Job purpose

The Rwanda Country Director (CD) is the external face of Bridges to Prosperity in Rwanda. They work closely with the wider Rwanda team to oversee and implement the advocacy and partnership activities that are required to achieve the short- and long-term Rwanda program strategy. They work within a dual-leadership model, alongside the Rwanda Program Manager.

The CD is responsible for establishing and sustaining relationships with key senior level national government officials, donors, and strategic partners. They are responsible for securing agreements, and influencing policies and budgets to further B2P’s mission and strategic plan.

The CD is a strong leader with advanced communication skills. They are deeply comfortable working within a fast-paced environment while driving towards demanding strategic targets and maintaining alignment with the overall organization.

Duties and responsibilities

Advocacy & Partnerships (70%)

• Represent B2P-Rwanda externally, and hold relationships with senior level government, donors, organizations, networks
• Develop, negotiate and secure partnership agreements with the Government of Rwanda and other strategic partners
• Monitor partnership compliance, in part by submitting comprehensive reports and leading discussions with partners
• Explore global and local funding opportunities and support proposal development in partnership with the global team
• Ensure the on-time recovery of national-level government receivables (for example RRA). This will require close engagement with operations and finance departments.
• Advise and support team members from various departments when challenges arise, for example regarding local government partnerships or tax exemptions
• Ensure proper use of systems as well as data quality and security to enable reporting and analysis
• Represent B2P at relevant conferences and meetings

Strategy (20%)

• Design and implement partnership strategies, plans and procedures which aim to increase partner engagement and investment in rural transport infrastructure
• In collaboration with the Director of Strategic Partnerships, lead the annual and quarterly planning process, which includes the setting of Objectives and Key Results
• Lead and report on fulfillment of Rwanda partnerships KPIs and OKRs
• Support key evidence building activities through collaboration with the Evidence and Impact department and external research teams
• Be an active contributor and volunteer to participate in global initiatives where your experience can add value or where your program can contribute to such work
• Work with global shared services to identify and implement options that contribute to the efficiency or impact of B2P-Rwanda’s work

Program Leadership (10%)

• Work alongside the Rwanda Program Manager in a dual-leadership model to ensure that various departments are working together to achieve shared strategic goals
• Foster a B2P-Rwanda culture which supports the health and performance of the team and creates a positive work environment
• Develop and oversee Rwanda partnerships budget, and provide inputs as necessary to other components of the Rwanda program budget
• Provide inputs as necessary for Rwanda program plans
• Provide support to district-level partnership work whenever challenges arise
• Communicate openly and transparently across the organization
• Serve as authorized signatory regarding regulatory and partnership compliance at national level

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• BA/S in Business Administration, International Affairs/Development, Public Policy/Public Administration, Engineering, or other relevant fields. Bachelor’s degree required. Post-graduate degree preferred
• A sound understanding of international development as well as government systems. Preferred to have experience in particular with infrastructure-focused entities and programs.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience of relationship cultivation and negotiation with senior government and partners
• Record of raising funds from government and/or international agencies (bilateral/multilateral)
• Demonstrated ability to manage high stakes projects in complex environments

Preferred Profile:

• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to use diplomatic verbal and written communications tailored to a variety of local and international audiences
• Experience working and communicating across cultures and with international teams
• Creative & strategic thinking skills
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work strategically and collaboratively across departments
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and organized
• Able to create professional and strategic documents and presentations, with advanced-usage of Microsoft Office
• Passion for Bridges to Prosperity’s mission and development work

Working conditions

The position is based in Kigali, Rwanda and requires travel to rural locations.

Physical requirements

The position requires the ability to visit sites in remote and isolated areas, as well as the ability to climb stairs. The position may require standing for extended periods of time.

Direct reports

No direct reports. Indirect report: Partnerships Manager