Akvo is looking for a dynamic and visionary Chief Technical Officer (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 you

In this role, you will lead and supervise Akvo’s Technical Solutions team of 17 people, and make sure they are able to develop and operate our standard products and custom technical 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 solution 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
• Identify new technological opportunities and create plans to implement them for Akvo and its partner organisations
• Balance work and resources between platform & product development and tech consultancy 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
• Experience with and interest in agile and lean startup approaches
• 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 to begin with, with the intention of building a long-lasting working relationship
• Gross salary range between €5500,- to €6700,- per month 
• 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

How to apply

Think you’ve got what it takes? Click the link below to send your motivation letter and resume (including references) in PDF to Jeroen van der Sommen. The closing date for this application is 9 May 2021. 

Akvo is looking for a dynamic financial project controller who is eager to learn. As our financial project controller, you will be responsible for making sure that Akvo has the financial systems and procedures in place to conduct flawless audits and support effective project implementation. Of course, you have a great eye for detail and like to figure things out. You’ll be part of the global finance team and report to the CFO. You’ll work closely together with the HR & talent team and project and programme managers based in Akvo hubs worldwide. You will be in contact with many members of our international community.

About you

Akvo has over 120 projects running at the same time, from grants and consultancy to software-only contracts. As the financial project controller, you’ll work closely with project and programme managers from all over the world to explore how you can support them with project-related finance and accounting procedures. You are a responsible, diligent and open-minded team player. You have great attention to detail and a desire to get things done, supported by your excellent intercultural communication skills. 

Key responsibilities

• Oversee project accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems and ensuring compliance with appropriate General Accepted Accounting Principles standards and requirements 
• Conduct admin and maintenance of time-writing system
• Assist in the preparation of monthly financial statements 
• Execute financial project audits 
• Prepare and send out sales invoices 
• Keep project and programme managers informed about the financial status of their projects and programmes
• Support (annual) financial planning, forecasting and reporting activities 
• Provide organisation-wide support in the use of financial systems such as Exact Online, Rydoo and Clockwise 

Key competencies and skills

• A relevant degree in financial administration, accounting or related 
• High proficiency in MS Excel & Google sheets(e.g., formulas, pivot tables, tables and graph production) 
• Excellent accounting software and administration skills (Exact Online)
• The ability to handle confidential information appropriately 
• The flexibility to work in an international environment and with different currencies 
• An accurate and systematic way of working 
• An open and approachable attitude 
• Excellent intercultural communication skills 
• Great eye for detail
• The ability to multi-task and operate via online tools, as part of a global team 
• Interest in the international development sector 
• Excellent command of English in both writing and speaking (French and/or Dutch is a bonus)

What we offer

• 0.8-1.0 FTE employment
• 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 
• Salary range: €2600-3600 gross monthly salary for full time employment

How to apply

Think you’ve got what it takes? Click the link below to send your motivation letter and resume (including references) in PDF to Kathelyne van den Berg. The closing date for this application is 23 April 2021. 

At Akvo, we are looking for a talented marketing and communications intern with flair for copy, a creative and analytical mind, and a passion for creating and sharing content for the global good.

About you

Openness and communication is at the heart of what we do at Akvo. As our marketing and communications intern, you’ll work closely with our Communications Manager to reach the right people with the right messages about how Akvo can help them improve their international development work. 

We work in a distributed team which means a highly proactive, self-motivated, ‘can do’ attitude is essential. 

You’ll be part of our international Marketing and Communications team and report to our Head of Marketing and Communications.

Key responsibilities

• Support website and blog content management. 
• Provide input and support for lead generation and nurturing campaigns.
• Manage social media channels (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Youtube) and research and advise on best practices. 
• Support the production of imagery and video. 
• Provide input and support for the production of materials in different on- and offline media and languages, working closely with the communications manager, the head of marketing and communications, and the art director. 
• Support the creation of web analytics reports. 
• Contribute to market research efforts to uncover the viability of current and existing products/services/solutions 
• Support internal communications.

