Program Coordinator

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a Program Coordinator to provide strategic and operational leadership for its programs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. Based in Peshawar and reporting to the Deputy Director Programs in Islamabad, this senior role involves overseeing program implementation, managing partner relationships, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements. The coordinator will lead the Provincial Senior Management Team and represent IRC in key forums, strengthening ties with government bodies, local institutions, and UN agencies. This position requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills in English, Urdu, and Pashto, and the ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams to deliver high-quality humanitarian and development programs.

Key Responsibilities
- Strengthen and institutionalize IRC’s relationships with provincial and district government departments, regulatory bodies, local institutions, universities, and UN agencies through formal agreements, coordination meetings, and joint planning.
- Represent IRC in provincial and district forums, advocacy platforms, and coordination groups, maintaining long-term partnerships with NGOs, donors, and community organizations.
- Lead the Provincial Senior Management Team, chairing regular meetings and contributing to country-level Senior Management Team discussions.
- Provide strategic oversight and quality assurance for program management in KP, ensuring smooth coordination between IRC teams and partners.
- Support partner organizations by monitoring workplans, budgets, and progress, resolving challenges, and facilitating capacity building.
- Coordinate emergency response efforts, linking field teams with country management and supporting technical assessments.
- Collaborate closely with MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) teams to ensure effective monitoring, timely reporting, and program compliance with IRC standards.
- Promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusion across all programming and operational practices.
- Contribute to program development, proposal reviews, and strategic planning for ongoing and emergency programming in KP.
- Manage human resources functions including performance appraisals, recruitment, mentoring, and ensuring adherence to IRC’s safeguarding and ethical standards.
- Oversee information management by preparing situation reports, participating in project cycle meetings, and ensuring high-quality internal and external reporting.
- Conduct regular field visits to monitor program progress, identify issues, and implement corrective actions.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and documentation of best practices and lessons learned with internal and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Management, Social Sciences, Human Development, Disaster Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of five years managing development and humanitarian programs in complex environments, preferably with INGOs or UN agencies in Pakistan.
- At least ten years of overall professional experience, with five years in international organizations.
- Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with government authorities, regulatory bodies, UN agencies, and local institutions.
- Experience leading multi-sector responses and managing local partners and large teams.
- Strong project management, reporting, and communication skills in English, Urdu, and Pashto.
- Deep understanding of the humanitarian and development context in KP, including gender equality and diversity considerations.

Preferred Qualifications and Additional Information
- Experience in Disaster Risk Reduction and vulnerability analysis is an asset.
- Candidates from KP with knowledge of local culture, languages, and operational environment are preferred.
- Strong cross-cultural communication, negotiation, and diplomatic skills are essential.
- Proficiency in digital collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Office suite.
- Women candidates and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

IRC upholds the highest professional standards, including integrity, accountability, and safeguarding. The organization is committed to creating a safe and inclusive work environment where all employees can thrive and contribute to lasting humanitarian impact.