Vacancy Announcement

Project Advisor “BioMex Programme” for The project” Job partnership and SME promotion in Rwanda”

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federally owned international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations. The GIZ Office in Kigali covers GIZ’s portfolio in Rwanda and Burundi. GIZ Rwanda/Burundi implements projects on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the European Union and other commissioning authorities in the following priority areas: Sustainable Economic Development; Good Governance; Climate, Energy and Sustainable Urban Development; Digital Transformation and Digital Economy; and regional projects in the Great Lakes Region.

On behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GIZ is supporting the Government of Rwanda in its efforts to develop local production and research capacities in the biotechnological and pharmaceutical sector. One priority of GIZ is on improving access to opportunities for skills building and relevant training in biotechnology and pharmaceutical sciences to build a workforce that matches the skills needs of the growing sector in Rwanda. At the end of 2024 GIZ – in close cooperation with the Centre for Distance Learning Programmes at universities of applied sciences (zfh) and partner universities in Germany, Italy and Rwanda – launched the BioMex Programme. This certificate study programme for biomedical expertise pursues a blended-learning approach focusing on the applicability and practical content targeting current students and recent graduates in life science subjects.

The project” Job partnership and SME promotion in Rwanda” is searching for one candidate for the position of Project Advisor “BioMex Programme”

Candidate Profile 

Location: Kigali

Fixed Term: 15.04.2024 -31.03.2025 (with option of extension)

Position: 1

A. Responsibilities 

The Project Advisor will form an integral part of the BioMex project team and take over the following responsibilities: 

• Serving as focal person for the BioMex programme within the GIZ team
• Administrative and technical support in the implementation of the BioMex programme.
• Contact person for Rwandan students enrolled in the BioMex Programme.
• Promotion of the BioMex Programme in Rwanda and recruitment of students in line with defined application processes.
• Perform tasks in the other fields of activity of the overall GIZ project as needed

B. Tasks 

1. Accompanying the learning progress of students throughout the programme and serving as focal person for Rwandan students

• Acting as interface between teaching staff, administration, and potential/ enrolled students of the BioMex programme
• Organizing and conducting regular consultation appointments for students
• Consultation for enrolled and potential students regarding admission requirements, module selection, learning progress
• Advocating for the specific needs of female students and offering appropriate support measures
• Logistical/ technical preparation and moderation of workshops offered to students on topics such as time management, technical usage of the learning platform, self-management

2. Communication and public relations of the BioMex Programme in Rwanda

• Close coordination with project team at zfh (especially project coordinator, communications manager) in the design and implementation of communications and recruitment strategy
• Contributing to the online marketing strategy of the BioMex Programme
• Drafting of promotional materials (e.g., press releases, flyers, brochures)
• Representing the BioMex Programme at conferences, events
• Organizing promotional activities (e.g., guest lectures, promotional stands on campuses) to recruit students for the programme

C. Required Qualifications, Competences and Experience 

1. Qualifications

• University degree in life or social sciences or related fields

2. Professional experience

• 2 years of professional experience working in higher education management or university administration in Rwanda
• Experience in communications, public relations and/ or online marketing
• Strong understanding of the landscape in higher education in Rwanda, including range of studies in life sciences, admission requirements and current developments
• Proven experience in drafting press releases, promotion materials (flyers, brochures, newsletters) and managing websites and social media accounts
• Strong track-record in conducting online and offline workshops and managing events (conferences, open days etc.)

3. Other knowledge, additional competences

• Proficiency in MS Office applications
• Fluency in Kinyarwanda and English
• Awareness of gender issues in higher education in Rwanda
• Outward openness and networking skills with diverse actors (students, university staff, international partners)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work independently, solution-oriented and to manage several tasks at the same time