Latin America, 6 months, ±50%, case-based. Starting September.

Akvo is looking for 2 Regional Data Collection Coordinators to support Akvo in the Rabobank Acorn Program in Latin America. Do you want to use your skills and talents in Agriculture and Data Collection to make an impact, to contribute to our innovative data solutions and want to join our international community? Then this position is for you.

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, private sector actors and non-governmental organizations become data driven so that they can improve the results of their programmes and achieve sustainable change for all. Our thematic focus is on agriculture, water and climate.

Akvo’s work with Rabobank Acorn

Akvo is looking for two Regional Data Collection Coordinators to work for Akvo supporting the Rabobank Acorn Program in Latin America. Acorn is Rabobank’s response to climate change, a threat that affects us all, but that disproportionately disadvantages smallholder farmers in developing countries. ​​Rabobank Acorn turns the CO2 that is sequestered through agroforestry into carbon credits to be sold on the voluntary carbon market or as insetting units within supply chains. The program has developed an innovative and scalable method for measuring, certifying, and monetizing the biomass growth of planted trees and turning that growth into Carbon Removal Units (CRUs). The CRUs (or carbon credits) are sold to organizations with strong emission reduction commitments. 

The method to validate the robust components that support biomass growth measurement is called Ground Truthing (GT). It consists of field work, where a portion of a farm area is plotted and information is registered for that particular sample plot. The goal of the data collection is to collect GT data that will be used by the Acorn program to estimate biomass. 

Akvo is looking for experts based in Latin America to manage and coordinate data collection in the region. The positions are remote, with the responsibility of relocating to data collection locations for multiple periods a year with one period ranging from 2-5 weeks. For the remainder of 2023, GT cases are foreseen to take place in Peru, Guatemala and Mexico. You will be working closely with the project manager for the GT case of interest.

Key responsibilities

GT data collection preparation

• Find and set up a team of enumerators and roles according to capacity and availability
• Plan logistics of GT data collection, including preparing locations for data collection training, liaise with local partners and communicate planning with enumerators
• Ensure high quality project deliverables, financial and narrative project reports
• Coordinate project communication (internal & external)
• Prepare for travel (booking flights, arranging visa or other requirements) in collaboration with our travel agent

Training & data collection

• Organize and facilitate training sessions with enumerators
• Supervise and monitor data collection activities in the field
• Implement quality control measures to ensure data accuracy and reliability, in collaboration with the data quality manager working for this project
• Provide troubleshooting and support to enumerators during data collection
• Ensure data security and confidentiality compliance
• Monitor data collection progress and report status to the project manager
• Provide feedback and continuous improvement for enumerators’ performance
• Coordinate with local stakeholders and maintain proper (financial) documentation of activities
• Coordinate enumerator remuneration

After data collection

• Finalize financial administration, ensuring all expenses related to the project are accurately administered and reported
• Share any relevant learnings or feedback with the project manager

Key competencies and skills

• Proven track record in successfully organizing and supervising large-scale data collections, ensuring data accuracy, and maintaining high-quality standards.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve challenges independently during data collection, displaying a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in leading and managing a diverse team of up to 20 enumerators, inspiring motivation and ensuring successful project outcomes.
• Expertise in Agriculture and agroforestry
• Spanish and English speaking; facilitating effective communication within the Akvo team and with stakeholders and enumerators to foster collaboration and project success. Speaking Portuguese is an advantage since we foresee cases in Brazil in the future. 
• Flexible and adaptable, willing to travel extensively to various locations in Latin America for extended periods to conduct field data collection and implement project activities. Committed to participating in training sessions and pilot exercises to thoroughly understand project requirements and prepare for the actual data collection phase. Must be willing to travel and work in Latin America
• Bring a positive and energetic attitude, coupled with honesty, diligence, and intelligence, fostering a productive and harmonious work atmosphere.
• Having a background in GIS, remote sensing, survey, or related fields is an added advantage.

Akvo’s values and behavioural principles

We are innovative and responsible. We stand for open collaboration and impact for citizens. These values guide our strategy and our decision making in our day to day work.

As a team, we follow a set of behavioural principles which describe the way we work together, internally and externally. These principles are: Be responsible, Communicate clearly, Collaborate with others, Innovate for impact, Keep growing, and Be a leader.

What we offer

• A half-year contract with Akvo for an undefined number of days. Within the Acorn project, cases are decided on the go. We will employ you for each case for a fixed period of time. Cases are generally confirmed between 3-1 months before the start of the case. Currently, the first confirmed case will start in September in Peru (±18 working days). Approximately 120 days of work (divided over 2 positions) are planned for the remainder of 2023 with more work foreseen to come up soon.
• We intend to build a long-lasting working relationship. After the initial half-year we intend to renew contracts based on the available work in Acorn with also the possibility of becoming involved in other Akvo projects
• Contribute to our mission: unlocking the power of data to boost sustainable development 
• A competitive salary in line with the market 
• A unique chance to work in an open, ambitious, collaborative environment with very dedicated teams that aim to have a positive impact on the world

Upon being hired, you will have the opportunity to join one of our Akvo colleagues for the first data collection case in Peru scheduled for September. During this time, you will receive comprehensive training on GT data collections supervision and work collaboratively to execute this particular case.

How to apply

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

Think you’ve got what it takes? Please send your motivation letter and resume in PDF by clicking on the button below.