About the Organization
The International Rescue Committee is a premier international humanitarian organization founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein. Its mission is to help people whose lives have been shattered by conflict, disasters, and crises to survive, recover, and regain control of their future. The IRC currently operates in over 40 countries, delivering both rapid emergency relief and long-term development support.
Presence in Nigeria
The IRC began operations in Nigeria in 2012 in response to severe flooding in Kogi State. Since then, it has significantly expanded its footprint to address the complex humanitarian needs in the North-East and North-West regions.
- Operational Headquarters: Abuja
- Key Field Hubs: Maiduguri, Yola, Mubi, Katsina, and Zamfara.
- Country Director: Babatunde Ojei (as of 2025/2026).
Mission and Approach
The IRC adopts an integrated humanitarian approach that bridges the gap between emergency response and sustainable recovery. The organization focuses on restoring safety, dignity, and self-reliance, with a particular emphasis on displaced populations and marginalized host communities.
Core Areas of Intervention
Health and Nutrition
- Management of primary healthcare clinics and mobile health teams.
- Treatment of acute malnutrition using simplified, high-impact protocols.
- Support for reproductive, maternal, and newborn health services.
Protection and Women’s Empowerment
- Comprehensive programs for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) survivors.
- Child protection services and the establishment of safe spaces for vulnerable groups.
- Legal aid and documentation support for displaced persons.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
- Construction and rehabilitation of solar-powered boreholes and sanitation facilities.
- Hygiene promotion campaigns to prevent cholera and other waterborne disease outbreaks.
Education
- Provision of formal and informal education for children in crisis-affected areas.
- Teacher training and the development of safe learning environments.
Economic Recovery and Livelihoods
- Cash assistance programs to provide immediate dignity and choice to families.
- Vocational training and support for small-scale income-generating activities.
Emergency Response and Climate Resilience
- Anticipatory Action: Deployment of early-warning systems for floods in states like Adamawa (a key 2025/2026 focus).
- Rapid provision of shelter, food, and essential household items during sudden-onset crises.
Geographic Reach
IRC Nigeria maintains a robust presence in high-need locations including:
- North-East: Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.
- North-West: Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Plateau states.
Impact and Collaboration
The IRC supports millions of Nigerians by working in close synergy with:
- Government Agencies: NHSA, NiMET, and State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs).
- Global Partners: UN agencies (IOM, UNICEF, WHO) and international donors like the European Union (BHA/ECHO).
Careers and Opportunities
The IRC is a major employer of humanitarian professionals in Nigeria, frequently recruiting for roles in health, protection, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and operations. Opportunities exist for both national and international experts, primarily based in Abuja or deep-field locations across the northern states.
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