Reporting to: Executive Director
Location: Geneva-based
Start date: November 1st, 2026, or earlier.
Background
HQAI is an independent auditor for the humanitarian and development sector. The standard we use is the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) on Quality and Accountability. HQAI verifies that organisations correctly apply the standard from the head office to the field. HQAI responds to growing demands from NGOs, governments, donors and the public for a professional, objective and independent assurance that organisations supporting vulnerable and at-risk communities act in accordance with the CHS. HQAI is a not-for-profit organisation registered as a Swiss association.
Working environment
From HQAI Secretariat based in Geneva, a small and dedicated team manages the organisations’ activities. As Head of Quality Assurance, you will thrive in a dynamic environment that embraces innovation. This job opening is a unique opportunity to be part of a cutting‑edge initiative, expand your expertise in quality and accountability, and contribute to strengthening HQAI’s impact across the humanitarian and development sector.
Tasks & Responsibilities
The Head of Quality Assurance will lead a cutting-edge initiative to strengthen accountability across the humanitarian and development sectors, while representing HQAI externally and contributing to the organisation’s strategic direction and future development. The role is responsible for the professional delivery and continuous improvement of HQAI’s quality assurance services, the leadership and development of the QA team, and the representation of HQAI on technical and strategic matters. The position also oversees the maintenance and development of audit schemes, the effectiveness of internal quality controls, the management and development of the auditor pool, and collaboration across HQAI’s teams and functions. Key responsibilities include:
HQAI Quality Assurance Services
Ensure professional delivery and quality control of all HQAI quality assurance services in line with HQAI policies and procedures, and in accordance with prevailing legal and regulatory requirements.
These services include, but are not limited to
- audits against the CHS, delivered in accordance with HQAI’s ISO/IEC17065:2012 accreditation
- audits against other standards/regulations, such as ECHO ex-ante and organisational assessments using funder’s due diligence requirements.
- combined audits (CHS+and bridge audits) as well as Audit Readiness Training & Assessments.
Key responsibilities include:
- Ensure internal quality controls for HQAI quality assurance services, including monitoring of audit procedures, audit team performance and audited partners’ feedback.
- Take independent quality assurance decisions for relevant HQAI quality assurance schemes.
- Maintain and develop HQAI’s CHS quality assurance schemes, including continual improvement of systems and procedures to ensure high quality and value for money.
- Accessible, accurate and safe management of all information related to audits/assessments and partners, including documentation, data, and forecasts.
- Facilitate internal and external reviews of HQAI’s quality assurance schemes, including but not limited to Internal Audit and accreditation against ISO/IEC17065, and lead on related improvement of systems and procedures.
- Support the development and effective use of strategic technologies and increase safe use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Identification, monitoring and mitigation of risks associated with the quality delivery of HQAI quality assurance services
- Successful retention and growth of the audited Partners’ pool.
- Demonstrate the impact that CHS audits and strengthened control systems have on partners’ quality and accountability and support the promotion of these results.
- Support the exploration, development and use of HQAI audits/reviews for multiple purposes, particularly due diligence and capacity assesments, and as a driver for more locally led aid.
Team Management and Department Lead
Key responsibilities include:
- Line-manage the senior roles of the QA team and oversee line-management of other roles in line with HR policies, including performance reviews, coaching and continual improvement.
- Recruit and onboard new members of the QA team, in line with HR policies and procedures and in close collaboration with HR function.
- Oversee the competent management of HQAI’s registered auditor and audit facilitator pool, including continual improvement and pool development.
- In collaboration with the Finance department, develop and ensure timely management of QA budgets, in line with HQAI’s strategy and annual projections, and ensure professional budget management amongst QA budget holders.
- Proactively collaborate with other relevant functions as well as members of the Senior Management Team on cross-cutting topics.
Representation
Key responsibilities include:
- External representation to HQAI’s network of – existing and potential - partners in quality assurance schemes.
- Maintain a close working relationship with the CHS Alliance on all technical aspects of the CHS Alliance Verification Scheme and the CHS, including by representing HQAI on the CHS Alliance’s Verification Advisory Panel.
- Collaborate with the Advisory and Complaints Board, Accreditation auditor and other external bodies on the quality oversight of and in relation to HQAI quality assurance services.
- Contribute to external and internal meetings, round tables and workshops as appropriate.
Qualifications and experience
- More than 10 years’ experience in the domain of third-party conformity assessment and ethical standards systems, managing conformity assessments or quality assurance processes;
- Required Professional Qualifications: ISO 9001/14001 Lead Auditor and/or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA);
- Required qualification as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or Certified IPC Management Systems Auditor, Certified in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) and any additional qualification an asset;
- Master’s degree level in a relevant subject;
- Solid management experience, applying effective leadership and can-do approach;
- Experience in the humanitarian and/or development sector and solid understanding of HQAI CHS quality assurance schemes.
Competencies
- Excellent leadership and management skills;
- Innovation and creativity;
- Ability to work in partnership, collaborate, negotiate and build consensus;
- Excellent motivational, personal and teamwork skills;
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to details;
- Experience in dealing with different cultures;
- Good writing skills; fluent in written and spoken English and ideally other languages.