Job Title: Program Officer – Equity Hub
Project Name: DFAT Equity Hub
Job type: Full-time employee
Location of Position: Ngunnawal (Canberra) or Naarm (Melbourne)
(Hybrid working arrangements available)
Reporting to: Operations and HR Lead, with day-to-day guidance from Technical Leads
Remuneration: AUD $75,000 – $80,000 + superannuation
Time Frame: Full-time role for the duration of the program (2026 until 2031)
Citizenship: Candidates must have an existing legal right to work in Australia
Language Requirements: English (professional working proficiency)
Application Deadline: 11:59pm, 5 July 2026
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as recruitment will be conducted in phases.
Application Instructions:
- A cover letter is mandatory to be considered. Cover letters should effectively align your skills and experiences with the specific job responsibilities outlined below, demonstrating your aptitude and enthusiasm for the role and current availability.
- Click the “Apply now” link to upload your cover letter and CV (Curriculum Vitae).
- Only successful candidates will be contacted.
Alinea is an international development consultancy providing technical and management expertise that helps people improve their lives. We work with governments, investors, companies, and communities to create lasting change. Over 38 years, Alinea has successfully delivered more than 1000 projects worldwide.
Alinea International does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment and hiring process. All offers of employment or job opportunities with Alinea International that include any form of a request for payment of fees or collect information on bank accounts are fraudulent. Any requests for such payment or information should be refused and reported to your local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action and to Alinea International.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging
At Alinea International we value diversity, equity, inclusivity, accessibility and belonging in everything we do. We are an equal opportunity employer opposed to all forms of discrimination. We actively seek and encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds recognizing that an inclusive workforce enriches our organization and achieves smarter, more innovative results.
Protection
Alinea is committed to the protection of children and vulnerable adults. Due to the nature of our work, all candidates will be subject to due diligence checks and extensive background checks where appropriate.
Project Description
The DFAT Equity Hub is a newly established support unit within Australia’s international development program, managed by Alinea International.
The Hub provides gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion (GEDSI) advice, learning, accessibility services and enabling support across DFAT and its partners.
The Equity Hub is launching in 2026 as a six‑year program, with strong senior leadership support and delivery partners including the Nossal Institute for Global Health (University of Melbourne) and Social Development Direct. Joining at this point means being part of the Hub from the outset — supporting the establishment of systems, ways of working, and learning approaches as the program comes to life.
About the work
This role is suitable for graduates or early-career professionals (0-3 years experience), with an interest in international development, public policy, and social impact. It has been created as part of the Equity Hub’s establishment phase and offers a strong entry point into Australia’s international development sector.
This is an excellent opportunity to build foundational experience while contributing to a high‑profile DFAT‑funded program. You will develop practical skills and gain exposure to how large, complex development programs are designed, delivered and evaluated.
The role is intentionally developmental. You are not expected to arrive as an expert in GEDSI, DFAT systems, monitoring and evaluation, or program operations. Instead, you will be supported by experienced colleagues through structured supervision, mentoring, and on‑the‑job learning.
You will gain hands‑on experience across GEDSI, program coordination, monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), and knowledge management within a real-world international development program. This role will help build a strong foundation for a career in international development, consulting, or public sector program delivery.
As the Equity Hub has recently launched, our website is still in its early stages. More information about the Equity Hub can be found in this quick guide.
The Role
The Program Officer plays an important role in supporting the day-to-day operations and delivery of the Equity Hub. Working alongside experienced GEDSI, program management and MEL specialists, the Program Officer helps coordinate activities, manage information, support learning initiatives and contribute to the effective delivery of services to DFAT and its partners.
This role is ideal for an early-career professional who enjoys organisation, problem-solving, learning new systems and working collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
Program Operations and Coordination
You will support the effective functioning of the Equity Hub by:
- Assisting with operational and admin task associated with services provided, such as the Helpdesk, Technical panel.
- Supporting preparation of briefs, reports, presentations, and internal documentation
- Helping coordinate meetings, workshops, and learning events, including logistics and follow‑up
- Maintaining accurate documentation in line with DFAT and contract requirements
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)
With guidance, you will help build your skills in:
- Collecting and collating program data
- Supporting implementation of the Equity Hub’s MEL framework
- Tracking uptake and use of GEDSI advice, services, and learning products
- Contributing to learning cycles, case studies, and evidence products
Knowledge and Learning Support
You will gain experience in:
- Supporting development and organisation of learning and knowledge resources
- Assisting with content management for the GEDSI Knowledge Hub
- Helping improve accessibility and usability of learning products
Supporting Technical Areas
(Gender, Disability, First Nation and LGBTQIA+)
Where appropriate and with guidance, you may:
- Support implementation of technical areas of the Equity Hub’s annual workplan and linked to DFATs key GEDSI strategies
- Assist with tasking linked to DFAT’s Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion Branch (GEB) and other DFAT sections – inc Office for First Nations Engagement (OFNIE).
What Your First Year Might Look Like
As the Equity Hub is newly launched, your first year will focus on learning, gradual responsibility, and contributing to how the program takes shape. This may include:
- Building an understanding of DFAT, the Equity Hub, and its delivery partners
- Learning program coordination, MEL, and government‑facing ways of working through hands‑on tasks
- Supporting the establishment of systems, processes, and learning approaches
- Taking on increasing responsibility over time as capabilities grow
- Contributing ideas and perspectives as part of a team setting up a new national support unit
What We’re Looking For
We don’t expect you to meet every criteria. We are looking for potential and commitment, if you are excited by this role, please consider applying.
- Early‑career professional (0–3 years’ relevant experience), including recent graduates
- Demonstrated interest in international development, public policy, GEDSI, social impact, program delivery, or evaluation
- Transferable skills developed through study, part‑time work, internships, volunteering, or community engagement
- Strong organisational, communication, and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail
- Willingness to learn, adapt, and work collaboratively in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as recruitment will be conducted in phases.
Any questions about this role? Please reach out to us at [email protected]
