Key Skills

Job Description

Akvo is looking for two Supervisory Board members to help guide its next phase of development. Joining the Board offers an opportunity to contribute to an organisation making a meaningful impact worldwide, while working alongside a committed and engaged international team. We particularly welcome expertise in fundraising and strategic partnerships, and/or data and technology for development. This is an unpaid role, involving three to five meetings a year and approximately 60 hours annually. About Akvo Akvo is an independent non-profit that uses data and technology to address the world’s most pressing challenges in water, agriculture and climate. We work with governments, private sector and other organisations across Africa, America and Asia Pacific. We are entering a new phase, focused on accelerating our impact and diversifying our funding. Our Supervisory Board provides independent oversight and strategic advice as we pursue these ambitions. The role Akvo operates under a Supervisory Board model. The Executive Board, currently consisting of the CEO, is responsible for the organisation’s management, strategy and performance. The Supervisory Board provides oversight, advises the Executive Board and fulfils the employer role towards it. Our Supervisory Board currently has two members. We are seeking two new members who bring complementary expertise, backgrounds and perspectives. Together, Board members: Oversee the organisation’s strategy, performance, financial health and risk management. Review and approve strategic plans and decisions requiring Supervisory Board approval. Appoint and evaluate the Executive Board and, where necessary, decide on its dismissal. Act as a critical and constructive sounding board for the Executive Board. Who we are looking for You bring senior leadership, governance or board experience, combined with an affinity with Akvo’s mission and the international development sector. You demonstrate sound judgement and can operate independently and critically. You understand the governance, quality, continuity and sustainability requirements of an international non-profit organisation and have excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas: Fundraising and donor relations: institutional funding, an understanding of changing donor priorities and funding models, and preferably experience with private fundraising. Strategic partnerships: experience building partnerships and a relevant network in international development. Data and technology: knowledge of digital transformation and the use of data and technology for development. We welcome complementary profiles; individual candidates are not expected to cover all these areas. Practical information The Supervisory Board meets three to five times a year with the Executive Board. Board meetings can be held online, in a hybrid format or in person. Including preparation and occasional additional activities, the expected time commitment is approximately 60 hours per year. The position is unpaid. Reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out Board duties will be reimbursed. How to apply Please send your motivation letter and CV to [email protected] by November 30, 2026. For more information or an informal conversation with Rob de Vos, Chair of the Supervisory Board, or Ingrid Plag, Supervisory Board member, please email [email protected] with your telephone number and availability. We will call you back.

Core Responsibilities

Provide independent oversight and strategic advice on Akvo’s strategy, performance, financial health, and risk management. Review and approve strategic plans, appoint and evaluate the Executive Board, and serve as a constructive sounding board.

Requirements

Candidates should bring senior leadership, governance, or board experience, sound independent judgment, and an affinity with Akvo’s mission and international development. Relevant expertise may include fundraising and donor relations, strategic partnerships, or data and technology for development; candidates are not expected to cover every area.

Benefits

• Reimbursement of Reasonable Expenses