In 2026, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has intensified its commitment to evidence-based humanitarianism. As part of its “Strategy 100” goals, the organization is significantly expanding its pool of Independent Consultant Evaluators. This specialized, fully remote role is designed for mid-to-senior level professionals who can objectively measure the impact of IRC’s life-saving interventions across the globe.
This opportunity matters now because the humanitarian sector is facing a “transparency revolution.” Donors and stakeholders in 2026 are demanding more than just output numbers; they want rigorous, qualitative, and quantitative proof of change. For a seasoned evaluator, this position offers the chance to influence the future of aid delivery by identifying what works—and what doesn’t—in the world’s most challenging crisis zones.
What makes this position stand out is the IRC’s technical excellence framework. Unlike generic evaluation roles, the IRC provides consultants with access to high-level data dashboards and a global network of technical advisors. With a daily rate reaching up to $500, this consultancy offers a rare blend of high-tier compensation, 100% remote flexibility, and the prestige of working with a world leader in refugee assistance and disaster response.
By joining the IRC as a consultant in 2026, you are not just a “third-party observer”; you are a strategic partner. Your findings will directly shape program design for millions of displaced people, ensuring that aid is more effective, ethical, and sustainable.
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IRC Hiring Independent Consultant (Fully Remote) | Up to $500/Day
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Background & Job Description
Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises. In 2026, the organization operates in over 40 countries and 28 U.S. cities. The Research, Analysis, and Learning (RAL) department is the primary home for this consultancy, focusing on bridging the gap between field implementation and academic-grade evaluation.
The department is currently seeking independent experts to lead Final Project Evaluations and Real-Time Evaluations (RTEs) for major grants funded by USAID, BHA, and the European Union (ECHO). The consultant acts as an external eye, ensuring that the IRC remains accountable to its beneficiaries and donors.
This role fits into the broader organizational goal of Outcome-Driven Programming. Instead of simply tracking how many blankets were distributed, the Evaluator investigates the “long-tail” impact: Did the intervention improve long-term household resilience? Was the protection program culturally inclusive? The purpose of this role is to provide the critical feedback loop that drives the IRC’s global success.
Key Responsibilities
- Inception Report Development: Drafting a detailed evaluation roadmap, including methodology, sampling frames, and data collection tools tailored to specific crisis contexts.
- Remote Data Collection Management: Overseeing local enumerators or conducting virtual interviews with field staff and beneficiaries using secure, encrypted platforms.
- Qualitative & Quantitative Synthesis: Analyzing complex datasets—often merging IRC’s internal Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) data with primary field findings.
- Drafting High-Level Evaluation Reports: Producing clear, evidence-based reports that meet international standards (DAC Criteria) and provide actionable recommendations.
- Stakeholder Briefings: Presenting preliminary findings to IRC Country Directors and Technical Units to ensure immediate learning and course correction.
- Compliance Verification: Ensuring all evaluation activities adhere to the IRC’s Way (Ethics and Professional Conduct) and global safeguarding standards.
Qualifications
Education & Certification
- Required Degree: A Master’s degree or PhD in International Development, Social Sciences, Statistics, or Public Policy.
- Specialized Training: Certification in Advanced Evaluation Research or specialized training in Humanitarian Ethics.
- Preferred: Advanced certifications in Data Science or Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks.
Experience
- Years of Experience: Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in conducting evaluations for international NGOs or UN agencies.
- Domain Expertise: Specific experience in evaluating programs related to Health, Protection, Education, or Economic Recovery in conflict-affected regions.
- Technical Competencies:
- Mastery of NVivo, Dedoose, or ATLAS.ti for qualitative analysis.
- High proficiency in SPSS, STATA, or R for quantitative data processing.
- Fluency in English is mandatory; proficiency in French, Arabic, or Spanish is highly preferred for regional mandates.
Why Apply for This Position
Elite Professional Branding
The IRC is widely considered one of the most “methodologically rigorous” NGOs in the world. Successfully completing an independent evaluation for them serves as a powerful endorsement of your technical expertise, making you a top-tier candidate for future high-level UN and donor consultancies.
Total Location Independence
This role is built for the “Expert Nomad.” The IRC has optimized its evaluation processes for 2026, utilizing remote sensing and local partner networks, allowing you to lead global-scale research from your own home office without the need for constant international travel.
Networking with Policy Architects
Evaluators work closely with the IRC’s Technical Excellence leads—many of whom are former government officials and leading academic researchers. This creates a unique opportunity to network at the highest levels of humanitarian policy development.
Application Tips & Insights
Demonstrate “Methodological Flexibility”
In 2026, humanitarian contexts change overnight. In your application, don’t just show that you know how to do a survey; show that you know how to pivot to Remote Qualitative Methods if a region becomes inaccessible. Mention specific tools like KoBoToolbox or Ona.
The “Value-Add” Financial Proposal
When submitting your daily rate (up to $500), justify it by highlighting your specialized software licenses, your access to a network of local enumerators, or your bilingual reporting capabilities. The IRC looks for “best value,” which doesn’t always mean the cheapest rate—it means the most expertise for the price.
Highlight Safeguarding Expertise
As an independent evaluator, you will be handling sensitive beneficiary data. Explicitly state your experience with Responsible Data Management and your commitment to Child Safeguarding protocols in your cover letter.
Additional Information
- Compensation: Daily rates between $350 – $500 USD (negotiable based on technical complexity).
- Benefits: This is a consultancy; as such, it does not include standard staff benefits like health insurance. However, IRC provides travel insurance for any (rare) field visits.
- Work Arrangement: 100% Fully Remote.
- Contract Duration: Project-based, typically ranging from 25 to 60 working days over a 3-month period.
- Application Deadline: Rolling recruitment for the 2026 Roster; primary project calls for Q2 close April 10, 2026.
How to Apply
- Visit the Career Portal: Go to the IRC Careers Website and search for “Consultant Evaluator.”
- Submit the “Consultant Dossier”: Include your CV, a 2-page Technical Proposal, and two samples of previous evaluation reports (redacted for confidentiality if necessary).
- Financial Proposal: Clearly state your daily rate in USD and any overhead costs.
- Due Diligence: Successful candidates will be required to undergo a thorough background check and sign the IRC Global Code of Conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I apply if I am currently based in a country where IRC does not have an office? Yes. As a fully remote consultant, your physical location is less important than your ability to work within the required time zones (usually overlapping with either UTC or EST).
Q2: Does the IRC hire “teams” of consultants? Yes. For large-scale evaluations, the IRC often accepts proposals from small consulting firms or “teams of two” (e.g., a Lead Evaluator and a Data Specialist).
Q3: Will I be required to travel to conflict zones? Generally, no. Most 2026 evaluations are designed for remote management. If travel is required, it is optional and will be fully supported by IRC’s security and logistics teams.
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