and technical documentation
- Drafting recommendations for programme improvement and strategic planning
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Liaising with internal programme staff and external partners
- Presenting findings to diverse audiences, including donors, technical units, and implementing teams
- Learning & Knowledge Sharing
- Supporting knowledge management, including summaries of evaluations and lessons learned
- Contributing to workshops, webinars, or presentations
These tasks contribute directly to strengthening IRC’s operational effectiveness and evidence-based decision making.
Qualifications
Education & Certification
Applicants are typically expected to have:
- A Bachelor’s degree in development studies, public policy, economics, social sciences, or related field; a Master’s or higher is strongly preferred.
Experience & Skills
Competitive candidates usually demonstrate:
- At least 5+ years of professional experience in research, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), or policy analysis in humanitarian, development or NGO settings
- Proven experience producing high-quality research products and analytical outputs
- Familiarity with mixed methods research and data analysis
- Ability to work independently, manage deliverables, and meet deadlines
- Strong written and oral communication skills
Experience with IRC or similar INGOs, UN agencies, or donor-funded programmes is an advantage.
Compensation
Consultancy compensation levels at IRC vary by location, expertise, and funding source. Market data suggests that international researchers and technical advisors at IRC can earn competitive rates — for example, at higher levels technical roles and senior advisors can earn up to approximately USD 139,000 per year equivalent in international settings, though consultancy fees are typically negotiated based on scope and duration.
Candidates should provide their daily or monthly rate expectations when applying.
Why Apply for This Consultancy
This research consultancy offers:
- Meaningful global impact: Work that directly supports humanitarian response and development outcomes.
- Professional credibility: Experience with the IRC is highly regarded across the international development and humanitarian sectors.
- Flexible work models: Opportunities may include remote work arrangements or hybrid modalities depending on project needs.
- Exposure to complex programming: Gain experience navigating multi-stakeholder environments and high-stakes research contexts.
Application Tips & Insights
To strengthen your application:
- Tailor your CV to highlight relevant research output and humanitarian evidence
- Include examples of reports, briefs, or analytical products you have authored
- Clarify your availability and rate expectations in your application materials
- Demonstrate your ability to work cross-functionally with programme and technical teams
Avoid common mistakes: submitting generic applications, failing to link experience to humanitarian outcomes, or omitting rate expectations.
Additional Information
- Organization: International Rescue Committee (IRC)
- Position: Research Consultant (Humanitarian/Policy/Programme)
- Job Type: Consultancy / Contract
- Compensation: Competitive market-based consultancy rate
- Work Arrangement: Remote / Home-based or as specified by project
- Duration: Typically short- to medium-term (e.g., 3–12 months)
- Application Deadline: As specified in the actual vacancy announcement
IRC values diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
How to Apply
- Identify the specific IRC consultancy posting on the official IRC careers site or authorized job boards.
- Prepare your application materials, including:
- Updated CV
- Cover letter or motivation statement
- Optional sample of previous research outputs
- Submit your application through the official IRC application portal or according to the posted instructions.
- Include your daily or monthly remuneration expectations if requested.
Apply early to improve visibility and consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent position?
No, this is a consultancy contract with a defined duration.
Can this role be done remotely?
Yes — many IRC consultancies are open to remote or hybrid arrangements depending on project requirements.
Do I need experience with humanitarian settings?
Yes — relevant experience in humanitarian or development contexts strengthens candidacy.
Is prior IRC experience required?
Not mandatory, but experience with IRC or similar INGOs, UN agencies, or donor-funded programmes is an advantage.
How is compensation determined?
Consultancy fees are typically negotiated and based on expertise, location, duration, and funding availability.
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