Technical Lead - AI EdTech in Emergencies

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 remote role is open to candidates located and with the right to work in Kenya, Jordan, and Colombia. Other limited approved IRC locations may also be considered under unique conditions.

BACKGROUND

The Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE), is a global network of over 25,000 individual members, affiliated with more than 4,000 organizations from 190 countries with representatives from UN agencies, International and National NGOs, donors, governments, universities, schools and affected populations working together to ensure all persons the right to a quality education in emergencies (EiE) and post-crisis recovery. As INEE is a network and hosted by its membership, the IRC hosts the INEE Secretariat.

INEE is committed to meaningfully shifting the center of gravity and challenging power structures in EiE, to this end INEE is in the process of adopting a new operating model. Fundamental to this shift is a deeper regional and national focus, to bring the Network closer to the local realities of crisis-affected contexts, while reaffirming INEE’s commitment to remaining the sector’s principal convener and thought leader.

JOB OVERVIEW

The AI EdTech Technical Lead will work within INEE’s Technical Support, Exchange, and Standards team and report to INEE’s Deputy Director, leading INEE’s partnership with Fab AI focused on the expansion and adaptation of the Quality Assurance Facility for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Education Technology (EdTech) to crisis-affected contexts. The role involves: 

●    Leading INEE’s collaboration within the partnership, and all involved parties and interest-holders including INEE’s membership;
●    Providing technical expertise to guide the development of components for quality assuring AI EdTech including benchmarks and rapid evaluations aimed at defining what “good” looks like in AI EdTech in Emergencies and delivering decision-grade evidence.

The AI EdTech Technical Lead, who is hired and hosted by the International Rescue Committee, works as a member of the INEE Secretariat.
 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

In alignment with INEE’s Strategic Framework and New Operating Model and in close collaboration with the INEE Secretariat, major responsibilities for this role include:

• Lead INEE’s work on the Quality Assurance Facility for AI Edtech in Emergencies, including project management and technical leadership

• Provide expert technical input and guidance to the development of components for quality assuring AI EdTech including benchmarks and rapid evaluations aimed at defining what “good” looks like in AI EdTech in Emergencies and delivering decision-grade evidence

• Contribute subject matter and policy expertise on distinct thematic areas of Education in Emergencies to the QA Facility for AI in Emergencies, such as Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), School Safety, and/or Accelerated Education in Emergencies

• Lead engagement and collaboration with INEE’s membership to capture current practice, needs, and demands regarding AI EdTech in Emergencies and ensuring activities of project reflect this input

• Support the strengthening, deepening, and localising of INEE’s Network to include interest-holders and decision-makers in EiE contexts who may have an interest in using the QA Facility

• Represent INEE, the project, and partnership in key international fora to disseminate findings, raise awareness, and drive use of the QA Facility

• Support the INEE Secretariat in strategic thinking and thought leadership regarding AI EdTech in Emergencies

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Position reports directly to the INEE Deputy Director

Position supervises: Not applicable

Close collaboration with: INEE Secretariat, INEE Director, INEE Membership, Fab AI (external partner) 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Work Experience:

• A Postgraduate degree in education

• Minimum of 5-7 years of directly relevant professional

• Strong theoretical and practice-based background in the field of education of emergencies and EdTech

• Proven track record of managing and delivering projects in the education sector across multiple contexts and involving partnerships

• In-depth understanding of INEE’s ways of working and role in the EiE sector

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of evidence-based approaches to and research on EiE and EdTech

• Ability to be flexible and work well independently, virtually and under pressure, and in a fast-paced environment

• Excellent analytical and writing skills: the ability to draft briefs, reports, and syntheses;

• Excellent interpersonal skills: the ability to successfully interact with a variety of people, notably decision makers in EiE

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written in English. Ability to work in another INEE language is desirable

• Willingness to travel 10% to challenging field locations

WORKING ENVIRONMENT 

This remote role is open to candidates located and with the right to work in Kenya, Jordan, and Colombia. Other limited approved IRC locations may also be considered under unique conditions.

It is open to internal candidates based in countries where IRC operates who have the right to work in their location.

Successful candidates will be hired on a local employment contract and according to local salary scale.

This role may travel 10% of the time.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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

APPLICATION

Application deadline is August 31st, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on an on rolling basis.

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Why Choose the IRC?

Work that has meaning: Every day at the IRC is a chance to make a difference through a purpose-driven career. Whether you're working directly with communities or providing support behind the scenes, you will be part of a dynamic team that is always innovating, scaling, and testing new and better solutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for the people we serve.

Global scale, dynamic workplace: At the IRC, we believe that the dynamic, global make-up of our team is our strength. When you join us, you're not just starting a job—you will be part of a global organization positively impacting millions of lives in over 40 get to work with colleagues from all around the world—working across time zones and regularly exchanging different ideas, perspectives and insights. You’ll join a team that is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.  

Challenging work, innovative solutions: We’re committed to excellence and innovation, and pride ourselves in setting industry-leading standards while practicing evidence and data-lead strategies. Come challenge norms, shatter conventions, and pioneer change while working on real, nuanced and complex issues we face in the world today.  

Community centered: We’re an empathetic community that truly cares for one another. Our comprehensive safety and security initiatives ensure a safe work environment, while our continuous learning and development programs provide ongoing opportunities for personal and career advancement.

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Our Typical Recruitment Process

The interview process typically includes three rounds, though the number may vary depending on the role and level of seniority. It usually begins with a conversation with our recruiting team to learn more about you and your goals. This is followed by an interview with a hiring manager or business stakeholder to explore your background and provide more insight into the role. The final round focuses on assessing your role-specific expertise and may be conducted as a panel interview to evaluate your cross-functional strengths. Before extending an offer, we generally conduct reference checks, and after an offer is made, a standard background check is completed. While we strive for consistency, the process may differ based on the role, business unit, location, job type, legal requirements, and other factors.

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