Labor Relations Consultant – 6-Month Engagement

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 & Objective

International Rescue Committee (IRC) is undergoing collective bargaining with OPEIU. To ensure a successful and sustainable agreement for the organization and our staff, we seek a consultant to provide advice, planning, and hands-on support to our People & Culture and General Counsel team during contract negotiations.

Scope of Work

The consultant will:

• Review our current working draft agreement, history, and union relationship.
• Develop a clear negotiation strategy, priorities, and fallback positions aligned with company goals.
• Advise and coach management throughout bargaining sessions. Provide briefing materials and talking points. Develop trainings and advise local management on managing in a unionized environment.
• Draft proposals, counterproposals, and contract language as needed. Review communications.
• Provide post-negotiation guidance on implementation and interpretation.
• Coordinate and liaise with internal stakeholders and external counsel as part of management bargaining team.

Deliverables

• Negotiation strategy brief and management toolkit.
• Ongoing support during negotiations (in person in New York and virtual).

Duration & Reporting

• Six months, starting as soon as possible
• Reports to Senior Director, People & Culture and Associate General Counsel

Consultant Profile

• At least 10 years’ labor relations experience.
• Experience working collaboratively with union representatives.
• Proven track record advising employers in collective bargaining.
• Strong communication, strategy, and facilitation skills.

Confidentiality

All engagement activities and outcomes are to remain confidential.

Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the 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.

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US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.