The quality of an audit depends, more than anything else, on the quality of the auditors. At HQAI, we take that seriously — both in how we select auditors and in how we continuously invest in their development.
Who Can Become an HQAI Auditor
HQAI auditors are humanitarian professionals first. Every member of our auditor roster has at least ten years of direct experience in humanitarian or development programming — in operational, management, or technical roles. Many are former senior staff of large INGOs, UN agencies, or donor organisations. Several have academic expertise in humanitarian policy, quality management, or accountability frameworks.
This experience requirement is non-negotiable. An auditor who has never worked in humanitarian operations cannot credibly assess whether another organisation's systems are fit for purpose. Context matters. Humanitarian realities matter.
The HQAI Auditor Certification Training
Before conducting any HQAI audit, all auditors must complete our five-day HQAI Auditor Certification Training. This training covers the CHS in depth (including the evidence requirements for each commitment); HQAI's proprietary audit methodology; interview techniques for staff, management, and community members; evidence triangulation and documentation standards; and report writing to HQAI's quality standards.
The training includes practical simulation exercises — mock interviews, evidence review scenarios, report drafting — assessed by experienced lead auditors. Participants who do not meet the assessment threshold do not join the auditor roster.
Independence and Conflict of Interest
Independence is a fundamental requirement for any HQAI audit. Before any engagement, every auditor completes a conflict of interest declaration. No auditor may be assigned to an organisation where they have worked in the past five years, hold current advisory relationships, or have personal relationships with senior staff.
This requirement sometimes creates operational complexity — particularly in smaller sectors or geographic areas where everyone knows everyone. We manage it carefully, always prioritising independence over convenience.
Quality Assurance of Our Auditors
HQAI conducts annual quality reviews of all active auditors, including 360-degree feedback from organisations audited, peer review of report drafts, and retraining requirements for any auditor whose work falls below our quality standards. We also conduct regular in-person team meetings to calibrate audit standards across the roster.
We currently have 28 active auditors from 19 countries. We are actively seeking to expand the roster, particularly for French-speaking West Africa and South/Southeast Asia. Qualified candidates should contact us.