Helpdesk and Partnerships Lead

Job Title: Helpdesk and Partnerships Lead - Equity Hub
Project Name: DFAT Equity Hub
Job type: Full-time employee
Location: Ngunnawal (Canberra) or Naarm (Melbourne), with hybrid working arrangements. Preference for Canberra, with regular travel to Canberra required.
Reporting to: Reporting to the Team Leader (Alinea International), with line management from Social Development Direct (SDDirect). Alinea International is the Managing Partner for DFAT's Equity Hub, delivered in partnership with SDDirect (Helpdesk and Knowledge Management Partner) and the Nossal Institute (Disability Partner).
Remuneration: AUD $150,000-$160,000 plus 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, 11 June 2026

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 in the position's description, demonstrating your aptitude and enthusiasm for the role, your daily fee and current availability.
Click the "Apply now" link to upload your cover letter and CV (Curriculum Vitae).
Only successful candidates will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

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 40 years, Alinea has successfully delivered more than 1000 projects worldwide. alineainternational.com

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.

DEIAB Statement 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 recognising that an inclusive workforce enriches our organisation 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 Overview
The gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion (GEDSI) support unit is a six-year DFAT investment that provides technical assistance (TA), learning, communications, accessibility services and strategic support to DFAT across GEDSI domains.
The Equity Hub delivers both proactive and demand-driven services, the majority of which will be ODA-eligible, administered activities, with limited non-ODA and departmental activities delivered with DFAT approval.

Purpose of the Role
The Helpdesk and Partnerships Lead is responsible for ensuring that DFAT staff and Posts receive high-quality, timely and contextually relevant GEDSI technical advice through the Equity Hub. The role leads the delivery of a responsive, relationship-based Helpdesk service that combines rapid tasking with strong partnerships to improve turnaround times, strengthen localisation, and enhance the quality and uptake of GEDSI support across DFAT's portfolio.

The Role

Helpdesk Leadership and Operations

Lead and maintain strategic oversight of the Helpdesk as a high-quality, relationship-based service
Ensure timely, responsive, and client-centred delivery of GEDSI technical assistance
Develop and embed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to improve turnaround times and service quality
Oversee the full tasking cycle, including scoping, adviser mobilisation, and delivery
Hold accountability for quality assurance, including technical, accessibility, safeguarding, and compliance standards
Identify trends and opportunities to strengthen proactive programming

Partnerships and Engagement

Build and sustain strong, trust-based relationships with DFAT (Canberra and Posts), advisers, and partner support units
Leverage partnerships to improve service relevance, efficiency, and localisation outcomes
Identify and actively facilitate collaboration across DFAT support mechanisms
Promote a relationship-based service model that prioritises engagement over transactional delivery

Panel Management and Localisation

Build and manage a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing panel of GEDSI advisers, with a strong emphasis on national expertise
Develop strategies to strengthen localisation, lived experience representation, and accessibility
Lead adviser onboarding, engagement, performance management, and retention
Design and implement initiatives (e.g. mentoring) to expand participation in DFAT advisory work
Ensure accessibility of Helpdesk processes and outputs

Knowledge, MERL and Insights

Ensure Helpdesk data is effectively captured, analysed, and used for learning and reporting
Generate insights from Helpdesk trends to inform DFAT's GEDSI strategy reporting1 and broader program learning
Work closely with MERL colleagues to translate data into actionable insights and evidence products
Identify gaps in guidance and lead the development or commissioning of knowledge products
Contribute to populating and strengthening the Knowledge Hub

About the Work

The Helpdesk and Partnerships Lead provides strategic and operational leadership of the Equity Hub's demand-driven services, ensuring that high-quality GEDSI technical assistance is delivered in a timely, responsive, and relationship-focused manner.
The role leads the end-to-end Helpdesk service, from shaping tasking scope and managing rapid delivery cycles through to quality assurance and client engagement. The Helpdesk operates as a relationship-based service (engaging closely with DFAT divisions, Posts, and panels), rather than a transactional function, ensuring tailored, contextually appropriate support.
The Helpdesk and Partnerships Lead builds and maintains strong partnerships with DFAT stakeholders, Posts, GEDSI advisers, and other support units. These partnerships are central to improving turnaround times, strengthening localisation outcomes, and ensuring that GEDSI advice is relevant, practical, and embedded in programming.
The role oversees the management and diversification of the adviser panel, with a strong emphasis on inclusion of national expertise, lived experience, and accessibility. This includes developing mentorship and engagement pathways that broaden participation in DFAT's development work.
The Helpdesk and Partnerships Lead is also responsible for ensuring that Helpdesk data is systematically captured, analysed, and used to generate insights that inform reporting and learning, including contributions to IGES and IDEARS reporting frameworks. The role works closely with MERL and program teams to translate Helpdesk trends into actionable insights, learning products, and proactive support.
The Helpdesk and Partnerships Lead collaborates closely with the Communications, Public Diplomacy and Knowledge Hub Lead to develop and curate knowledge products, and will backstop the Team Leader and senior leadership team as required.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Postgraduate qualifications, or equivalent experience (including lived experience), in gender equality, disability equity, social inclusion or a related field
Minimum 7 years' relevant experience, including managing helpdesks, advisory services or similar demand-driven technical assistance mechanisms
Demonstrated expertise in GEDSI and intersectional programming
Experience working with DFAT, UN agencies, or other donor institutions
Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and partnership management skills
Experience using data and insights to inform decision-making, reporting, and learning
Familiarity with safeguarding, quality assurance, and inclusive engagement protocols
Proven ability to manage diverse teams and deliver high-quality, responsive services