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 organisations 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.
At Akvo, we help governments, NGOs, and development agencies use data to solve the world’s most pressing challenges in water, agriculture, and climate resilience.
Job description and responsibilities
We are seeking a Global Business Development & Consulting Lead to join our senior management team. This is a pivotal leadership role that combines consultative business development, strategic relationship-building, and solution design. The successful candidate will have the ability to independently drive consulting engagements, foster long-term partnerships, and expand our global impact. We are looking for a global Business Development (BD) lead, based in Nairobi. You are focused on BD, familiar with the UN network, have approx. 12+ years of expertise in one (or multiple) sectors we serve, and possess solid consulting skills. You will be responsible for developing business globally, building and nurturing key (UN) partnerships, and advising on project execution as necessary. You will work closely with other international BD members, sector leads, and the BD support & marcomms teams.
Responsibilities
- Lead consultative selling and business development efforts in water, agriculture, and climate.
- Build and grow a pipeline of strategic opportunities leading to large-scale partnerships and funded initiatives.
- Proactively identify, qualify, develop, and nurture strategic partnerships with donors, multilaterals, governments, philanthropies, impact investors, and businesses.
- Represent the organisation globally as a thought leader and senior advisor on design, data, and technology for development.
- Work closely with the management team to shape strategy, ensure alignment with organisational goals, and contribute to overall leadership.
- Lead consulting engagements in the area of impact, policy, and service design to understand, scope, and align information needs and co- create effective (data) solutions.
- Supervise a team between 5 – 10 senior people to achieve your objectives.
Key competencies and skills
- A track record of business development/setting up strategic partnerships with donors, philanthropies, impact investors, and multilaterals. Experience working with or alongside multilateral institutions (UN, World Bank, etc.) preferred.
- Excellent content knowledge in at least one relevant sector (water, environmental science, climate adaptation) and the ability to credibly engage with senior technical and policy stakeholders.
- Strong track record of consultative selling and designing engagements that lead to long-term partnerships.
- Design:
- programme design (impact strategy and change pathways),
- policy design (policy briefs, using data to make policy plugs).
- Consultative selling:
- understanding pain points of a client,
- helping clients sharpen problem statements,
- co-designing a solution.
- Design:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in environmental sciences, water resources management, or similar.
- At least 12 years of experience in fundraising, consulting and building partnerships with donors and multilaterals (e.g. UNEP, UNICEF) in the area of water, agriculture, climate, or related sectors. A track record of raising funding from philanthropies and/or impact investors will be considered an advantage.
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously while collaborating effectively within a diverse global team.
- Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building/client nurturing skills.
- Problem solving skills and an ability to think on your feet.
- Able to communicate confidently with both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Innovative thinker who can creatively co-create out-of-the-box solutions with client teams.
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.
We’re an international, mission-driven team using data to accelerate progress toward the SDGs. You’ll join a collaborative, innovative environment where you’ll have the freedom to try new ideas, the support to make them work, and the platform to share them with the world.
What we offer
- A senior leadership role with direct influence on organizational strategy and impact.
- The opportunity to shape transformative initiatives at the intersection of design, data, and technology and drive impact with global reach.
- A 1 year employment or contractor contract with a possibility of extension based on performance
- 100% FTE position
- An opportunity to be a part of Akvo’s management team and steer the organisation on a growth path
- A competitive salary in line with the market
- Contribute to our mission: unlocking the power of data to boost sustainable development
- A unique chance to work in an open, ambitious, collaborative environment with very dedicated people that aim to have a positive impact on the world
How to apply
Akvo works with a diverse and international team and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups. If you feel you are the right fit for this position, we highly encourage you to apply.
Location: Based in or willing to relocate to Nairobi (preferred)
