Program Quality Lead

Job Posting Organization:
Save the Children Australia is a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and communities in need. Established with a mission to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, educated, and safe, the organization operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region. With a diverse team of passionate individuals, Save the Children Australia focuses on delivering impactful programs that address critical issues such as education, health, child protection, and nutrition. The organization prides itself on its commitment to inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued in its mission to create lasting change.

Job Overview:
The Program Quality Lead position at Save the Children Australia is a unique opportunity to influence and enhance the quality of programs aimed at improving the lives of children and communities. This role is not about merely reviewing programs from a distance; it involves actively engaging in the design and delivery processes to ensure that programs are effective and impactful. The Program Quality Lead will work closely with Country Office teams, providing technical support and guidance to improve program quality across a portfolio of donor-funded initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region. This position is integral to the new operating model that separates program design from quality assurance, emphasizing collaboration and partnership with Country Offices. The successful candidate will be expected to leverage their expertise to challenge existing practices, propose innovative solutions, and ensure that programs are not only compliant with donor requirements but also genuinely beneficial to the communities served.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Quality Lead will be responsible for a range of duties aimed at enhancing program quality and effectiveness. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing early and consolidated quality assurance to prevent rework and streamline program delivery.
• Translating monitoring data into actionable changes that improve program outcomes rather than merely reporting findings.
• Challenging weak assumptions and practices that may undermine program delivery and credibility.
• Developing results frameworks and indicators that are measurable, realistic, and defensible under donor scrutiny.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to Country Office teams, offering practical solutions and maintaining high standards while building their capacity over time.
• Utilizing AI tools to enhance the efficiency and consistency of quality assurance processes, ensuring strong governance and human judgment are applied.
• Engaging in continuous improvement by proposing and testing new ideas, scaling successful initiatives, and discontinuing ineffective practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Program Quality Lead position must possess a strong technical background in at least one thematic area relevant to Save the Children Australia's portfolio, such as education, child protection, health, nutrition, WASH, livelihoods, or climate adaptation. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a breadth of experience in program quality, monitoring, and inclusion, with a proven track record of improving delivery in complex environments. Strong analytical skills are essential, including the ability to conduct structured data reviews, recognize patterns, and derive practical implications for decision-making. Excellent writing and synthesis skills are required for producing high-quality donor-facing outputs that are clear, evidence-based, and decisive. Candidates should also possess strong influence skills, enabling them to challenge existing practices constructively and drive change without formal authority. Experience in using AI tools responsibly in professional workflows is desirable, as is familiarity with federated or multi-office environments and partner-heavy delivery models.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for the Program Quality Lead position. Candidates should hold a degree in a field related to international development, social sciences, public health, or a similar discipline. Advanced degrees or specialized training in program evaluation, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), or related areas will be considered an asset. Continuous professional development and training in relevant methodologies and tools are also encouraged to ensure that the candidate remains at the forefront of best practices in program quality and monitoring.

Experience:
The ideal candidate for the Program Quality Lead role should have substantial experience in international development, particularly in program quality assurance and monitoring. A minimum of five years of relevant experience is preferred, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively in complex and dynamic environments. Experience in managing or supporting donor-funded programs, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, will be highly regarded. Candidates should also have a history of successfully implementing quality improvement initiatives and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the Program Quality Lead position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with donors. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Asia-Pacific region, such as Mandarin, Bahasa Indonesia, or other regional languages, would be considered advantageous and could enhance the candidate's ability to engage with local partners and communities effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time, permanent role that offers flexibility in terms of location, with the possibility of working from home or a blended work environment. Save the Children Australia is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates and individuals from diverse backgrounds. The organization provides a supportive work environment, including access to wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and additional leave options. All employees are required to undergo background checks to ensure a safe working environment for children and vulnerable populations.