Program Officer - Humanitarian

Role overview

Caritas Australia is seeking an early-career Program Officer to support humanitarian and development work that creates real impact for communities around the world. In this position, you will contribute to the smooth delivery of programs by coordinating administration, maintaining information quality, and assisting with team initiatives that improve how the department works.

About the organisation

Caritas Australia is the international humanitarian and aid agency of the Australian Catholic Church. Guided by a vision to end poverty, promote justice, and uphold dignity for all, the organisation partners with vulnerable communities to strengthen access to sustainable livelihoods, clean water, sanitation, and education.

What the role involves

As part of the Humanitarian team, you will help ensure programs are delivered in a timely, organised, and compliant way. The role is suited to someone with administrative experience, relevant qualifications, and a genuine interest in global affairs, humanitarian action, and development work. You should also be confident contributing ideas for social media content.

Core duties

• Support project and partnership coordination for Program Coordinators and Country Offices, with a focus on meeting accountability and compliance requirements.
• Oversee documentation and information handling so internal processes run efficiently and consistently.
• Assist with administration across documentation, information management, and the organisation’s policies, systems, and workflows.
• Work with colleagues to strengthen administrative processes by spotting opportunities and helping implement improvements.
• Provide adaptable support across the Programs Department when extra tasks arise.

Work arrangement

This position is based in the Mascot office in New South Wales and follows a hybrid model, with two days per week spent in the office.

Why join

Caritas Australia offers a collaborative environment for people committed to justice and humanitarian impact. Team members can access professional development and on-the-job learning, hybrid working arrangements, generous leave provisions including wellbeing leave, birthday leave, and 14 weeks of gender-neutral parental leave, as well as not-for-profit salary packaging and meals and entertainment benefits.

Who we are looking for

The ideal candidate is passionate, proactive, and motivated by the chance to make a difference. You will bring a combination of education, administrative capability, and interest in the aid and development sector, along with strong teamwork and attention to detail.

Qualifications and experience

• Tertiary study in international development or another relevant field, or an equivalent qualification.
• Practical understanding of the aid and development sector.
• Interest in world affairs and global issues.
• Previous experience in an administrative role within a professional setting.
• Ability to work well in a team and contribute to a positive, supportive culture.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Additional information

Applications are encouraged even if you do not meet every listed requirement. Caritas Australia values diverse backgrounds and believes potential matters as much as experience. Early applications are recommended because candidates may be reviewed as submissions arrive, and the role could close sooner than planned.

Recruitment contact

Questions about the role can be directed to the recruitment team at People.Culture@caritas.org.au. Candidates should submit a cover letter and CV through the relevant application process.

Inclusive recruitment

The organisation is committed to an accessible hiring process and welcomes requests for adjustments or accommodations during application or interview stages.

Safeguarding requirements

Caritas Australia places strong importance on the dignity and rights of all people, especially children and vulnerable adults. Employment is subject to relevant background checks, which may include police checks, working with children checks, and reference checks. You will also need to follow safeguarding policies and sign the Code of Conduct, including the Professional Behaviour Standards for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults.

Diversity commitment

Caritas Australia supports an inclusive workforce and welcomes applications regardless of race, sex, gender, age, or disability. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, members of minority groups, non-binary people, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Health and wellbeing

Depending on the role, the organisation may ask you to complete health checks or receive vaccinations to support safety and wellbeing at work.