Cost Research Advisor at International Rescue Committee

Key Responsibilities

Conduct research

• 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 (see Cost Analysis Report Library).
• Develop, maintain, and update program-specific data sets (see Cost Analysis Data Sets).
• Synthesize internal and external cost evidence to make broader quantitative and qualitative assessments of a program area’s cost-effectiveness,parameters under which a program area might be cost-effective, etc. (e.g.).

Provide technical assistance

• Develop organizational learnings and recommendations for - specific outcome areas or interventions.
• Provide ongoing technical assistance to IRC colleagues and partner organizations to help 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 to increase their usability (e.g.).
• Collaborate with advocacy and policy colleagues to translate research findings into accessible and persuasive external collateral (e.g.).

Cross-cutting responsibilities

• Contribute to reporting, including writing, delivering presentations, and supporting communications staff.

Job Requirements
Work experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in economics, statistics, public policy, or related field. Minimum of:
• 3+ years of experience (bachelor’s degree) or 
• 2+ years of experience (Master’s degree) 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 (LMICs).
• 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).