Application Guide
How to Apply for Chief Strategy & Scale Officer
at IDinsight
🏢 About IDinsight
IDinsight is a global nonprofit that uses data, evidence, and technology to improve lives at scale, partnering with governments and NGOs in low- and middle-income countries. Working here means contributing to high-impact decisions that shape policies and programs, with a strong emphasis on rigorous evidence and cost-effectiveness. The organization's commitment to scaling solutions and its EA-adjacent network make it a unique place for strategy leaders passionate about global development.
About This Role
As Chief Strategy & Scale Officer, you will own IDinsight's strategic direction, from setting OKRs to driving major growth initiatives and M&A opportunities. This role is pivotal in shaping the organization's external positioning and building partnerships with funders and thought leaders. It's a chance to directly influence how IDinsight scales its impact and achieves its mission.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve leading a strategic planning session with the executive team, meeting with funders to pitch a new scaling initiative, and reviewing performance dashboards to track OKR progress. You might also spend time preparing a keynote for a conference on evidence-based policy or advising a country director on a growth opportunity. Balancing internal coordination with external representation is key, with frequent travel to field offices and partner meetings.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who IDinsight Is Looking For
- Proven track record leading an organization through significant scale growth, ideally with direct experience in LMIC settings (e.g., scaling a nonprofit or social enterprise in Africa or Asia).
- Demonstrated fundraising capability with EA-adjacent, data-focused, and scaling-focused funders (e.g., Open Philanthropy, GiveWell, or similar), including successful major gifts or grants.
- Strong thought leadership presence, evidenced by published articles, reports, or speaking engagements on topics like evidence-based policy, scaling impact, or cost-effectiveness.
- Experience with Board engagement, governance, and executive-level stakeholder management, including working with diverse stakeholders like government officials, NGO leaders, and funders.
📝 Tips for Applying to IDinsight
Tailor your resume to highlight specific examples of scaling an organization, including metrics like growth in budget, team size, or program reach, especially in LMICs.
In your cover letter, explicitly link your fundraising experience to EA-adjacent and data-focused funders, mentioning any successful grants or partnerships you've secured.
Showcase your thought leadership by including links to your published work or speaking engagements that align with IDinsight's mission and focus on evidence and cost-effectiveness.
Demonstrate your understanding of IDinsight's work by mentioning specific projects or partnerships they've undertaken, such as their work with governments on education or health.
Prepare to discuss how you've navigated complex stakeholder environments, especially in LMIC settings, and how you've managed Board relationships.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Highlight your experience in scaling organizations and the specific impact you've achieved, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.", "Emphasize your fundraising success with EA-adjacent, data-focused, and scaling-focused funders, and how you can leverage this to support IDinsight's growth.", 'Showcase your thought leadership and how you can represent IDinsight in public forums to enhance its strategic positioning.', "Express your alignment with IDinsight's mission and your understanding of the importance of data and evidence in driving policy decisions."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review IDinsight's recent annual reports and strategic plans to understand their current priorities, scale, and impact metrics.
- → Look into their key partnerships and projects, especially any related to scaling up interventions in India or other LMICs.
- → Familiarize yourself with the EA (Effective Altruism) community's funding landscape, particularly funders like Open Philanthropy, and how they evaluate nonprofits.
- → Read IDinsight's thought leadership pieces or blog posts to understand their perspective on evidence-based policy and cost-effectiveness.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid a generic cover letter that doesn't mention specific examples of scaling or fundraising relevant to this role.
- Don't overlook the non-negotiable requirement of fundraising capability with EA-adjacent funders; if you lack this, emphasize transferable skills or adjacent experience.
- Avoid focusing only on corporate strategy without demonstrating understanding of the nonprofit and LMIC context, which is critical for this role.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: October 1, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!