DFAT Reaccreditation Consultant

Caritas Australia; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 185,000 - 277,000; Full time

Job summary

Caritas Australia is seeking an experienced consultant to provide independent quality assurance of its DFAT reaccreditation Agency Profile and supporting evidence, and to prepare staff for the subsequent organisational review. The engagement is expected to commence in January 2027 and has an estimated allocation of 6.5 consulting days.

The consultancy will be delivered in two phases. Phase 1 will review an advanced draft Agency Profile and supporting evidence, testing alignment with DFAT

Qualifications

• Experience in DFAT accreditation or reaccreditation processes.
• Ability to facilitate mock interviews and provide actionable feedback.
• Strong writing and documentation skills for Agency Profiles.

Responsibilities

• Review the Agency Profile and supporting evidence against DFAT criteria.
• Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and areas likely to attract reviewer questions.
• Develop staff briefing materials and interview guidance for staff groups.
• Facilitate mock interviews or a mock organisational review and provide readiness feedback.

Skills

Quality assurance

DFAT accreditation

Facilitation

Written communication

Governance knowledge

Tools

MS Office

Job description

• Provide independent quality assurance for Caritas Australia’s DFAT reaccreditation submission
• Work with the 2nd largest humanitarian and development organisation in the world
• Help prepare staff and leaders for a successful organisational review through practical, capability-building support

• Provide independent quality assurance for Caritas Australia’s DFAT reaccreditation submission
• Work with the 2nd largest humanitarian and development organisation in the world
• Help prepare staff and leaders for a successful organisational review through practical, capability-building support

Consultancy Summary

Caritas Australia is seeking an experienced consultant to provide independent quality assurance of its DFAT reaccreditation Agency Profile and supporting evidence, and to prepare staff for the subsequent organisational review. The engagement is expected to commence in January 2027 and has an estimated allocation of 6.5 consulting days.

About Caritas Australia

We are Compassion in Action. Caritas Australia is the international humanitarian and aid agency of the Australian Catholic Church. We have a vision to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity for all. We partner with the most vulnerable communities to help them build better outcomes by improving access to sustainable livelihoods, clean water, sanitation and education.

What does the consultancy involve?

This consultancy will be delivered in two phases. Phase 1 will review an advanced draft Agency Profile and supporting evidence, testing alignment with DFAT accreditation requirements, internal consistency and the strength of evidence presented. Phase 2 will build staff capability and test organisational readiness through practical guidance, tailored preparation materials and realistic mock review activities.

Key Responsibilities Will Include (but Are Not Limited To)

• Review the draft Agency Profile and supporting evidence against the intent of relevant DFAT accreditation criteria.
• Identify material gaps, unsupported claims, duplication, inconsistencies, factual discrepancies and areas likely to attract reviewer questions.
• Develop staff briefing materials, interview guidance, likely lines of enquiry and tailored practice questions for different staff groups.
• Facilitate realistic mock interviews or a mock organisational review and provide constructive participant feedback and a concise readiness assessment.

The engagement will be delivered remotely and in person where agreed. Agency Profile review work is expected during January to early February 2027, ahead of submission at the end of March 2027. Organisational review preparation will be scheduled once DFAT confirms the review timing.

About You

We are seeking an independent consultant who can combine technical accreditation expertise with clear, tactful and practical facilitation. The successful consultant will demonstrate:

• Recent experience with DFAT accreditation or reaccreditation processes and the organisational review methodology.
• Strong understanding of international development NGO governance, programming, partnerships, safeguarding, risk and assurance systems.
• Experience reviewing accreditation submissions, organisational evidence or comparable assurance documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate mock interviews or review simulations and provide clear, prioritised feedback to varied staff groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an independent, constructive, confidential and respectful approach.

We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process. If you require any adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us.

Our commitment to safeguarding – Caritas Australia recognises the personal dignity and rights of all people, especially children and vulnerable adults. The successful consultant must comply with applicable safeguarding policies and contractual requirements, sign Caritas Australia’s Code of Conduct including Professional Behaviour Standards for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults, and complete any relevant checks required for the engagement (Police Checks, Working with Children Checks, Reference Checks).

Our commitment to diversity - Caritas Australia encourages and supports an inclusive and diverse workforce. We consider applications regardless of race, sex, gender, age and disability. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, members of minority groups, non-binary people, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Our commitment to safety and wellbeing - Depending on the nature of the engagement, Caritas Australia may require relevant health or safety measures to support safe delivery of the work.