DFAT Reaccreditation Consultant

- 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.

The consultant will provide candid, evidence-led and practical advice that reflects Caritas Australia’s organisational context and maturity. The work requires strong knowledge of DFAT accreditation and the ability to engage constructively with senior leaders, managers and technical staff.

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.

Interested consultants should submit a short statement of relevant experience and understanding of the assignment; a proposed approach and indicative workplan for both phases; a fixed fee or detailed cost estimate, including day or hourly rates and anticipated expenses; two relevant referees or examples of comparable work; and a declaration of actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest.

For further questions or enquiries, please contact the Compliance and Risk Lead at [email protected] Please submit your proposal through the relevant application link.

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.