Aqua for All is a foundation working towards providing sustainable access to safe drinking water and good sanitation for all (Sustainable Development Goal – SDG 6) in Africa and Asia. With over 20 years of experience, we support local entrepreneurs on their scaling pathway by offering funding and access to the water sector expert network and to financiers and impact investors.
As we are strengthening our Management Team, we are looking for a:
Lead People & Process
36 hours per week – based in The Hague, the Netherlands
Aqua for All strives to create a sustainable and inclusive water and sanitation economy worldwide. We believe innovations, scalable solutions and access to capital are instrumental to overcome the current service delivery and finance gaps. Aqua for All bridges these gaps by supporting market-based solutions to become viable and to scale.
Since mid-2019, Aqua for All is leading the “Making Water Count’’ programme in partnership with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which will last until mid-2024. The programme aims to achieve higher impact and mobilise public and private investments for effective water and sanitation solutions for low-income households. Under this programme, we deploy grant funding – amongst others – in selected innovative, blended finance structures targeting local SMEs and financial institutions.
Your opportunity
We are looking for a dynamic candidate with a strong focus on process optimization, people management, and effective organizational operations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing and improving processes, fostering a positive work environment, and optimizing operational efficiency. Additionally, familiarity with the water and sanitation sector would be a plus.
You are responsible for people and culture, and operational excellence within the internal organisation. You support the leaders and employees in their development, creating a great place to work where employees can showcase their qualities and make daily processes qualitative, easy and accessible. You work closely with the other members of the Management Team to contribute to strategic thinking and sound decision making of the organisation whereas you report to our Managing Director.
This exciting role includes the following responsibilities:
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People & Culture
- Initiator of people topics and building a people & culture role within the organisation, based on relevant developments in the labour market.
- Translating the values and experience of working at Aqua for All to an employer brand that continues to attract suitable candidates.
- Develop people products and implement effective practices, like recruitment performance development, leadership, and learning & development.
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Quality management and ISO certification
- Develop quality management processes and procedures supporting the objective of the organisation, aligned with ISO certification standards.
- Establish and oversee organisation processes related to policy, planning, and control, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and industry best practices.
- Monitor and enhance quality management systems for project financing, exclusion lists, complaints handling, supplier reliability, AVG (General Data Protection Regulation), and customer satisfaction.
- Conduct (internal) ISO audits, including audit planning and execution on norm elements, management reviews, registration of improvement measures, and compliance with laws and regulations related to health and safety, RI&E, BHV, AVG.
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Operational management and coordination
- Manage office operations and operational people processes (like in-through and outflow), ensuring a smooth employee experience.
- Work closely and coordinate with the Lead Finance to ensure seamless execution of contracting, project approval, and project control activities, fostering collaboration and alignment between the two roles.
- Exercise end responsibility for contracting processes, ensuring informed choices and approval of project decisions aligned with our finance in WASH priorities.
- Lead and coach the People & Process team, fostering a positive work environment, promoting collaboration, setting performance objectives, and facilitating professional development.
What you bring
- A Bachelor or Master degree in a HRM or business-related study;
- 8+ years of experience in a similar role including managing a team;
- Experience in quality management and ISO certification processes.
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Strong affinity with international development in general and the mission of Aqua for All in particular;
- Ability to work collaboratively with others by demonstrating flexibility and openness to diverse approaches;
- Strong affinity with international development in general and the mission of Aqua for All in particular;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English;
- Residence or working permit for EU countries.
Our offering
- A position in a professional and diverse team of 30 experienced colleagues based in The Hague, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Dhaka and Bamako;
- A challenging position with room for your own ideas and personal development;
- A one-year contract with possibility of extension;
- A competitive remuneration following the salary scales of the Dutch government (‘CAO Rijk’);
- A flexible workspace as we combine working from home and from our great office in The Hague.
Interested to apply?
You can send your application by email to: info@aquaforall.org. Please include “Lead People & Process’’ in the subject line and share your motivation letter and CV.