Disability and Inclusion Specialist

Job Overview

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a dedicated Disability and Inclusion Specialist to join its team in Uganda. This role is critical in ensuring that humanitarian responses are inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities. You will work within the ReSET Programme, a UK-funded initiative aimed at transforming refugee support in Uganda. The programme focuses on delivering lifesaving assistance, promoting self-reliance, and strengthening community resilience. As a specialist, you will lead efforts to integrate disability inclusion across all pillars of the programme, ensuring that no refugee is left behind due to disability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement disability inclusion strategies across all ReSET programme pillars to ensure equitable access to services.
• Conduct accessibility audits of physical spaces, materials, and digital platforms used in refugee assistance.
• Collaborate with consortium partners including RELON, TPO Uganda, and UGANET to embed inclusive practices.
• Train staff, partners, and community leaders on disability awareness, reasonable accommodations, and inclusive communication.
• Establish referral systems for refugees with disabilities to access specialized services and support.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of inclusion initiatives, producing regular reports and recommendations for improvement.
• Engage with persons with disabilities and their organizations to ensure participatory decision-making in programme design.
• Advocate for policy changes at national and institutional levels to advance the rights of refugees with disabilities.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Human Rights, Disability Studies, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of professional experience working on disability inclusion, humanitarian aid, or development programmes in East Africa.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing inclusive programmes that serve persons with disabilities in crisis settings.
• Strong understanding of the legal and policy frameworks governing disability rights in Uganda and internationally, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders including government officials, community leaders, and persons with disabilities.
• Fluency in English and proficiency in local Ugandan languages such as Luganda, Swahili, or other regional languages to facilitate community engagement.

Desirable

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Humanitarian Action, Public Health, or International Development.
• Experience working with the IRC, UK-funded programmes, or within the ReSET consortium framework.
• Personal experience as a person with disability or lived experience with disability advocacy is highly valued.
• Familiarity with cash transfer systems, protection mainstreaming, and vulnerability-based targeting in refugee contexts.
• Knowledge of sign language or assistive technology tools used in humanitarian settings.
• Publication or contribution to research on disability inclusion in displacement settings.

What the Role Offers

• Competitive salary package aligned with IRC Uganda standards, including housing allowance and transport reimbursement.
• Comprehensive health insurance covering medical, dental, and mental health services for you and your dependents.
• Opportunity to work with a global humanitarian organization with a strong reputation for integrity and impact.
• Professional development support including training, mentorship, and potential for career advancement within the IRC network.
• Flexible working arrangements with field visits to refugee settlements across Uganda, supported by logistical assistance and per diems.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit your updated CV, a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and motivation, and any certificates or credentials related to disability inclusion work. Ensure your application highlights your understanding of inclusive programming and your commitment to advancing the rights of refugees with disabilities. Please apply now by clicking the link below.

About the Company

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein. Operating in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, the IRC responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises by restoring health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. In Uganda, the IRC leads the ReSET Programme in partnership with local refugee-led organizations, ensuring that humanitarian aid is sustainable, locally owned, and inclusive. The IRC is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from persons with disabilities, refugees, and members of marginalized communities.

Follow @jobsinkampala on X for daily Uganda job updates!