Cost Research Advisor

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 International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations. Airbel—IRC’s Impact Lab—designs, tests, and scales solutions for people affected by conflict and disaster. Amidst shrinking funding and growing need, the IRC’s Best Use of Resources (BUR) team increases the impact and scale of humanitarian programming per dollar. BUR supports the IRC and the humanitarian sector to generate, synthesize, share, and use cost evidence.

We are seeking a Cost Research Advisor to  lead and contribute to cost analyses, synthesize cost evidence, and provide technical assistance to IRC colleagues and external stakeholders to unlock evidence-informed decision-making. This position - is an individual contributor role and does not include direct supervisory responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct research
•    In collaboration with IRC colleagues, refine the learning agenda and research questions for one or more focus areas or interventions (e.g., Safe at Home).
•    Conduct cost-efficiency analyses, cost-effectiveness analyses, and scenario modeling (see Cost Analysis Report Library).
•    Develop, maintain, and update program-specific data sets (see Cost Analysis Data Sets).
•    Synthesize internal and external cost evidence to make broader quantitative and qualitative assessments of a program area’s cost-effectiveness, parameters under which a program area might be cost-effective, etc. (e.g.).

Provide technical assistance
•    Develop organizational learnings and recommendations for - specific outcome areas or interventions.
•    Provide ongoing technical assistance to IRC colleagues and partner organizations to help inform decisions with cost evidence.
•    Support proposal development to increase the cost-effectiveness of proposals and program designs.
•    Re-package evidence into accessible user-friendly tools to increase their usability (e.g.).
•    Collaborate with advocacy and policy colleagues to translate research findings into accessible and persuasive external collateral (e.g.).

Cross-cutting responsibilities
•    Contribute to reporting, including writing, delivering presentations, and supporting communications staff.

Job Requirements

Work experience
·    Bachelor's or Master's degree in economics, statistics, public policy, or related field.
·    Minimum of:
o    3+ years of experience (bachelor’s degree) or 
o    2+ years of experience (Master’s degree) in the humanitarian or development sector.

Demonstrated skills and competencies
·    Strong knowledge of cost analysis evaluation methodologies, applications, and literature in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
·    Excellent proficiency in spreadsheet-based data cleaning and analysis.
·    Ability to interpret complex technical findings and translate them into compelling evidence-aligned policy narratives.
·    Excellent writing and editing skills, with experience producing policy-relevant research reports.
·    Experience managing coalitions, partnerships, or multi-stakeholder initiatives.
·    Familiarity with donor landscapes and funding mechanisms in humanitarian aid.
•    Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a remote team across time zones, cultures, and contexts.
·    Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools (e.g., Notion).
·    Fluency in English.

Strongly preferred
·    Proficiency in statistical analysis software.
·    Proficiency in data visualization software.
·    Strong quantitative and qualitative evidence synthesis skills.
·    Experience writing peer-reviewed publications.
·    Experience developing and using AI tools to increase research quality and efficiency.
·    At least 2+ years of work experience in low- or middle-income countries.
·    Work proficiency in French (preferred).

Working Environment: Hybrid working is possible for this role in both the UK and US. Due to differing time zones, this position requires occasional flexibility to participate in weekday-only meetings or calls outside regular working hours when needed. Some international travel, as needed, up to 20%.

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.   

For this position in the UK:

Narrowing the Gender Gap: The 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 flexible hours (when possible), enhanced maternity/adoption leave and pay and gender-sensitive security protocols.

The salary for this role in the UK is GBP 45,594 – GBP 51,061

The salary for this role in the US is $58,500 - $91,000

Candidates must have the right to work in the location, either UK or the US.

The application deadline is 11 May at 11:59pm GMT.

IRC UK strives to be an equal opportunities employer. IRC UK is committed to equality of opportunity and to non-discrimination for all job applicants and employees, and we seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce regardless of gender, race, religious beliefs, nationality, ethnic/national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

IRC UK welcomes applications from all candidates, including underrepresented groups and refugees who have the right to work in the UK.

IRC UK will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application and/or interview process, and for essential job functions if appointed to a role. Please contact us if you may need such adjustments. 

Recruitment Process

The process for this role will be as follows

• Written assessment.
• Screening call online
• Panel interview online

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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