Key competencies and skills

• Good understanding of marketing principles and processes, inbound marketing, content marketing and lead generation processes. 
• Ability to help create content for different audiences and channels. 
• Excellent English, including the ability to write compelling content in clear language.
• Ability to take an accurate brief – which means asking the right questions – and provide sound input to ensure high quality results that meet identified needs. 
• A good understanding of the principles of visual design; a great sense of when something looks good, or, when it’s not working, how to address it. 
• Understanding of how to optimise materials so that they can be adapted for different formats, devices, geographic settings and languages, including situations where Internet access is intermittent or slow. 
• Ability to work well with different people, within and across teams, and by yourself. 
• Awareness of considerations for an international organisation with colleagues, partner and audiences who are distributed across the globe and come from many different nationalities and cultures.

It would be nice if you also had some of these competencies:

• Additional language(s) would be an asset, particularly Spanish or French. 
• Awareness and understanding of open source technology and practices. 
• Understanding of the international development sector. 
• Experience and understanding of video production and editing techniques. 
• Pursuing a degree or professional qualification in communications, marketing, design or similar. 
• An active presence on social media (particularly Twitter) and familiarity with tools such as WordPress, HubSpot, Canva, Skype, Dropbox, Flickr, Google Docs, and image and video editing software.

What we offer

• An opportunity to work in the field of data, technology and international development, in a creative, mission-driven and entrepreneurial environment. 
• Interesting, varied and creative projects to work on. 
• Ample opportunity to shape your own professional development, as well as playing a role in steering Akvo’s development. 
• An opportunity to be part of an inspiring, global, internal and external network of professionals, eager to make data-driven development work. 
• € 250 per month plus travel costs.

How to apply

Think you’ve got what it takes? Click the link below to send your motivation letter and resume (including references) in PDF to Jochem van Berne. The closing date for this application is 30 June 2021. 

At Akvo, we are looking for a talented graphic designer with creative flair, originality, a strong visual eye and a passion for developing and sharing  great stuff for the global good.

About you

Openness and communications are at the heart of what we do at Akvo and how things look is a major part of that. You’ll work closely with our Art director (based in the UK) on a diverse set of marketing and communications projects. We have a few special projects in mind like developing an icon set or creating motion graphics. You’ll also help us to push our visual brand forward and assist with the design of presentation decks, website visuals, printed materials and more.  We work in a distributed team which means a highly proactive, self-motivated, ‘can do’ attitude is essential. 

You’ll be part of our international Marketing and Communications team and report to our head of marketing and communications.

Key responsibilities

• You will work on a special project like motion graphics or an icon set.
• Adhere to and champion our brand guidelines. Assist in the further development of Akvo’s visual brand
• Turn briefs into concepts and concepts into well structured designs
• Design infographics
• Lay out documents
• Keep our presentation slides up to date
• Prepare files for web and print
• Liaise with printers

Key competencies and skills

You are a graphic design student with:

• A strong graphic design portfolio
• Excellent English, including the ability to interpret a written brief
• Proficient in InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop (Adobe CC)
• Good working knowledge of Google drive, docs and slides
• An eye for detail

It would be nice if you also had some of these competencies:

• Put together well balanced moodboards
• Other creative skills, for instance: Illustration, motion design, 3D design, photography, sketching, styling, interior design, etc.

What we offer

• An opportunity to work in the field of data, technology and international development,  in a creative, mission-driven and entrepreneurial environment.
• Interesting, varied and creative projects to work on.
• Ample opportunity to shape your own professional development, as well as playing a vital role in shaping Akvo’s visual style.
• An opportunity to be part of an inspiring, global network of professionals, eager to make data-driven decision-making work. 
• € 250 per month plus travel costs.

How to apply

Think you’ve got what it takes? Click the link below to send your motivation letter and resume (including references) in PDF to Linda Leunissen. The closing date for this application is 30 June 2021.