Head of Quality Assurance

ppReporting to: Executive Directorbr/Location: Geneva-basedbr/Start date: November 1st, 2026, or earlier. /p h3Background /h3 pHQAI 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. /p h3Working environment /h3 pFrom 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. /p h3Tasks Responsibilities /h3 pThe 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: /p h3HQAI Quality Assurance Services /h3 pEnsure 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. /p pThese services include, but are not limited to /p ul liaudits against the CHS, delivered in accordance with HQAI’s ISO/IEC17065:2012 accreditation /li liaudits against other standards/regulations, such as ECHO ex-ante and organisational assessments using funder’s due diligence requirements. /li licombined audits (CHS+and bridge audits) as well as Audit Readiness Training Assessments. /li /ul pKey responsibilities include: /p ul liEnsure internal quality controls for HQAI quality assurance services, including monitoring of audit procedures, audit team performance and audited partners’ feedback. /li liTake independent quality assurance decisions for relevant HQAI quality assurance schemes. /li liMaintain and develop HQAI’s CHS quality assurance schemes, including continual improvement of systems and procedures to ensure high quality and value for money. /li liAccessible, accurate and safe management of all information related to audits/assessments and partners, including documentation, data, and forecasts. /li liFacilitate 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. /li liSupport the development and effective use of strategic technologies and increase safe use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). /li liIdentification, monitoring and mitigation of risks associated with the quality delivery of HQAI quality assurance services /li liSuccessful retention and growth of the audited Partners’ pool. /li liDemonstrate the impact that CHS audits and strengthened control systems have on partners’ quality and accountability and support the promotion of these results. /li liSupport 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. /li /ul h3Team Management and Department Lead /h3 pKey responsibilities include: /p ul liLine-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. /li liRecruit and onboard new members of the QA team, in line with HR policies and procedures and in close collaboration with HR function. /li liOversee the competent management of HQAI’s registered auditor and audit facilitator pool, including continual improvement and pool development. /li liIn 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. /li liProactively collaborate with other relevant functions as well as members of the Senior Management Team on cross-cutting topics. /li /ul h3Representation /h3 pKey responsibilities include: /p ul liExternal representation to HQAI’s network of – existing and potential - partners in quality assurance schemes. /li liMaintain 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. /li liCollaborate 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. /li liContribute to external and internal meetings, round tables and workshops as appropriate. /li /ul h3Qualifications and experience /h3 ul liMore than 10 years’ experience in the domain of third‑party conformity assessment and ethical standards systems, managing conformity assessments or quality assurance processes; /li liRequired Professional Qualifications: ISO 9001/14001 Lead Auditor and/or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA); /li liRequired 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; /li liMaster’s degree level in a relevant subject; /li liSolid management experience, applying effective leadership and can‑do approach; /li liExperience in the humanitarian and/or development sector and solid understanding of HQAI CHS quality assurance schemes. /li /ul h3Competencies /h3 ul liExcellent leadership and management skills; /li liInnovation and creativity; /li liAbility to work in partnership, collaborate, negotiate and build consensus; /li liExcellent motivational, personal and teamwork skills; /li liExcellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to details; /li liExperience in dealing with different cultures; /li liGood writing skills; fluent in written and spoken English and ideally other languages. /li /ul /p #J-18808-Ljbffr