WGSS Facilitation and Administrative Specialist

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.

This vacancy is open for national internal staff only

Job Overview

The WGSS Facilitation and Administrative Specialist plays a critical role in the effective delivery of inclusive, survivor-centered services through Women and Girls' Safe Spaces (WGSS). WGSS are central to WPE programming and serve as safe, accessible, and women-led environments where participants can access psychosocial support, build solidarity networks, engage in leadership activities, and receive life-saving information.

This position combines the facilitation of structured psychosocial support (PSS) and GBV prevention activities, implementation of standardized IRC curricula (e.g., Girl Shine, Women Rise), administrative and logistical coordination, community engagement, and support to outreach initiatives. The Specialist ensures that all WGSS interventions align with humanitarian principles, are responsive to the needs of women and girls, and contribute to their protection, recovery, and empowerment.

Major Responsibilities

Program Planning and Facilitation

Design, plan, and implement group-based psychosocial support and empowerment sessions using IRC's standardized and contextualized curricula (e.g., Girl Shine, Women Rise, GBV Prevention Toolkit).

Adapt content to meet the diverse needs of women and girls at risk of GBV, including displaced individuals, survivors, and persons with disabilities.

Ensure that all activities foster leadership, resilience, and meaningful participation by women and girls.

Integrate digital tools (e.g., messaging apps, KoBoToolbox, Google Workspace) to improve outreach, feedback collection, and coordination.

Regularly update WGSS activity plans in collaboration with the WPE team and field protection staff.

GBV Prevention and Community Engagement

Lead the facilitation of awareness-raising sessions on GBV prevention, stigma reduction, safety planning, women's rights, and available services.

Organize community campaigns (e.g., 16 Days of Activism) in collaboration with local women-led groups and IRC protection teams.

Disseminate information and education materials (IEC) in accessible formats.

Engage WGSS participants and community stakeholders to identify priority topics and preferred communication channels.

Psychosocial Support and Safe Environment

Provide supportive listening and basic emotional support aligned with Psychological First Aid (PFA) principles.

Identify participants in need of case management or specialized services and ensure safe and confidential referrals in coordination with WPE case workers.

Maintain a welcoming, safe, inclusive, and confidential environment in accordance with WGSS standards.

Administrative and Operational Support

Maintain accurate records of attendance, session outputs, and participant feedback using IRC tools and templates.

Manage inventories, supply requests, and procurement needs for WGSS materials in coordination with Supply Chain and WPE staff.

Respond to WGSS-related inquiries and ensure smooth communication with other IRC departments.

Coordination, Networking and Partnerships

Liaise with local women's groups, community leaders, and national NGOs (NNGOs) to support referrals, co-facilitate activities, and enhance service integration.

Participate in field-level coordination meetings and support joint planning with community-based structures.

Contribute to building and maintaining strong referral pathways, including regular updates to service maps and partner contact lists.

Monitoring, Reporting and Learning

Contribute to the collection of quantitative and qualitative data, ensuring compliance with ethical monitoring practices.

Document lessons learned, participant feedback, and success stories to inform program improvement and donor reporting.

Participate in regular reflection and learning sessions with the WPE team.

Leadership and Capacity Strengthening

Promote and facilitate the inclusion of leadership development opportunities for adolescent girls and adult women.

Actively contribute to the continuous professional development of WPE colleagues by sharing facilitation practices and tools.

Apply survivor-centered, rights-based, and feminist facilitation approaches across all WGSS activities.

Key Working Relationships

Reports to: WPE Senior Case Management and Community-Based Protection Officer

Works closely with: WPE Community Engagement Officer, WPE Case Workers, MEAL, Supply Chain, local women-led groups, and NNGO partners

Job Requirements

Education:

Bachelor's degree or higher in social work, psychology, education, sociology, gender studies, or another related humanitarian or social science field.

Experience:

Minimum of 2 years' experience implementing protection programming, particularly with women and girls or survivors of GBV.

Demonstrated experience facilitating group-based sessions (e.g., PSS, GBV prevention, life skills).

Prior experience working with national NGOs and/or community-based groups preferred.

Familiarity with IRC WPE/WGSS standards and GBV guiding principles is highly desirable.

Prior participation in professional training on PSS facilitation, PFA, GBV prevention, or community protection is strongly preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

Strong facilitation, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds with empathy, dignity, and non-judgment.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and digital tools for humanitarian programming; familiarity with KoBoToolbox or CommCare is an asset.

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and accountability in documentation and coordination.

Fluency in Ukrainian is required; English language skills are preferred.

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.