Innovation and resilience are at the heart of humanitarian success stories, and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is shaping the future by seeking a new Business Systems Manager—an opportunity that holds significant promise for young Kenyan professionals aiming to make a large-scale impact. As the IRC continues to support millions by delivering aid and rebuilding shattered communities, its technology backbone is undergoing a transformation, requiring top-tier talent to ensure seamless operations across financial, supply chain, and enterprise applications.
Overview: IRC’s Expanding Reach and Technology Vision
Founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein, the IRC has grown into a lifeline for those uprooted by crisis. The organization is active in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, exemplifying a commitment to restoring dignity, hope, and stability amid hardship. This mission-critical work is increasingly reliant on sophisticated IT systems, and the IT department’s role has never been more crucial. Its ability to maintain, innovate, and secure digital infrastructure directly influences the effectiveness of aid delivery.The newly titled Business Systems Manager (BSM) will be pivotal in this landscape. Amid a digital transformation and expanding humanitarian challenges, IRC’s choice to onboard local talent in Kenya is a strategic move that not only strengthens its operations but also empowers the next generation of leaders in the region.
The Business Systems Manager Role: Shaping Enterprise Success
Job Scope and Organizational Context
The BSM sits at the intersection of technology and business processes, responsible for systems that underpin financial management, procurement, logistics, and supply chain operations worldwide. Within the Enterprise Applications department, the BSM ensures that mission-critical platforms—from ERP systems to custom supply chain tools—are robust, agile, and future-proof.Reporting directly to the Integra Technical Business Systems Director, the BSM leads a team of analysts tasked with delivering end-to-end technology solutions. These encompass application development, integration, user experience, architecture planning, and quality assurance. Their remit also extends to system implementation, lifecycle management, and ongoing operational support.
Key Responsibilities
The role is multifaceted:- Lead and coordinate enterprise application projects, from design and configuration to rollout and support.
- Oversee custom development, ensuring that extensions and integrations address evolving business needs.
- Act as a subject matter expert, guiding the architecture, implementation, and continuous improvement of core business systems.
- Maintain stakeholder engagement, translating functional requirements across finance, logistics, and operations into technical solutions.
- Champion strategic initiatives, keeping IRC systems responsive to new regulatory, operational, and technological challenges.
- Drive documentation, testing, and quality assurance, safeguarding system integrity and enterprise data.
- Provide expert-level escalated support and manage relationships with software vendors and partners.
Required Skills: Building on a Foundation of Expertise
Core Qualifications
Candidates must present a blend of education and seasoned experience:- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
- Minimum 7 years in business systems implementation and support, covering the entire lifecycle from design and modeling to delivery and ongoing operations
- At least 2 years managing enterprise financial and logistics system functions, such as General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Budgeting, Procurement, and Warehouse Management
- Experience with leading ERP platforms (e.g., Infor, Aggresso, Epicor, SAP, Oracle), and exposure to regulatory standards such as SSAE and PCI compliance
- Depth in financial and supply chain processes as they relate to IT systems in a global NGO setting, managing deployments across diverse geographies and IT environments
- Demonstrable project management acumen, with experience in both Agile and Waterfall methodologies
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, both verbal and written, along with strong analytical prowess
Preferred Attributes
While not mandatory, the following skills are highly desirable:- Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations
- Advanced knowledge of business intelligence tools, data warehousing, and enterprise database systems (such as MS SQL, Oracle, Tableau, or Cognos)
- Familiarity with system integration, enterprise data modeling, and NGO-sector operations, particularly in low-bandwidth or distributed environments
- Multilingual capability, especially in French or Arabic, is an asset given IRC’s global footprint
Humanitarian Technology: The Strategic Importance of the BSM Role
Bridging Technology and Mission-Driven Impact
The BSM role illustrates a growing acknowledgment within major NGOs: technology is now central to humanitarian outcomes. By overseeing financial and logistical systems at a global scale, the manager indirectly supports aid distribution, procurement of essential supplies, and strict financial stewardship—functions that underpin trust with both beneficiaries and donors.Challenges and Opportunities
Key challenges include operating in regions with unreliable IT infrastructure, navigating compliance for multinational operations, and responding to rapidly evolving crises. The role demands a systems thinker—someone capable of balancing operational continuity with continuous innovation.The opportunity for young Kenyan professionals, in particular, is profound. As digital transformation accelerates across African nonprofit sectors, talent nurtured in these high-stakes environments will be well-equipped to lead technology-driven impact in both local and global contexts.
Culture, Values, and Professional Standards
Adhering to the IRC Way
IRC’s core values—Integrity, Service, and Accountability—are foundational to its operations. All employees must exhibit unwavering commitment to these principles, as well as uphold rigorous policies around child safeguarding, anti-harassment, and fiscal transparency.Maintaining these standards is non-negotiable. Given the global scrutiny faced by major NGOs, missteps in governance or technology management can have far-reaching consequences, eroding donor trust and, more importantly, undermining service delivery to vulnerable populations.
The Working Environment
The IRC offers a standard office environment, with international travel occasionally required—reflecting the organization’s truly global reach. Collaboration spans departments, continents, and time zones, introducing both the challenge and opportunity of leading in a hyper-connected, culturally diverse setting.Critical Analysis: Notable Strengths and Potential Pitfalls
Strengths
- Direct impact on humanitarian operations: The Business Systems Manager is not just a technical role—it’s a linchpin for effective aid delivery, supporting financial transparency, and optimizing logistics.
- Professional growth and visibility: Given the IRC’s stature, those holding this post will be recognized across the international development sector, opening doors to further advancement.
- Exposure to next-generation enterprise technology: From cloud-based ERP platforms to data analytics and integration in complex, real-world scenarios, BSMs operate at the cutting edge of nonprofit IT.
Potential Risks
- Resource constraints: Unlike in the private sector, nonprofit environments may have limited resources for system upgrades, training, or redundant infrastructure.
- Operational volatility: Humanitarian work can be unpredictable, with shifting funding models and priorities—a reality that places additional pressure on system continuity and adaptability.
- Regulatory and compliance complexities: Navigating standards like SSAE and PCI across diverse, often challenging environments requires meticulous planning and diligence.
The Road Ahead: Career Advancement and Sector Evolution
Why This Role Is a Game Changer for Young Kenyans
Africa’s digital transformation is reshaping every sector, including humanitarian aid. The IRC’s openness to local talent underscores a paradigm shift—one where African professionals can take the lead in architecting the future of global NGOs. For driven, tech-savvy candidates, the BSM role is both a launching pad and a proving ground.As enterprise applications grow more complex, the ability to translate business needs into robust technical solutions becomes invaluable. Young professionals who master these skills with organizations like the IRC will set a new standard for IT leadership and humanitarian impact across the continent.
Organizational Impact
The right BSM will bolster IRC’s resilience, ensuring that critical systems remain available, agile, and secure—even in the world’s most challenging environments. Their legacy will be felt in every successful procurement, every efficient supply chain, and every safe and swiftly delivered aid intervention.Conclusion
The IRC’s call for a Business Systems Manager marks more than a routine job opening—it represents a pivotal opportunity for both the organization and ambitious Kenyan professionals. In bridging the worlds of technology and humanitarian aid, this role promises not only a front-row seat to global impact but also a chance to define what 21st-century aid delivery should look like. For those eager to use their talents for a mission bigger than themselves, the door is wide open.Source: Opportunities for Young Kenyans IRC Hiring Business Systems Manager - Opportunities for Young Kenyans
