Human-Centered Design Consultant

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. Title: Technical Focal Point Consultant (EA-based) Total number of Consultant: 1 Country Program / Location: Somalia Proposed Dates: April 1st 2026 - September 30th 2026 Duration: 72 days over 6 months (approximately 12 working days per month) Background of the project The International Rescue Committee (IRC), responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people survive, recover and gain control of their future. The IRC is working to improve the safety, health, education, economic well-being and power of people in crisis affected places. Sitting within the Airbel Impact Lab, the research and innovation arm of the IRC, and working in close coordination with the Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) Technical Unit, the Climate Resilience Research & Innovation (R&I) team generates and adapts solutions to increase the resilience of agro-pastoral livelihoods in the areas hardest hit by climate change and conflict – with a focus on women, who are disproportionately affected by climate impacts and already face significant challenges in agriculture. Our solutions are localized to specific priority countries and will help to reduce poverty and food insecurity by enabling people and institutions to absorb, adapt and respond to climate shocks. Position overview: We are seeking a human-centered designer (HCD) (East Africa based) for leading design research activities in our Livelihoods Transformations research project in South Sudan. Scope of work: Livelihoods Transformations This project aims to develop new solutions to support agro-pastoralists in climate-vulnerable and conflict-affected contexts - whose livelihoods are no longer viable - to diversify or sustain their livelihoods. In collaboration with IRC’s South Sudan country program, the Climate R&I team is launching a Livelihoods Transformations research and innovation project. As part of this project, the insights gathered will inform the development of early-stage ideas that align with the needs and aspirations of agro-pastoral communities. Early ideas will be co-created with clients, IRC staff, and key stakeholders ensuring they are grounded in community realities. Key responsibilities for the HCD consultant will include planning and execution of qualitative human-centered design research, involving: Supporting the development of research objectives, determining methodologies and tools for qualitative HCD research, liaising with IRC South Sudan team members to mobilize fieldwork logistics, and ensuring alignment with project goals. Activities: Lead the in-field implementation of qualitative research activities, including managing and overseeing a team of 6 enumerators. Guide and mentor the project team in data collection methodologies and research; Implementation of HCD and behavioral research activities, engaging 70-80 clients through interviews and focus groups; Participate in-person and remote synthesis sessions organized by the project lead / lead designer to analyze findings, identify opportunity areas, and co-create new solution ideas in collaboration with other IRC colleagues; Present early solution concepts to approximately 20-30 agro-pastoralist communities and stakeholders, gather their feedback, and document insights to refine ideas based on community needs and preferences; Ensure quality control of research outputs and documentation; participate in research planning discussions with the IRC team; Present Research Findings and Solution Concepts - both projects: Collaborate with the lead designer to develop presentation materials that summarize research findings, highlight opportunity areas, and showcase refined solution ideas and prototyping outcomes. Deliverables: Livelihoods Transformations Qualitative interview notes covering insights from 70-80 participants. Detailed slide Deck / report summarizing key qualitative findings, including a 1–2 page executive summary highlighting key insights and takeaways. Provide inputs into the final presentation deck or assets created by the lead designer Support coordination and local dissemination of research findings with local governments, clusters, etc. Job Requirements Education Currently pursuing or completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social sciences, journalism, anthropology, development studies, social work, or a related field with strong qualitative research skills. Prior training and experience with HEA baselines and/or outcome analysis is highly preferred. Experience Familiarity with qualitative research methods, including conducting semi-structured interviews and facilitating focus group discussions. Experience with quantitative data analysis using Excel. Experience collecting participant stories, rather than one-word answers and transcribing and analyzing them Experience in creating a space where women and vulnerable individuals feel comfortable, safe, and respected Experience working on pastoral livelihoods with agro-pastoralist communities or other vulnerable groups in Somalia is highly preferred. Experience working in food security and livelihoods systems is preferred. Experience working in fragile or conflict-affected settings with complex security situations is preferred. Previous involvement in research projects, internships, or academic fieldwork. Experience conducting qualitative evaluations for NGOs is strongly encouraged Demonstrated Skills and Competencies Strong problem solving and creative thinking skills in humanitarian contexts preferred. Work samples may be requested at interviewing stage Understanding of the South Sudanese cultural, social, and environmental context, particularly in relation to climate challenges, floods, and droughts. Proficiency in organizing and conducting field research activities in remote or rural settings. Ability to communicate effectively in Somali and English, both written and spoken. Curiosity: Has a “learning mindset” and seeks to deeply understand clients’ lived experiences and local context. Shows interest in looking beyond the surface to uncover the “why.” Collaboration: Works effectively in both remote and in-person settings with diverse individuals, including technical experts, the lead designer, and other researchers. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with communities and stakeholders. Moderate analytical skills, with the ability to document and synthesize qualitative data into actionable insights. Self-motivated and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Ability and willingness to spend time in low-resource, remote field settings with limited access to connectivity Language Skills: English written and oral fluency Working environment Mix of remote and in-person work - the consultant must be based in East Africa, have access to their own computer for data logging and reporting writing At least 6-8 weeks of field research and data collection activities in rural, remote locations in South Sudan. Ability to travel to sites in Koch, Panyijar, and other locations in South Sudan Payment Rate and Schedule: Maximum payment rate of $200/day Costs for travel to and from research sites, and for accommodations at research sites will be paid for by the IRC The IRC will be responsible for travel costs within and accommodation expenses for stay in research sites during data collection. Meals and incidental expenses during travel will be supported by per diems. The cost of printing or materials necessary for research will be covered by the IRC but only for materials pre-approved in writing by the project design lead _____________________________________________________________________________________ The IRC is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. 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. 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. Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives have been shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and rebuild. We are trusted for our ability to reach people in the toughest places, put our clients at the center of everything we do, and - as an evidence-based organization - to relentlessly improve the impact we deliver for those we serve. If you’re ready to be part of a team that brings ingenuity, fortitude and optimism to making a lasting impact, we want to hear from you. The IRC Way, our code of conduct, is founded upon our core values of Integrity, Accountability, Service and Equality. These values unite IRC staff around the world and keep our programs firmly directed towards the well-being of our clients while meeting the expectations of our donors as responsible stewards of their resources.