Tech4Dev Lead

About CGA Technologies

CGA Technologies is a UK-based international development consultancy firm founded in 2011, focused on delivering scalable and sustainable technology systems and technical assistance that support countries toward achieving their development goals. We currently have operations in DRC, Mali, Sierra Leone, Malawi and South Sudan although our team and project footprint extends much further.

In collaboration with governments, the private sector, civil society, and local communities, we work to create sustainable change by transforming national systems and services in the countries we work in to be more accountable, inclusive, and accessible. Our goal is also to empower individuals and communities to access essential services and resources, helping break the cycle of poverty.

CGA Technologies is part of Corus International, an ensemble of organisations working together to provide holistic, lasting solutions to complex development challenges. Through this collaboration, along with governments and local partners, we reduce poverty and improve health outcomes in the communities we serve.

About the Role

As the Technology4Development (Tech4Dev) Lead, you will play a pivotal role as a member of CGA’s Senior Management Team, overseeing the technical strategy, design, development, and implementation of technology solutions for international development projects. You will lead a talented team of technical professionals (software developers and business analysts) spread across multiple continents, ensure alignment between client needs and product deliverables, and drive innovation to address global development challenges.

Your role primarily involves i) product management; ii) coordination and management of members of the technology team; iii) delivery of services to clients as a business analyst and data specialist; iv) development of technological strategy and corresponding processes.

The role demands exceptional leadership, clear vision, strong technical acumen, and the ability to navigate the intersection of technology and international development for maximum positive impact in a fast-paced and diverse environment. You will be working with colleagues and clients to deliver impact across continents with significant opportunity to travel.

Key Responsibilities

1. Product Management

• Take responsibility for the overall success of key agreed technology products (primarily ‘3D’), ensuring they meet client and user needs, drive value within the development sector and grow organisational revenue.
• Ensure products are delivered to a high quality, focusing on usability, scalability, and long-term sustainability to include both the system itself and the package of services to allow clients to implement the system effectively
• Facilitate technical discussions, decisions and modifications, including selecting tools, approaches, and platforms necessary for successful product development.
• Strategise, plan and manage the product team to ensure products are launched successfully and meet performance expectations with corresponding training and technical support.
• Manage the portfolio of projects related to the products that you are responsible for, keeping track of team utilisation, expenditure and revenue.
• Ensure the future success of the team by continuous improvement of product management, development and maintenance processes.

2. Coordination and Management of Technological Personnel:

• Line management of key members of technology and product team.
• Responsible for coordinating and supervising the technology team overall to ensure high performance and skill development.
• Supported by HR and senior technological colleagues (e.g. software architects), responsible for leading processes for the recruitment, training and development of technology team members.
• Provide support, coaching and motivation to the team members, ensuring they have the resources and tools needed to do the job.

3. Delivery and quality assurance to clients of business analysis and digital data management services

• Take responsibility as the main project manager for selected contracts (ordinarily related to your products), developing and monitoring budgets and workplans, ensuring that the agreed services are delivered to a high standard.
• Further development and quality assurance over approaches taken in services delivered in line with evolving best practice.
• Support the project delivery teams with expert advice and in some cases increasing your personal involvment in project delivery to, overcome obstacles manage risk.
• Provide technical input during proposal stages to ensure the alignment of project scope with client and funder goals and support colleagues in developing associated costings.
• Serve as an internal resource when required to inform technical design and approaches on other projects within CGA and Corus more widely.

4. Development and oversight of Technology4Development strategy and engagement

• Monitor evolving technologies, trends and practices in order to ensure that the company adheres to best practice, identifies important opportunities to innovate, where appropriate using emerging technology in data science, management and AI.
• Support organisational revenue growth further developing and overseeing delivery of CGA’s Technology4Development approach and ensuring that this is reflected in company strategy overall and any implications for the business model in this area.
• Increase CGA’s external engagement and influence in the Technology4Development sector, representing CGA’s products and impact.

About You

You are an impact- and results-driven, highly organised, and process-oriented professional who excels in managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. You possess a strong vision and passion for leveraging technology to drive meaningful development impact and can work effectively across various sectors, including education, social protection, monitoring and evaluation, agriculture, and health. With exceptional leadership skills and a solutions-oriented mindset, you foster collaborative environments that ensures the success of your team and the governments and communities the projects serve. You embody the ethos of our organisation, ensuring that the technology solutions developed are not only impactful but aligned with our Positive Business, Ethics, and Conduct (PBEC) policies.

Essential Skills and Qualities:

• Excellent Management and Leadership Skills: Proven ability to manage teams effectively, ensuring timely delivery of projects while maintaining a high standard of quality. Capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously, even in high-pressure situations.
• Excellent Communication: Strong verbal/interpersonal and written communication skills to effectively explain complex technical requirements and processes to non-technical stakeholders, simplify processes, contribute to proposal development and ensure clear expectations.
• Strong Technical Abilities: Deep knowledge of the software development lifecycle, including web, mobile, and software applications. Proficient in understanding system architecture, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring data security and best practices in technology implementations. Experience in using data analytics tools and frameworks for monitoring and evaluating the impact of development projects.
• Ability to Multitask: Able to juggle multiple projects, meet deadlines, and manage shifting priorities while maintaining attention to detail. Strong organisational skills are essential to ensure smooth workflow across teams and projects.
• Problem-Solving: Solutions oriented and skilled at identifying and resolving complex technical and operational challenges. Skilled in analysing issues, developing solutions, and executing practical plans to overcome obstacles efficiently.

Required Experience and Expertise:

• A degree with corresponding technical knowledge in a relevant field such as software development (e.g., computer engineering, computer science, software development), international development or data science/statistics, or equivalent experience in the technology, data management and international development sectors.
• At least 7 years of experience in managing technical teams, with a proven track record of leading successful technology-driven development projects in a managerial or leadership capacity.
• Proven problem-solving experience as a consultant, business analyst or another advisory role with an emphasis on implementation and delivery as well as design.
• Experience in overseeing large-scale technology projects, particularly those with a social or developmental focus. Comfortable working in an agile environment and managing the full project lifecycle.
• Solid understanding of the challenges faced by marginalised communities and the potential for technology to drive positive social change through holistic programming and in sectors such as education, social protection, and agriculture.
• Strong track record of engaging with clients and stakeholders at all levels, including NGOs, institutional funders, government agencies, and private sector partners, to ensure project success.
• Strong people and team management skills and experience, including managing colleagues from diverse technical and cultural backgrounds who work remotely.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Knowledge of and interest in monitoring, understanding and leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, or big data analytics for development solutions.
• Demonstrated commercial acumen within for profit and/or not for profit environments. Including experience in financial planning, including cost estimation for technology solutions, personnel, training, and operational expenses. Proven ability to monitor budgets, prepare financial reports, ensure funder compliance, and identify opportunities for cost optimisation while managing financial risks.
• Experience working in international development contexts or with teams and organisations in the global south.
• Familiarity with agile development practices and project management frameworks.
• Proficiency in additional languages (e.g., French, Spanish) is a plus.

Location

The position is flexible and can be based in a location where CGA or Corus colleagues are based, providing sufficient connectivity to perform the job effectively. Some travel will be required to support country teams and build relationships with partners.

Contract Terms

This is a full-time position, reporting to the Managing Director and serving as a member of CGA’s Senior Management Team.