The International Rescue Committee (IRC) resumed operations in Sudan in November 2019, after having worked in the country from 1982 until 2009. The organization successfully re-registered in Khartoum with the transitional government and launched initial programs to support displaced populations in urban areas surrounding the capital.

Sudan is currently facing numerous challenges, including a macroeconomic crisis, armed conflicts, displacement, protracted refugee situations, natural disasters, and the impacts of COVID-19. These issues have resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with more than 10 million people in need of assistance. Additionally, in November 2020, conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region prompted around 60,000 refugees to flee to eastern Sudan, with projections suggesting that this number could rise to 100,000 by June 2021.

In response to the escalating needs, the IRC has intensified its efforts through its emergency response team, expanding humanitarian activities eastern and southern Sudan to address the Tigrayan refugee crisis and support other vulnerable groups. The organization has established field offices in Gedaref, White Nile, River Nile and Khartoum, and Blue Nile, in addition to its head office in Khartoum which is now moved to Port Sudan. The IRC aims to expand its program scale, scope, and geographic reach in the coming months.

Recently, the IRC has become more engaged in Cash Based Interventions (CBI), using cash as a program delivery mechanism in all sectoral interventions. This engagement is in coordination with local governments, Sudan - Cash Working Group (CWG) - Sudan, the Cash Consortium of Sudan (CCS), INGOs, and local partners to support conflict-affected and disaster-displaced households and communities. 

To enhance its holistic programming approach within the Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) sector, the IRC has been implementing CBI and Multipurpose Cash Transfers (MPCT) along with related cash relief activities in South Kordofan, Blue Nile, White Nile, Khartoum, and River Nile. Additionally, the IRC is exploring opportunities to expand these initiatives throughout Sudan.

Scope of work:

IRC Sudan has been implementing emergency cash (MPC) responses for conflict- and crisis-affected communities, including displaced populations in RN State. Under the direct supervision of the Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) Senior Officer, the ERD Officer will be responsible for the direct implementation of ERD activities within the IRC response. The primary goal of the ERD Officer is to support the most vulnerable communities impacted by conflict and crises through cash-based interventions (CBI) and multipurpose cash transfers, enabling them to meet their basic needs and protect their livelihoods during emergencies. This role will primarily facilitate the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of basic needs program activities, including cash and vouchers, as well as emergency food distributions.

The ERD Officer will directly be responsible for the day-to-day implementation and oversee the implementation of projects within the sector, including the distribution of Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) and engagement with stakeholders such as government entities, local authorities, local organizations, and community leaders. Regular reports and briefings will be provided to the Senior Field Coordinator and the ERD Manager to update them on the progress of the work plan. The ERD Officer position is dedicated to implementing cash transfer project activities at the field level. This role serves as the primary field-level position for planning, implementing, and monitoring cash-based intervention activities in the targeted operational areas of RN State. The Officer will work closely with local partners, local authorities, and crisis-affected and displaced communities, identifying target populations, establishing relationships with community leaders, and overseeing all aspects of field-level operations.

• Conduct community-based client targeting and verification in collaboration with local partners, local authorities, community leaders, IDP gathering site committees, and community-based targeting committees.
• Utilize technical knowledge and skills related to cash-based interventions to implement and assist in the community delivery of program activities.
• Assist in conducting assessments to identify the most vulnerable households in need of assistance, employing robust targeting methodologies. Ensure beneficiaries are selected and registered according to defined targeting criteria and standard operating procedures.
• Facilitate the sensitization of local authorities, government structures, local partners, community leaders, and IDP gathering sites regarding the project's targeting criteria.
• Support the selection and identification of beneficiaries for cash assistance according to criteria agreed upon with the project team.
• Assist in registering targeted vulnerable households and support mobile data collection activities within program sites, ensuring data is collected, stored appropriately, safely, and confidentially.
• Prepare work plans and distribution schedules, ensuring cash assistance is delivered to targeted households in accordance with predetermined targeting criteria and in a safe manner.
• Oversee cash transfers and report any issues that may arise during the implementation of multipurpose cash transfers.
• Actively participate in relevant field assessments to understand beneficiaries' needs.
• Coordinate the schedules of program assistants in collaboration with the ERD Senior Officer.
• Manage day-to-day relationships between the IRC and implementing partners, as well as local authorities in the operational state.
• Develop methods to enhance communication with beneficiaries and engage communities in targeted areas.
• Oversee the distribution of in-kind assistance, cash, and vouchers across program locations, ensuring assistance is provided according to need.
• Coordinate activities with local authorities, community members, other implementing actors, and partners at the woreda level.
• Compile and submit regular project reports and updates to cash officers and team members. Provide weekly and monthly reports.
• Assist in implementing appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems, including beneficiary verifications and client complaint handling mechanisms.
• Collaborate with other sectors, including Health, Environmental Health, and Protection, to ensure that vulnerable cases are prioritized.
• Support the Senior Officer in capacity-building activities.
• Assist in identifying potential implementing partners for the IRC, and, in coordination with the program coordinators, assess their capacity.
• Actively liaise with relevant local stakeholders, including local community leadership, to ensure smooth implementation of activities.
• Represent the IRC and coordinate with local entities as needed.

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

• Internal: close collaboration with other IRC Sudan programs Protection, Health, Environmental Health, Grants, Supply Chain, HR, and Finance Departments.  
• External: close collaboration with other humanitarian actors, local implementing partners, UN agencies, government, and service providers at operational and field levels

• University degree 
• At least two years of work experience; one year of previous NGO experience is preferred.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of the Sudan context.
• Organized, detailed oriented, and proactive.
• Team player and good communication skills
• Strong computer competency with word processing, spreadsheets, databases, & other IT skills.
• Possess leadership qualities and willingness to exercise initiative.
• Willingness to travel regularly to field sites.
• English and Arabic are required.

Professional Standards:

• All IRC staff are required to adhere to The IRC Way Standards for Professional Conduct and the IRC country employment policies.
• The International Rescue Committee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. International Rescue Committee considers all candidates based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 
• 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, and Anti-Retaliation
• Travel and other requirements: This position will be based in Atbara with frequent travel to Camps.
• This position will be based in Atbarawith frequent travel to Camps.

Gender Equality & Equal Opportunity

We are committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer generous 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. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our organization. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.