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International Rescue Committee

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Passionate staff, antiquated business processes and top down structure - Program Officer International Rescue Committee Employee Review

4.0
Mar 24, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Local offices have wonderful, passionate staff, many of whom were former beneficiaries One of the fastest responders to humanitarian crises displacing populations, highly specialized in our work One of the best, most innovation in refugee resettlement work domestically THe ability to work domestically on an international development issue with an organization that also provides aid internationally

Cons

HQ structure is way risk averse, doesn't trust local affiliate staff, high turnover in local EDs. Business processes are slow, paper heavy, systems aren't integrated, therefore communication suffers and local staff have a very disconnected view of the HQ vision and structure

Explore other reviews about International Rescue Committee

5.0
May 24, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Very valuable insights in conducting work. Provides valuable input.

Cons

None that I can think of.

2.0
Apr 22, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You will meet some amazing and passionate people here who are truly there for the mission. Many came to this country as refugees and immigrants themselves and continue to devote their lives to helping others going through similar experiences. If you end up on the right team, it's an extremely rewarding job.

Cons

Unfortunately, the HQ upper management makes it a toxic place to work. VPs regularly undercut each other publicly (including at all-team meetings and gossiping negatively with staff), especially when potential job cuts were on the horizon. C-Suite didn't listen to staff concerns about upper management and didn't investigate major departures by dedicated staff who left due to poor management despite their dedication to the mission. Leaders picked favorites, ignoring work performance (excusing mediocre performance in some, having high standards for others), and preferred yes-men over staff who wanted to think more critically about the work. Projects were pushed too quickly, despite concerns that it could be detrimental to clients. Positions given to unqualified internal staff who wouldn't be interviewed for the role as external candidates. Senior leaders (director and above) are more focused on keeping their jobs than the mission and will use lower staff work for their own career growth/safety. DEI didn't seem to apply for senior leader roles, where there was little, if any, diversity.

4
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