Technology is critical in how programs are delivered, monitored, and scaled. Yet, accessing and retaining the right technology talent to drive this transformation is a challenge we have all faced.
At Project Tech4Dev, through initiatives like the Fractional CxO (fCxO) program, we’ve seen the difference that strong technology leadership can make. At the same time, we’ve learned that while impactful, high-touch models alone are difficult to scale.
To address this gap, we are launching the Technology Leadership Development Cohort, an extension of the fCxO program, and are inviting NGOs to apply.
What is the Technology Leadership Development Cohort?
The cohort is a 12-month program where experienced technologists with 5–15 years of experience are embedded full-time within NGOs to work on real, high-priority challenges across data, AI, and digital systems.
A tech leader is assigned to one NGO and will work closely with the NGO’s team during this period. The intent is to bridge the gap between recognizing the need for technology and implementing it by placing an experienced technologist within the NGO who can move from intent to execution and build solutions tailored to your specific use cases and organizational needs. The tech leader will primarily work remotely, with periodic in-person visits to the NGO’s office or field locations, and will be supported throughout by Tech4Dev’s fCxO network.
What it means for NGOs
1. Access experienced technology talent: Hiring mid- to senior-level tech talent is often difficult and time-consuming. This program gives organizations direct access to experienced professionals who can advance their tech priorities.
2. Strengthen internal capacity: Beyond building solutions, the tech leader would work closely with your team to ensure knowledge transfer and long-term sustainability.
3. Structured support and mentorship: With fCxO mentors guiding both the leader and your organization, you receive strategic and hands-on support throughout the journey.
4. Enable meaningful engagement for tech leaders: The NGOs should ensure that the technologists work on real, high-impact problems and can clearly see the outcomes of their work. This would help them build conviction and consider a longer-term transition into the social sector.
How it works
- You fill out a form to share details of your organization’s technology/data needs, vision, and plans.
- We evaluate submissions and select NGOs that best meet the program criteria.
- We will assign a seasoned technology professional who works closely with your team by June.
This tech leader works closely with the NGO leadership to:
- Define technology and data strategy (if needed)
- Refine the tech vision and identify tactical elements (build vs reuse, partners, etc.)
- Set up engineering processes for solution development and rollout
- Act as a hands-on technologist (tech lead/architect) where needed
- Advise on best practices around data security, privacy, and consent
- Support hiring and building your internal tech team
We would be running weekly check-ins across all embedded tech leaders to enable peer learning. The Tech4Dev fCxO team will mentor and support them closely throughout the process.
Expectations from NGOs
- Core program and data systems at the NGO are relatively stable
- NGO leaders show a strong commitment to investing time and resources in tech and data
- Tech/Data/AI is a top 3 priority for the organization
- The CEO/COO actively drives the engagement (especially in the initial phase)
- Openness to cross-team collaboration and field exposure
- The tech leader will need to spend time across different layers of the organization and conduct a few field visits as needed, which the NGO will enable.
- Tech4Dev will continue to support NGOs as they transition to building internal teams or working with software partners.
- The NGO contributes ~1/3rd of the cost, with Tech4Dev covering the remaining 2/3rd. The expected cost for a full-time tech leader on NGO side is ₹50-65K/month in the first year.
- Most engagement will be remote, with in-person meetings based on need and feasibility. NGOs are expected to cover travel and lodging costs where applicable.
How to apply
- You can read about the Technology leadership cohort on our blog, and about our thinking on the program here.
- You can read about the fractional CxO program and some of our learnings on Fractional CxO on our blog.
- Please fill out our form here, and we will get back to you in 3 business days.
- Applications will close by mid-May
