Job opening at ActionAid International

ActionAid International is seeking a highly strategic and experienced Head of Technology to lead and shape the organization’s global technology landscape.

Job Title: Head of Technology
Location: Global
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £79,842.00 annually
Closing Date: 26 February 2026

This pivotal role is responsible for steering digital transformation, ensuring the security and efficiency of IT operations, and aligning technological investments with the organization’s mission and growth objectives.

About the Role

The Head of Technology will oversee the technology function for the Global Secretariat (GS) and the broader federation, driving innovations in platform, application, and infrastructure delivery.

As a member of the GS International Leadership Team, this role acts as a strategic partner to global and regional technology teams, fostering collaboration and driving forward-thinking solutions that support ActionAid’s core values and operational goals.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Digital Transformation

Develop and execute a comprehensive IT roadmap aligned with organizational growth and transformation goals.
Lead modernization initiatives, including cloud adoption, automation, and emerging technological trends like artificial intelligence.
Drive digital transformation projects that improve operational efficiency, data management, and service delivery.

Operational Management

Oversee all IT operations for the Global Secretariat, ensuring system reliability, robustness, and resilience.
Maintain and enhance cybersecurity measures to protect data, personnel, and systems.

Ensure compliance with industry standards such as GDPR and ISO 27001 while implementing security policies, standards, and procedures.
Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans to safeguard organizational assets.

Cybersecurity and Compliance

Maintain a proactive cybersecurity posture, regularly updating security protocols aligned with evolving threats.
Ensure compliance with global data protection regulations and standards.
Lead efforts to embed security and compliance into organizational culture and processes.

Leadership and Collaboration

Act as a strategic partner within the GS International Leadership Team.
Collaborate with regional and global teams to develop technology solutions that meet diverse operational needs.
Promote a culture of innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Who We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of strategic vision, operational expertise, and a commitment to organizational values, including feminist leadership principles.

Essential Skills and Experience

Proven strategic leadership skills with experience in managing complex IT functions at a global level.
Extensive experience in IT operations, infrastructure management, and modernisation initiatives such as cloud computing, automation, and AI.
Deep understanding of cybersecurity and compliance frameworks, including GDPR, ISO 27001, and other relevant standards.

Demonstrated ability to develop and execute IT roadmaps that align with organizational growth and transformation strategies.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, influence, and collaborate across diverse teams and stakeholders.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities.

Technical Knowledge

Expertise in cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices.
Experience in disaster recovery planning and business continuity management.
Familiarity with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and their practical applications in organizational settings.

Personal Attributes

Commitment to ActionAid’s values and ethos, including feminist leadership principles.
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to challenges.

Additional Information

Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date.
ActionAid International reserves the right to withdraw this vacancy at any time.
We do not accept unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies.
This role offers a competitive salary of £79,842.00 per annum.

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How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit their curriculum vitae (CV) and a covering letter through the application portal. Please CLICK HERE to start your application process.

Application Deadline: 17.00 GMT on Thursday, 26 February 2026.

In your covering letter, clearly outline your suitability against the essential criteria listed in the job profile. Ensure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially related to strategic IT leadership, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.

Please review your application carefully to confirm you meet all the essential criteria before submitting. Only candidates with the legal right to work in the specified locations (Johannesburg, London, Nairobi) will be considered.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

About ActionAid International

ActionAid is a global movement of people working together to further human rights and end poverty worldwide. We believe in a just world that advances gender equality and human rights, and we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment.

To learn more about us, please visit Who we are | ActionAid International.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

ActionAid is dedicated to safeguarding the safety, well-being, and rights of all staff, beneficiaries, and partners. We prioritize recruiting candidates who uphold our policies on SHEA (Safety, Health, Environment, and Action) and safeguarding.

Important: We do not ask for payment from candidates at any stage of the recruitment process.

ActionAid International is hiring: Head of Technology (Global)

Job Description