The IRC Inaugural Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Performance Review

This report presents the findings and recommendations of an inaugural Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) performance review of IRC. The review employed a triangulated mixed-methods approach to the collection, synthesis and analysis of data, which was used to compare IRC policy and practice to JEDI best practices gleaned from literature and comparative international NGOs (INGOs), including Water For People. The key review finding was that IRC had an inclusive culture and diverse team as well as some good practices. The JEDI performance review concluded that the IRC staff had maintained an inclusive culture across the organisation despite the absence of systems and safeguards and fostered robust political will for JEDI to thrive. JEDI was, however, yet to be prioritized, and efforts to uphold JEDI principles in policy did not consistently translate into practice. The room for improvement was mainly linked to systemic issues like colour blindness. IRC was found to have a solid track record in policy formulation and a systems approach to strengthening national water systems. Both strengths bode well for the recommended JEDI improvements. JEDI emerged from this performance review as a key business opportunity for IRC’s growth and leadership position ambitions.