Head of Quality Assurance

Reporting to:
Executive Director

Location:

Geneva-based

Start date:

November 1st, 2026, or earlier.

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.

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.

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:

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/IEC
  17065:2012 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/IEC
  17065, 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.

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,…