RECRUITMENT OF RAPEP EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

Background

The Rwanda Association of Professional Environmental Practitioners (RAPEP) is a statutory professional body established under Law No. 36/2016 of 08 September 2016, with legal personality and administrative as well as financial autonomy. The Association brings together licensed environmental practitioners in Rwanda with the primary purpose of regulating professional conduct, upholding ethical standards, and promoting excellence in environmental assessment and management. RAPEP serves as a key institutional partner in advancing national environmental governance and sustainable development.

RAPEP’s vision is to be an efficient and credible professional association that mobilises communities, government institutions, and non-governmental actors to proactively reduce environmental vulnerability and strengthen national responses to environmental challenges. Its mission is to coordinate and facilitate the activities of professional environmental practitioners at both community and national levels, thereby enhancing environmental management and contributing to Rwanda’s green growth and sustainability goals.

The Association plays a strategic role within Rwanda’s environmental management framework by maintaining a national register of practitioners, promoting continuous professional development, and ensuring compliance with environmental assessment and auditing standards. RAPEP also fosters partnerships with government bodies, academic institutions, and development partners, advocating for professionalism and effective coordination among environmental experts to support the nation’s vision of a clean, green, and climate-resilient Rwanda.

Position Overview

RAPEP seeks a motivated and experienced leader to serve as the Head of Secretariat and principal executive officer of the Association. The Executive Secretary provides strategic leadership, ensures effective coordination of programmes and activities, oversees administrative and financial operations, and represents the organisation in engagements with stakeholders and partners.

Reporting directly to the Executive Committee, the Executive Secretary is accountable for implementing RAPEP’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives in alignment with national priorities in environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and oversee the day-to-day management of the Secretariat.
• Develop and implement strategic plans, policies, and programmes consistent with the organisation’s mandate.
• Support the Executive Committee, Regulatory Council, standing commissions, and RAPEP members, ensuring effective communication between governance structures and the Secretariat.
• Ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to institutional policies and procedures.
• Coordinate the design, development, and execution of environmental projects and initiatives.
• Lead the preparation of project proposals, concept notes, and funding applications aligned with RAPEP’s objectives.
• Foster partnerships with government agencies, development partners, and local communities for effective project delivery.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive resource mobilisation strategy to sustain the organisation’s activities.
• Lead partner engagement and negotiations for financial and technical support.
• Strengthen strategic alliances with national, regional, and international organisations.
• Represent the Association in official forums, policy dialogues, and public engagements.
• Promote the visibility of RAPEP’s programmes through effective communication and advocacy strategies.
• Oversee the production of reports, press releases, and knowledge-sharing materials.
• Supervise staff, promote teamwork, professional growth, and uphold institutional integrity.
• Oversee budgeting, financial management, and audit processes.
• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and partners’ requirements.

Required Qualifications and Competencies

Education

• Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies or a related field, Development Studies, Public Administration, or Resource Mobilisation.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in leadership and institutional coordination within the environmental or development sector.
• Proven track record in resource mobilisation and proposal development.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and strategic partnerships.
• Previous experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex programmes is an asset.

Core Competencies

• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and diplomatic skills.
• High sense of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental protection, sustainability, and community empowerment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under pressure.

Personal Attributes

• Inspirational and collaborative leader with a participatory management style.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Results-oriented, innovative, and adaptable.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in multicultural environments.