About Accion:

Accion is a global nonprofit committed to creating a financially inclusive world, with a pioneering legacy in microfinance and fintech impact investing. We catalyze financial service providers to deliver high-quality, affordable solutions at scale for the three billion people who are left out of — or poorly served by — the financial sector. For nearly 60 years, Accion has helped tens of millions of people through our work with more than 160 partners in 55 countries. More at http://www.accion.org. 

Position Summary 

Accion is seeking a VP, Global Technology to lead and manage Accion’s global technology functions and staff. They will own the enterprise systems and solutions strategy and define Accion’s technology infrastructure to provide an effective and secure operating environment for hardware, software applications and communications.  The VP, Global Technology will work at the enterprise level and with all departments in achieving efficiency goals through technology solution improvements via cloud software systems or internal system development. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in digital modernization, cyber security and SAAS solutions to help define and implement Accion’s technology to support and advance the organizational strategy.

Position Responsibilities 

IT Strategy & Governance:

• Work across Accion teams to understand departmental needs to define the Accion enterprise solution architecture.
• Bring domain expertise in technical strategy, digital platforms solutions, data management, and technical operations to actively participate in the definition and implementation of Accion’s technology strategy to be aligned to organizational strategic plans.
• Identify, compare, select, and implement technology solutions to meet current and future organizational needs. Optimize solutions for efficacy, security, cost and to reduce duplication.
• Develop and manage technology partnerships and external relationships.
• Keep abreast of new trends and best practices in the technology landscape. Research and introduce best-in-class technologies and system methodologies to improve overall business performance.
• Work with business units and departments to understand their needs and offer cost effective and efficient technology solutions to achieve business goals.
• Create overall technology standards and practices and ensure adherence.

IT Operations & Management:

• Keep global IT operations, systems, and infrastructure in order, develop and enforce existing and updated IT operational procedures; conduct regularly scheduled audit (internal or external) to make sure all developed processes are being followed.
• Ensure security of data, network access and backup systems.
• Develop and manage IT budget (IT architecture and strategic technology planning).
• Develop, train, lead and supervise the performance of the IT unit and staff. Assess need for outside consultant support as required.
• Monitor the use and implementation of new and existing technologies across departments. Hold sessions to train employees on new systems and features.
• Develop and update Corporate Business Continuity Planning. IT strategy and Enterprise Resource Planning; manage audit and conduct mock exercises annually.
• Manage consultant and technology vendor relationships; oversee procurement and inventory control of technologies, equipment, and services.
• Oversee systems architecture and all IT application development whether in-house or sourced.

Position Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in a Science, Engineering, or Technology field or a bachelor's degree with a minimum of fifteen (15+) or more years of experience.
• 12+ years of experience leading organizational and programmatic technology initiatives.
• Strategic thinking and strong business acumen are essential.
• Well-versed in current technological trends and familiar with a variety of business concepts.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, make presentations and be highly proficient with modern computer software tools.
• Effective negotiation and vendor management skills; ability to influence and persuade others.
• Hands-on experience with complex project management. 
• Demonstrated experience with influencing thought leadership in IT Modernization initiatives.
• Interested in our mission and working globally.
• Willingness to embody our values of excellence, respect and passion for social change.
  • Excellence: Accion staff should always put forth their best effort in all activities, strive for high quality of collective and individual performance; and demonstrate honesty and integrity at all times while in the workplace and while working on behalf of the organization.
  • Respect: Accion staff should value one another’s roles and responsibilities as much as their own, be encouraging, and value the diverse and unique perspectives of colleagues. They should honor obligations and commitments to each other and to external partners.
  • Passion for Social Change: Accion staff should be committed to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate, value the greater good of the organization over personal gain, and promote a productive workplace by acknowledging the accomplishments of others.