IRC Regional Policy and Advocacy Lead 2026: International Humanitarian Leadership Job in Jordan and Lebanon
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is inviting applications for the position of Regional Policy and Advocacy Lead – Middle East, North Africa and Ukraine (MENAU).
This senior leadership opportunity is suited to experienced professionals in policy development, humanitarian advocacy, strategic communications and international affairs.
The successful candidate will provide regional strategic leadership, influence humanitarian and development policies, strengthen advocacy initiatives and coordinate communications across IRC country programmes.
The position is based in Amman, Jordan, or Beirut, Lebanon, and offers an opportunity to influence humanitarian policy and decision-making across a complex regional environment.
Job Overview
- Organisation: International Rescue Committee (IRC)
- Position: Regional Policy and Advocacy Lead – MENAU
- Job Reference: JR00005740
- Locations: Amman, Jordan / Beirut, Lebanon
- Job Type: Full-time
- Work Arrangement: In-person
- Application Deadline: 24 November 2026
- Regional Coverage: Middle East, North Africa and Ukraine
Important: Applicants must be located in Jordan or Lebanon and have the legal right to work in the respective country.
About the International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee is a leading international humanitarian organisation responding to some of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.
Founded in 1933, following a call by Albert Einstein, IRC works in more than 40 countries and 29 cities across the United States.
The organisation supports people affected by conflict and disasters by providing assistance in health, safety, education and economic wellbeing.
About the Position
The Regional Policy and Advocacy Lead will be a key member of IRC’s Regional Management Team.
The role focuses on developing and implementing regional policy and advocacy strategies that influence national, regional and international decision-makers.
The successful candidate will work closely with country programmes, global policy teams, humanitarian partners and government institutions to ensure that the experiences of crisis-affected communities inform policy decisions.
The position also involves strategic oversight of regional communications and media engagement.
The role reports to the MENAU Regional Vice President and requires regular travel across the region and occasional international travel.
Key Responsibilities
1. Regional Strategy and Team Leadership
- Lead the development and implementation of regional policy and advocacy strategies.
- Coordinate regional and country-level policy, advocacy and communications teams.
- Build strategic relationships with regional organisations and stakeholders.
- Ensure advocacy products meet organisational quality standards.
2. Policy and Advocacy
- Develop policy positions, briefing notes, position papers and advocacy reports.
- Influence national, regional and international policymakers.
- Support country programmes in developing advocacy strategies.
- Identify policy barriers affecting humanitarian and development interventions.
- Represent IRC at regional advocacy platforms, UN meetings and international forums.
- Monitor political and policy developments and brief regional leadership.
3. Communications and Media
- Support the implementation of regional communications strategies.
- Strengthen IRC’s visibility and engagement with regional and international media.
- Act as an organisational spokesperson when required.
- Ensure consistency across advocacy messages, press releases and communications materials.
- Coordinate with regional communications leadership.
4. Stakeholder Engagement
- Build relationships with national governments, international NGOs, UN agencies and donors.
- Engage regional advocacy networks and international partners.
- Strengthen collaboration between country programmes and global teams.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
Education
A university degree in:
- Communications
- International Affairs
- Policy and Advocacy
- Political Science
- Another relevant discipline.
A Master’s degree is preferred.
Professional Experience
At least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience responding to complex humanitarian crises or post-conflict situations.
Candidates must demonstrate a strong record of delivering change through effective policy, advocacy and communications strategies.
Additional Requirements
- Strong understanding of political complexities in the Middle East, North Africa and Ukraine region.
- Previous experience working in the Middle East is required.
- Substantial communications and media relations experience.
- Proven ability to influence and persuade diverse audiences.
- Excellent analytical, presentation and reporting skills.
- Ability to work across multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly within the region.
Language Requirements
Fluency in both English and Arabic, written and spoken, is required.
Candidates must also demonstrate excellent writing and communication skills.
Arabic-speaking candidates from the Middle East region are strongly encouraged to apply.
Contract and Work Environment
The position is full-time and based in Amman or Beirut.
The role involves frequent regional travel and occasional travel to international policy and diplomatic centres, including New York, Washington, London, Brussels and Geneva.
IRC promotes an inclusive working environment built around integrity, service, equality and accountability.
Further details about salary and contractual benefits should be confirmed in the official vacancy announcement.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official International Rescue Committee careers portal.
Applicants should highlight their experience in:
- Humanitarian policy and advocacy.
- Regional strategy development.
- Government and stakeholder engagement.
- Strategic communications and media relations.
- Leadership and management of multidisciplinary teams.
Candidates should ensure they meet the location and right-to-work requirements before applying.
Organisation: International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Job Reference: JR00005740
Application Deadline: 24 November 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will proceed to the recruitment process. The IRC recruitment process may include interviews, reference checks and background screening.
Important Information
This position is open to candidates located in Jordan and Lebanon who have the legal right to work in either country. It is not advertised as a globally remote position.
The IRC does not discriminate in its recruitment and is committed to safeguarding, accountability and creating a safe working environment.
Explore more international NGO jobs, humanitarian careers, UN opportunities and development vacancies through ResearchJobsHub.
