To strengthen our team, we are looking for a Lead Impact & Knowledge
The role
As Lead Impact & Knowledge you will be responsible for enabling the Aqua for All team to develop and close impactful transactions and innovations that are truly changing the market. Your team gathers and interprets impact data and supports the communication of the results, knowledge and learnings to Aqua for All’s wide range of stakeholders. You seek to continuously improve the capabilities needed to implement and operationalise the impact system for our programmes. Furthermore, you will lead and develop a team of engaged and experienced development impact and knowledge experts. This includes coaching, mentorship, knowledge sharing, motivation, and strategic direction, fostering their professional growth and effectiveness. Under your leadership, the team will provide support to fundraising proposals and reporting to donors.
Working with the wider Aqua for All team, you develop collaborative working relationships both inside and outside the organisation. You will work closely with Aqua for All’s teams in the Netherlands, Kenya and Ethiopia. The Lead Impact & Knowledge reports to the Managing Director and is part of the leadership team; setting the strategic direction of Aqua for All, together with our other team leads.
We are looking for a flexible and hands-on candidate, who will lead Aqua for All in advancing strategic, social, and environmental impact management, with a strong focus on climate action and gender equality.
Responsibilities
- Lead the work of Aqua for All to continue to strategically position social and environmental development impact and ESG, as well as lead on the strategic priorities of SDG 6 and climate change aspects as well as gender aspects.
- For programmes with new funders and partners, develop the impact system, including developing impact metrics, measurement tools and methodologies to set standards for monitoring and evaluation, based on our existing Theory of Change.
- Provide the narrative and evidence to support Aqua for All to strategically engage with external stakeholders.
- Support our fundraising efforts to develop proposals to institutional donors by co-writing proposals and providing detailed input.
- Support production of relevant and strategic knowledge products for external engagements, events and conferences and online communication channels.
- Lead on writing the Annual Plans, Strategic Plans and Project reports.
- Act as expert in specific advisory trajectories and technical committees related to transactions, including work with impact investors and financial institutions.
- Lead Aqua for All with knowledge building and knowledge sharing activities related to development impact, water, sanitation and climate.
- Lead the Impact & Knowledge team to review and support the development of impact incentives and/or requirements in impact finance structures, partnerships and transactions.
- Lead the specific experts on sanitation and water to support the project managers and work on policy and priorities to align Aqua for All with best practice ESG standards and allow for high performance projects.
- Setting the strategic direction of the organisation together with the Leadership team.
- Team management and providing mentorship to team members.
Key Competencies
- Vision/Strategic Thinking: Capability to support the creation and articulation of a clear, long-term vision, and to develop and implement effective strategies to achieve that vision. It involves the ability to think strategically, set goals, and make decisions aligned with the overall direction of an organization or initiative.
- Creativity: Ability to think creatively and develop innovative partnerships and solutions to complex problems, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and fresh ideas within the organization.
- Entrepreneurship: Proactive approach to identifying and pursuing opportunities for program development and growth. Willingness to take initiative and drive innovative solutions to address program challenges.
- Coaching leadership: Ability to guide and support team members in their work and professional development, helping them reach their full potential through constructive feedback, mentorship, and tailored support.
- Organisational sensitivity: Demonstrates emotional intelligence and cultural awareness, adapting communication and collaboration styles to navigate organizational dynamics and foster effective teamwork.
- Analytical ability: Demonstrates strong analytical skills to critically assess complex problems, analyse data, and make informed decisions, contributing to effective problem-solving and strategic planning.
Job requirements
- 8+ years of relevant working experience
- 2+ years of experience in managing teams
- Proven experience in impact and ESG management and measurement and program management in water, sanitation and climate sectors.
- Expertise in water and sanitation value chains to drive impact and scalability (preferred).
- In-depth knowledge of climate and gender strategies, frameworks and methodologies, solutions, and their analytical assessment.
- Experience in developing impact management and measurement tools, setting standards, and utilizing data for decision-making.
- Dedication to fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, mentoring and team development.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills (in English and preferably also in Dutch).
- Ability to translate insights into actionable recommendations and engage partners & sector stakeholders.
Salary scale CAO Rijk
Scale 13
Interested to apply?
Please send your application with a cover letter (max. 1 page) and CV (max. 2 pages) to: info@aquaforall.org. For this position you need a Dutch residence or working permit.
Please mention ‘Vacancy Lead Impact & Knowledge’ in the subject line of your email. If you have any questions about the position please reach out to Oluali Titelman (o.titelman@aquaforall.org)