To strengthen our team, we are looking for a Lead Impact & Knowledge
As Lead Impact & Knowledge, you will define and drive a strategic vision aligned with our organisation’s mission, strengthening the capabilities needed to implement and operationalise our impact system for programmes in collaboration with funders. Your leadership will empower the Aqua for All teams to develop and close high-impact transactions and innovations that truly transform the market.
In this role, you will gather, interpret, and effectively communicate data, results, knowledge, and key learnings to our diverse range of stakeholders. We are looking for a flexible, hands-on leader who will guide Aqua for All on strategic, social, and environmental development impact management, with a strong focus on climate and gender inclusion.
As Lead Impact & Knowledge, you will guide and develop a team of highly engaged and experienced development impact and knowledge experts. Through coaching, mentorship, knowledge sharing, motivation, and strategic direction, you will foster their professional growth and maximize their effectiveness in driving Aqua for All’s mission forward.
Under your leadership, the team will play a critical role in supporting fundraising proposals, including strategic initiatives such as applications to the Green Climate Fund (GCF). You will work closely with the broader Aqua for All team, building strong, collaborative relationships both internally and externally, ensuring seamless coordination between our teams in the Netherlands, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
This position is part of Aqua for All’s leadership team, reporting directly to the Managing Director.
Responsibilities
- Develop the impact system, including defining impact metrics, measurement tools and methodologies to set standards for monitoring and evaluation, building upon our existing Theory of Change.
- Lead (impact) evaluations and field assessments.
- Craft compelling narratives and provide evidence to support communications, donor reporting and proposal development, with a strong focus on social and environmental impact of partnerships and transactions in external markets.
- Strengthen strategic engagement with external stakeholders.
- Drive the development of Annual Plans, Strategic Plans and Project reports.
- Lead Aqua for All’s positioning as a thought leader in social and environmental development impact and ESG, advocating for sustainable change.to strategically position social and environmental development impact and ESG.
- Support the Fundraising and Investor Solution team in developing programme proposals by providing detailed input.
- Serve as an expert advisor in specific trajectories and technical committees related to transactions, including engagement with impact investors and financial institutions.
Leadership Responsibilities:
- Lead Aqua for All in building knowledge and facilitating knowledge-sharing activities related to development impact, water, sanitation, and climate, ensuring thought leadership in these areas.
- Guide the Impact & Knowledge team in reviewing and supporting the development of impact incentives and requirements within impact finance structures, partnerships, and transactions.
- Shape strategic priorities for SDG 6, climate change, and gender, integrating them into proposals, transactions, and knowledge products to drive meaningful impact.
- Support sanitation and water experts, ensuring alignment with policy and priorities while assisting transaction managers in adhering to best practice ESG standards for high-performance projects.
- Foster and maintain a collaborative culture, promoting teamwork among all internal stakeholders to enhance the delivery of impactful products and services.
- Play a key role in setting the organisation’s strategic direction, working alongside the Leadership team to define priorities and long-term impact goals.
- Manage and mentor team members, providing guidance, coaching, and support to foster professional growth and overall effectiveness.
Key Competencies
- Ability to define a clear long-term vision and develop effective strategies to achieve it, aligning decisions with organisational goals.
- Creativity – Skilled at developing innovative partnerships and solutions, fostering continuous improvement and fresh ideas.
- Entrepreneurship – Proactively identifying opportunities for growth, driving initiatives, and implementing innovative solutions.
- Coaching Leadership – Guiding and supporting team members through mentorship, constructive feedback, and tailored development.
- Organisational Sensitivity – Demonstrates emotional intelligence and cultural awareness to foster collaboration and teamwork.
- Analytical Ability – Strong critical thinking and data analysis skills for informed decision-making and strategic problem-solving.
Job Requirements
- 8+ years of relevant experience, including 2+ years managing teams.
- Master’s degree in an impact or business-related field.
- Proven experience in impact & ESG management, programme management in water, sanitation, and climate sectors.
- Expertise in water and sanitation value chains for impact and scalability.
- In-depth knowledge of climate and gender strategies, frameworks, methodologies, and analytical assessments.
- Strong understanding of programme management principles and high-performance culture building.
- Experience in impact measurement, setting standards, and data-driven decision-making.
- Excellent communication & collaboration skills (English, preferably Dutch) to translate insights into actionable recommendations and engage stakeholders.
- Commitment to fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, mentorship, and team development.
Salary Scale
CAO Rijk, Scale 13
Application Process
Send your cover letter (max. 1 page) and CV (max. 2 pages) to info@aquaforall.org. Applicants must have a Dutch residence or work permit.
Deadline: 6 June 2025. Subject line: Lead Impact & Knowledge. For questions, contact Oluali Titelman at o.titelman@aquaforall.org.