IRC careers FAQ

IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its headquarters in New York and London. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England.

IRC UK takes seriously its responsibility to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion as an organisation, including through the recruitment processes. We welcome applications from all candidates, including individuals with first-hand or indirect experience of conflict or displacement, women, people of colour and those from other under-represented groups, such as persons with disabilities.

We have a number of commitments in place to ensure the IRC UK recruitment process is as inclusive as possible. This includes a commitment to avoiding credentialism when advertising roles, ensuring anyone making decisions about hiring has guidance on inclusive practices, and taking steps to ensure that knowledge of vacancies reaches underrepresented groups. When inviting applicants to interview, we will ask if any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process are needed.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the online recruitment process, please contact the IRC UK HR team at [email protected].

IRC UK has published its Ethnicity and Gender Pay Gap report. 

Can I work overseas?

IRC UK does not recruit or employ staff for IRC country progammes. This is done through the IRC office in New York and other IRC offices around the world. Further information on these positions can be found by searching on the IRC Global Careers Portal. 

What benefits are available to IRC-UK staff?

We offer a range of competitive employee benefits, including 25 days annual leave plus public holidays, (full time staff) with the opportunity to purchase additional days, season ticket/bike loans, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), flexible working, generous employer pension contributions and access to an online discounts portal including gym membreships, shopping, restaurants and cinemas. We also offer onsite yoga classes and massages, as well as annual Christmas and summer social events. In addition, we frequently hold interesting lunchtime talks which provide an opportunity to learn from colleagues. 

We support employees in their professional development by offering training courses and learning opportunities.

IRC UK aims to be a family friendly employer and offers a range of benefits including flexible working and enhanced parental leave and pay from day one of employment.

What is it like to work for the IRC?

The IRC applies our mission of care and protection to those who fulfill it—our staff. We are committed to promoting their safety and wellness, and to providing them with an environment of respect in which to work. 

The IRC values the diversity of our staff and recognises that our work is best accomplished through the true collaboration of individuals from many cultures with a great variety of skills and perspectives. In support of this core value, the IRC maintains and enforces policies to foster relationships that respect the dignity and worth of each individual. 

We uphold our policies in accordance with principles of international law and codes of good conduct, and we affirm that all IRC staff members are responsible for promoting fundamental human rights, social justice, human dignity and the equality of men, women and children. IRC staff must treat every person without distinction on the basis of his or her race, gender, religion, colour, national or ethnic origin, marital status, sexual orientation, age or disability. IRC UK welcomes applications from all candidates, including refugees who have the right to work in the UK. IRC UK will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application and/or interview process, and for essential job functions if appointed to a role. Please contact us if you may need such adjustments. 

The IRC’s senior management recognises the importance of open communication, encouraging staff to discuss job-related problems or suggestions with their supervisors without fear of reprisal. 

The IRC Way

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality. 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. 

Can I volunteer/intern at the IRC?

We do occasionally offer paid internships in the London office. These are advertised during the year when the need arises and funding is available. 

IRC UK does not offer unpaid volunteering opportunities in the London office or on our country programmes.

Our team in action

International Rescue Committee workers from the field around the world share a moment from their day. From Tanzania to Afghanistan to Greece to Salt Lake City, get a brief glimpse of the breadth and expanse of the IRC programmes.

Rescuing lives

ALT TEXT

Strange is our situation here on Earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to divine a purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: that man is here for the sake of other men.

Albert Einstein
Nobel Prize-winning physicist and humanitarian at whose call the International Rescue Committee was founded in 1933