Akvo is looking for a dynamic and visionary CTO to drive our technical solutions and platform development. This is a unique opportunity to take our technical solutions to the next level so that Akvo can better support partner organisations in achieving sustainable and inclusive impact. 

You will be responsible for all aspects of our technical solutions, including technical consultancy  and product development. As our CTO, you will be a member of Akvo’s management team (MT) and inform the MT members on all strategic matters relating to technical solutions. You will frequently align with our hub managers and project managers. 

This position is based in Amsterdam, and you will be reporting to the CEO. 

About Akvo 

At Akvo, we boost the impact of development programmes through data services and tech solutions. With a team of data and development experts and a proven methodology, we help governments and non-governmental organisations become data driven so that they can improve the results of their programmes and achieve sustainable change, for all.

 

About you

In this role, you will lead and supervise Akvo’s technical solutions team, and make sure they are able to develop and operate our standard products, design services  and custom solutions. You are a visionary leader that drives Akvo’s strategy regarding technical data solutions for our partners. You also play a key role in developing, implementing, and executing Akvo’s global strategy. The team members of the tech solutions team are located all over the world, therefore your remote leadership skills are crucial. 

Key responsibilities

Strategy and advice

• Develop and implement our technical solutions strategy in alignment with Akvo's strategy on data for development and sector collaboration.

• Play an active role in the management team. 

• Support business development for technology solutions

• Identify and co-create new technological opportunities, launch these in pilots and scale in close collaborations with partners

• Balance work and resources between product development, technical consultancy and design projects. 

Operations

• Oversee all system design and changes in system architecture.

• Lead efforts to keep Akvo’s technical infrastructure reliable, scalable, sustainable and secure.

• Oversee the work with internal IT systems and ensure that Akvo’s IT operations adhere to local 

laws.

 

Team management

• Manage Akvo’s tech solutions team and oversee the execution of their goals and objectives

• Create a productive, sustainable and positive work environment.

• Motivate, coach and supervise team members (mostly remote).

 

Key competencies and skills

• At least 10 years years of working experience in software projects, including custom technical solutions as well as product management/software engineering.

• Experience in driving a vision and strategy for technical data driven solutions.

• Preferably experience or a good understanding of data solutions for international development.

• Strategic mindset and strong track record in senior management.

• Transformative leadership skills.  

• Experience with tailored solutions as well as product and platform development and management.

• Proven track record in guiding highly collaborative, participatory, distributed teams with a 

strong sense of ownership of their tasks.

• Experience in balancing in-house development versus outsourcing of components.

• An MSc and BSc in software engineering or equivalent.

• A strong set of intercultural communication skills.

• Strong Experience with  agile and lean startup approaches. Preferred: experience in design thinking.

• Experience with overseeing internal IT systems for highly distributed teams.

• Interest in the international development sector.

• Excellent command of English in both writing and speaking.

What we offer

• Full time (40 hours/week) employment contract for one year, with the 

intention of building a long-lasting working relationship.

• A unique chance to be part of our international Akvo community, with motivated and talented

people whose diverse backgrounds converge to accomplish ambitious objectives.

• Contribute to our mission: unlocking the power of data to boost sustainable development.

• Remuneration in line with the (NGO) market.

How to apply

Akvo works with a diverse and international team, and we are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion across our organisation. If you think you are the right person for this position, we highly encourage everyone to apply.

 

Think you’ve got what it takes? To apply for this position, or in case of any questions, please send your motivation letter and resume in PDF to Karen Blanken via our website https://akvo.org/join-our-team  with the subject line “Application CTO”. The closing date for this application is 1 July 2022

 

Please note that for this position, you must be based in the Netherlands and/or already in possession of a valid work permit. 

We aim to fill this position as soon as possible.