Product Manager, Program Data Systems

Qualifications:

• Location: London, UK     Nairobi, IHUB, Kenya
• Vacancy No: JR00000816
• Salary: N/A
• Organization: IRC International Rescue Committee
  
• Deadline: Varies

Brief details:

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.

Background:

We aim to make our programs a model for the highest global standards and to cultivate power and lasting change not just for our clients but for all people affected by humanitarian crises. To achieve that vision, the IRC’s Technical Excellence (TE) group, located within the Crisis Response, Recovery and Development (CRRD) Department, provides technical assistance to IRC’s country program staff and shares what we learn to influence policy and practice.

IRC’s Technical Excellence team is comprised of seven teams which have deep expertise in their respective fields: Education, Economic Wellbeing, Governance, Health, Violence Prevention and Response, MEAL, and Grants & Operations.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning at the IRC

The METAL Unit is responsible for supporting CRRD to have a culture of strong data and evidence use through stewardship of the Data & Performance Ecosystem, and for coordinating successful piloting and uptake of innovative technology solutions. The METAL Unit provides specialized support across four pillars to strengthen program effectiveness, improve decision-making, and enhance organizational learning:

• Global MEAL Practice: Global MEAL Practice works with the Technical Units to set and maintain the highest standards for measurement, analysis, and data use, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and learning.
• Program Technology Innovation: The Program Technology Innovation pillar drives the identification and testing of cutting-edge technology for IRC’s programming areas, by focusing on advancing digital solutions that enhance program reach and impact. Leads program technology innovation for CRRD and coordinates between CRRD/IT/Signpost/Airbel.
• Program Technology at Scale: The Program Technology at Scale pillar ensures the widespread iteration, adoption, and sustainability of program technology and data systems, facilitating the integration of digital tools across CRRD country programs and other teams. Leads data governance for CRRD and coordinates between IT/others at an org level.
• Regional METAL Support: The Regional METAL Support team provides direct technical assistance to IRC Programs, ensuring programs meet MEAL maturity benchmarks and optimize data utilization. They also provide strategic support implementing and generating learning from MEAL systems and activities, providing regional leadership with data insights and informing global practice.

Job Overview:

The Product Manager, Program Data Systems will be part of the METAL team which is responsible for delivering products that support day-to-day implementation of CRRD Programs as well as the collection, management, visualization of KPIs relevant to higher-level decision-making. They will be responsible for managing METAL’s small portfolio Program Data Systems related to collecting, managing, visualizing Program/MEAL indicator data and integrating with data from other sources.

The Product Manager, Program Data Systems role calls for someone who can lead all aspects of the products in their portfolio. They will act as product owner of these systems and consult a diverse range of stakeholders to establish a clear vision for their products, develop roadmaps and maintain backlogs. The Product Manager will coordinate product roll-out with MEAL Technical and Country Program facing support teams and report regularly on uptake of the products.

This person must be highly proficient at operating and driving execution in product development. They are data driven, excels at problem solving and analytical thinking. They will need to communicate effectively with stakeholders at every level of the organization, across all geographies to understand their needs.

This role reports to the Program Technology at Scale Lead. The Product Manager will work closely with Project Manager, Developers and QA Analyst on delivery. They will coordinate with the MEAL Global Practice Lead, who will be responsible for setting technical standards for the Program/MEAL data managed in these products.

Major Responsibilities:

Product Ownership and Delivery

• Serve as product owner for METAL’s Program Data Systems, defining vision, strategy, and measurable success criteria.
• Manage the end-to-end product lifecycle—from requirements gathering and design through development, rollout, and scale.
• Develop and maintain product roadmaps, backlogs, and release plans aligned with CRRD data and MEAL priorities.
• Lead agile ceremonies and coordinate with Project Manager, Developers, and QA Analyst to ensure quality, timely product releases.
• Ensure that data system integrations (e.g., with program delivery tools or enterprise platforms) are robust, secure, and optimized for use.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Engage a broad range of stakeholders, including MEAL, IT, and program delivery teams, to define requirements and validate solutions.
• Collaborate with the MEAL Global Practice Lead to ensure products adhere to technical data standards and support CRRD’s indicator frameworks.
• Coordinate product roll-outs with MEAL Technical and Country Program facing support teams, ensuring smooth adoption and effective user onboarding.
• Communicate product performance, risks, and progress clearly and regularly to leadership and stakeholders.

Data Governance and Quality

• Partner with MEAL and data governance colleagues to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and compliance with internal standards and donor requirements.
• Define and monitor product-level data quality and system performance indicators.
• Support the design and implementation of data pipelines, dashboards, and visualization tools that improve access to and use of program data.
• Promote user feedback and continuous improvement of data systems based on real-world performance and evolving business needs.

Leadership and Team Support

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the Program Data Systems portfolio within METAL’s broader product ecosystem.
• Provide technical and product management guidance to colleagues and partners on best practices in data system design and management.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability across global and country teams.

Key Working Relationships

• Position Reports to: Program Technology at Scale Lead
• Direct Reports: None
• Management in Partnership: None

Key Internal Relationships: 

• MEAL Global Practice Lead
• METAL Project Manager
• METAL Technology Development Lead
• METAL Developers
• METAL QA Analyst

Education and Professional Background:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Data Science, Computer Science, International Development, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience managing data systems or digital product portfolios, ideally in humanitarian, development, or social impact organizations.
• Proven experience leading end-to-end product delivery—defining vision, managing roadmaps, and ensuring successful implementation.
• Demonstrated understanding of MEAL processes, program indicators, and data management practices in international contexts desired

Technical and Professional Skills:

• Strong grasp of data architecture, systems integration, and interoperability standards.
• Experience with technologies used in program data management and visualization (e.g., DHIS2, Power BI, CommCare, Kobo, or custom-built data platforms).
• Familiarity with data pipelines, APIs, and reporting frameworks.
• Proficiency in agile delivery methodologies and tools (e.g., Jira, Azure DevOps, Trello).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to interpret data and drive evidence-based decisions.
• Excellent communication skills—able to translate technical details for non-technical audiences and build consensus across diverse teams.
• Organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic context.

Working Environment:

• For UK-based roles, colleagues are expected to work from our central London office one day per week.

Compensation: Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.  Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

• UK Pay Range: £45,954 – £53,614 

Standard of Professional Conduct: IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of 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, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.

IRC is dedicated to reducing the gender gap in leadership roles and has implemented supportive measures like parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other benefits to create an inclusive environment for women.

Applicants with varied career paths are welcomed, recognizing that employment gaps don’t define potential. IRC values transferrable skills and is committed to investing in the growth and development of its team members.

The organization strives to offer competitive and equitable Compensation and Benefits programs to attract, motivate, and retain employees who adhere to the IRC Way Standards for Professional Conduct.

IRC is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnicity or tribe, gender, age, religion, caste, sexual orientation, differently abled, geographic origin, marital status, veteran status and cultural background (or any other characteristic protected by law). 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.

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