Project Coordinator

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 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.

Job Overview/Summary: 

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a Project Coordinator/ Project Lead for the anticipated 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 cold storage backpacks to enhance immunization coverage and access to essential health services in Ethiopia.

The Project Coordinator 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 planning and monitoring efforts, facilitating collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH), Regional Health Bureaus (RHBs), and key partners, while ensuring adherence to IRC and donor compliance standards.

This position demands strong 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

Major responsibilities include:

Project Coordination and Management

• Lead day-to-day coordination and execution of project activities in accordance with approved work plans and donor requirements.
• Ensure delivery of project milestones across three key outcomes in collaboration with research consultants or consultancy firms and research manager and TA: -
  • Generation of evidence through implementation research.
  • Development of a national roadmap for Indigo Backpack scale-up; and
  • Oversee the foundational capacity building and establishment of an implementation research agenda by consultants / consultancy firm in collaboration research manager
• Coordinate the timely procurement, importation and deployment of Indigo Backpacks in collaboration with IRC Supply Chain and MoH, MoF, EFDA, EPSS counterparts.
• Collaborate with MOH in site selection, distribution plan development, deployment of the devise and joint post-deployment assessment in line with an initial agreed criterion.
• Monitor progress against deliverables, ensure compliance with timelines, and produce high-quality reports and documentation.
• Organize and facilitate launching, co creation validation and dissemination workshops with MoH, EPHI, Donors , other key partners, and other stakeholders
• Maintain comprehensive project records, meeting minutes, and decision logs for reference and reporting.
• Conduct periodic field visits to monitor the out reach service that is being provided using Indigo devise by health care workers in the selected deployment sites

Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the focal point for communication and coordination with MoH (EPI Directorate), EFDA, EPSS, EPHI, regional health bureaus, and research partners.
• Closely work with in existing platforms mainly E - NITAG for the co creation, project monitoring and result dissemination.
• Facilitate regular coordination meetings and ensure alignment between government and implementing partners.
• In collaboration with the Research Manager, liaise with the contracted research institution or consultants to synchronize study design, timelines, and deliverables.
• Promote shared ownership, transparency, and accountability across all collaborating entities.

Technical and Operational Oversight

• Oversee the preparation and approval of Terms of Reference, study protocols, and ethics submissions by research partners in collaboration with research manager
• Coordinate and oversee project-related operational research, market analyses, and cost-effectiveness assessments in collaboration with research manager.
• Ensure quality assurance mechanisms are established for data integrity, study implementation, and partner deliverables.
• Oversee and support translation of research findings into national immunization strategies and MoH operational guidelines.
• Provide technical support to MOH to support the pilot deployment of Indigos with a clear transition plan to MoH’s ownership upon completion of the project.
• Facilitate and support dissemination of study results through policy briefs, technical forums, and publications.

 Financial and Grant Management

• Collaborate with Finance and Grants teams to ensure budget utilization, compliance, and proper documentation of project expenditures.
• Support budget tracking, forecasting, and periodic expenditure reviews to maintain financial accountability.
• Contribute to the preparation of timely donor reports and ensure linkages between financial and technical progress.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)

• Coordinate with the MEAL Manager and research partners to ensure data quality, timely submission, and appropriate documentation.
• Contribute to the development of project dashboards, performance summaries, and learning reports.
• Participate in data review meetings and contribute to adaptive management decisions.
• Document key learnings, challenges, and best practices to inform future scale-up initiatives.
• Support the implementation of client feedback and accountability mechanisms in compliance with IRC standards.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Identify potential risks related to project delivery (e.g., import delays, regulatory barriers, or operational challenges) and propose mitigation measures.
• Ensure adherence to IRC policies, donor regulations, and national research ethics requirements.
• Maintain project risk logs and ensure systematic follow-up on mitigation actions.

Key Working Relationships

Internal: Health and Nutrition Coordinator, RMEAL Manager, Gavi REACH and other immunization projects, Grants, Finance, Supply Chain, and Partnerships Teams.HR
External: Ministry of Health (Maternal, child and Adolescent Health Directorate), EFDA, EPSS, EPHI, regional/zonal health bureaus, research consultants/institutions, Gates Foundation and  key partners including WHO, UNICEF, Gavi CHAI, Save the Children and CDC,  and etc

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

Requirements:

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, Nursing, Medicine, or a related field with Master’s degree in public health or related field

Preferred experience & skills:

• Minimum of 6 years (/BSc) or 4 years (MPH/MSc) of progressively responsible experience in project coordination within international NGOs, preferably in cold chain, vaccine management, and immunization-focused health programs.
• Demonstrated experience in immunization systems strengthening, effective vaccine and cold chain management, or implementation research.
• Proven record in coordinating multi-partner initiatives, supervising field teams, and managing logistics for large-scale health interventions.
• Strong background in project planning, reporting, monitoring, and partnership management.
• Experience working with Ministry of Health and its structures, its agencies, research institutions, and international partners on donor-funded projects (e.g., Gavi, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID).
• In-depth understanding of Ethiopia’s national EPI system, vaccine and cold chain logistics, and health system structure.
• Familiarity with government procedures for import licensing, and project coordination.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize and deliver on time.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and report-writing abilities.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with project management tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within diverse, cross-functional teams and to manage change proactively and positively.

Language Skills:

• Fluency in English and Amharic (written and spoken); knowledge of additional local languages is an asset.

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.

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

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.

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