Cost Research Advisor

International Rescue Committee (IRC) seeks 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 individual contributor role does not include direct supervisory responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 using the Cost Analysis Report Library.
• Develop, maintain, and update program‑specific data sets.
• Synthesize internal and external cost evidence to evaluate a program area’s cost-effectiveness and identify parameters under which it might be cost‑effective.
• Develop organizational learnings and recommendations for specific outcome areas or interventions.
• Provide ongoing technical assistance to IRC colleagues and partner organizations to 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 for greater usability.
• Collaborate with advocacy and policy colleagues to translate research findings into persuasive external collateral.
• Contribute to reporting, including writing, delivering presentations, and supporting communications staff.

Job Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in economics, statistics, public policy, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years (Bachelor’s) or 2 years (Master’s) 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.
• 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 the US. Due to differing time zones, occasional flexibility is required for weekday‑only meetings or calls outside regular working hours. Some international travel up to 20% may be necessary.

Benefits

The IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. Benefits include flexible hours (when possible), enhanced maternity/adoption leave and pay, and gender‑sensitive security protocols.

Salary

UK: GBP 45,594 – 51,061 per year. US: $58,500 – 91,000 per year.

Location Requirement

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

Application Deadline

11 May at 11:59 pm GMT.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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. 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 for the application and interview process and for essential job functions if appointed. Please contact us if you may need such adjustments.