Senior Programme Manager (Rwanda)

FHI 360 is a global organization that mobilizes research, resources and relationships so people everywhere can access the opportunities they need to lead full, healthy lives. With collaborations in over 60 countries, we work directly with local leaders to advance social and economic equity, improve health and well-being, respond to humanitarian crises and strengthen community resilience.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Senior Program Manager for the upcoming FCDO Rwanda Girls in Rwanda Learn (GIRL) Activity.

This position will be based in Kigali, Rwanda and is contingent upon award.

Project Description

Girls in Rwanda Learn (GIRL) (2023 – 2030) is the FCDO’s new bilateral education program in Rwanda. GIRL will support marginalized girls and children with disabilities to return to school, stay in school and learn. GIRL will improve teaching pedagogy, which will in turn improve foundational learning outcomes in English and Math for girls and boys. The program will reduce drop out and improve transition to lower secondary/other learning opportunities, particularly for girls and children with disabilities.

Position Description

The Senior Program Manager (SPM) will lead on all program management, compliance and finance requirements with responsibility for ensuring that program operations are working effectively to support achievement of results. Working closely with the Team Leader, they will be responsible for project operations, HR, financial management, risk management, asset management, delivery chain mapping, procurement, routine contract management, financial and progress reporting, governance and compliance. The SPM will be a senior project management professional with experience leading large-scale, FCDO-funded programs.

Job Summary/Responsibilities

• Responsible for day-to-day program management, reporting, compliance and finance.
• Primary point of contact for FCDO on program management matters and reporting.
• Lead the planning and implementation of program activities, including operational plans and budgets.

• Work closely with the Team Leader and other core program staff to lead and mitigate program risks including fiduciary risks.

• Ensure suitable safeguarding procedures are in place and followed.

• Ensure compliance with relevant United Kingdom Government and Government of Rwanda rules, regulations and policies.
• Lead a team of project management/administration and finance staff.
• Ensure efficient management and utilization of resources in accordance with applicable FHI 360 and FCDO policies and procedures on value for money.

• Develop strong working relationships with partner organizations.

• Collaborate with FHI 360’s country, regional and headquarters staff to ensure the project is implemented according to organization and industry best practices, program framework, and regulations.

• Ensure monthly, quarterly and other reporting commitments are met, including accurate and timely financial reporting and forecasting.
• Oversee the project HR function including recruitment, retention and performance management of staff and consultants.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or comparable level of proven experience in business administration/ management, social sciences, international development or related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Project management certification preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible operational and financial management experience in support of large-scale and complex international development programs, with three years or more in leadership positions.
• Experience leading FCDO-funded projects required (commercial contract experience strongly preferred).

• Demonstrated project management skills including project scoping, planning, adaptive management, risk management and mitigation.

• Financial management experience including budgeting, forecasting, tracking and reporting.

• Demonstrated skills and experience in consultation and negotiation, and problem-solving.
• Consistent track record in project team line management and supervision.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with consortium partners, local communities, government officials, and donor representatives.

• Track record of working in sophisticated environments, across different cultures, and leading diverse teams to deliver impact within agreed timelines.

• Ability to lead tight deadlines and deliver high volume/high quality work with minimal supervision, including reports to donors.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office products including Excel, Word and PowerPoint and in the use of project management software.
• Experience in the education sector in Rwanda or the region preferred.
• Clear and effective oral and written communicator.

• Oral and written fluency required in English.

• Oral and written fluency strongly preferred in Kinyarwanda.

• Oral fluency preferred in French.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

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