04/09/2025

The European Union Delegation to Rwanda, Kigali is looking for:

Cooperation officer « Rural development, food security, financial services in agriculture and gender » in the Cooperation Section.

We are

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership between 27 European countries. It plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and working with global organizations. Abroad, the EU is represented through more than 140 diplomatic representations, known also as EU Delegations, which have a similar function to those of an embassy. 

The EU Delegation to Rwanda, Kigaliworks in close coordination with the Embassies and Consulates of the 27 EU Member States. We are a fully-fledged diplomatic mission and represent the European Union in dealings with the Rwandan government in areas that are part of the EU’s remit.

Through its Global Gateway Initiative, the EU supports African countries to build and reinforce resilience and sustainable food systems. In Rwanda, the Team Europe Initiative “Investing in climate-smart and inclusive agriculture transformation” is supporting the implementation of the national development strategy NST-2 and subsequent sector policies in the areas of agriculture (PSTA5) and environment (NDC 3.0 formulation process). 

The EU ambition is to enhance resilience and sustainability of African food systems, in support of Africa’s agriculture, fisheries and food development agenda.

We offer

The post of Cooperation Officer « Rural development, food security, financial services in agriculture and gender » officer (Local Agent Group I) in the Delegation’s Cooperation Section. The team consists of 6 people and there are occasional atypical working hours.

Under this post, the recruited person will be attributed functions depending on the needs of the Delegation, and on the changes of these needs. The successful candidate will serve under the supervision and responsibility of the Head of the “Rural Development, Climate Action, Biodiversity, Gender” team, providing support, expertise and assistance in the areas of economic, environmental and social sustainability of agri-food production and processing, as well as, financial services in agriculture and gender equity.

Following main tasks and duties are currently required: 

• Contribute to the analysis and, when the need presents itself, the formulation of EU programmes in areas relating to his/her portfolio. 
• Ensure sound administration and management of EU projects and programmes in areas related to his/her portfolio;
• Offer knowledge and assistance in the design, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of relevant projects and programmes aiming to increase the economic, environmental and social sustainability of agri-food productionand processing, facilitating innovation and knowledge transfer, and boosting improved nutrition and food security;
• Under the supervision of the Team Leader, engage in policy formulation and dialogue with relevant government officials in order to help shape and enhance policies and reforms in areas relating to his/her portfoliocreating a conducive policy environment for sustainable public and private investments in agri-food system transformation, including in supporting smallholder and SMEs;
• Work within relevant Sector and Technical Working Groups (e.g. Agriculture Sector Working Group) and Development Partner groups in areas relating to his/her portfolio in order to ensure effective operational coordination and cooperation, particularly among EU Member States; 
• Maintain effective dialogue and relationships with colleagues in EU Headquarters and timely contribute to internal communication and reporting, as required; 
• Offer recommendations / develop ideas for communication and public diplomacy activities aimed at increasing the visibility of EU policies related to the Global Gateway investment agenda in the area of food systems and agri-food private sector development;
• Undertake other tasks in line with his/her competencies, as assigned by the Team Leader, and provide appropriate backstopping for absent colleagues.

The base salary will depend on relevant and verified employment experience, typically starting from 2,711,267 RWF. There is a competitive benefits package, subject to certain conditions, including personal leave days and public holidays, health insurances and a retirement savings plan. 

The expected start date will be 01/12/2025.

Minimum requirements / eligibility criteria (necessary for the application to be considered)

• Minimum of University Master’s Degree in agriculture or economic development related topics;

• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in projects management. 
• Demonstrated operational knowledge of and experience with relevant public institutions and/or international organisations and/or civil society organisations relating to agriculture and /or economic/private sector development and/or financial services in agriculture.

• Excellent oral and written command of English (C1 Level).
• Ability to efficiently use standard software packages – at least Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Right to residence and work in Rwanda.

Assets 

• A double degree, preferably including one from an internationally accredited university.
• Knowledge of the European Union Global Gateway strategy and development cooperation procedures. 
• Familiarity with the EC's financial regulation and procedures.
• Work experience with a European Union Delegation or in project funded by the European Union.
• Experience in private sector development and investment.
• Experience in managing development programmes or working for a development agency.
• Experience in participating in relevant fora and delivering on quality briefs in the areas of agriculture, food security and financial services in agriculture.
• Experience in gender mainstreaming.
• Oral and written Kinyarwanda and/or French (B1).
• Computer literacy enabling a quick adaptability to new software, including the software applications specific to the European Union.
   

How to apply

Please submit your application, consisting of a cover letter and Europass format CV
via the eeasjobs-220@eeas.europa.eu(Reference JP/402091) no later than 00:00 21/09/2025. Only complete applications received on time via eeasjobs-220@eeas.europa.eu will be considered. 

The successful candidate will be subject to a medical check, background check, etc whatever is relevant.

The process

After the deadline for applications, the eligible applications will be admitted to the Selection by the Committee set up for this purpose. 

Depending on the number of applications received, successive phases of Selection may include shortlisting of candidates based assessment of the information provided in the cover letter, CV, practical testing and interviews. At least 2 best candidates will be invited to the final interview.

Only candidates admitted to each successive selection phase will be contacted individually. The Delegation will use the same means of publication as for this job advertisement to inform the remaining candidates once the recruitment procedure has been completed and that a candidate has (or has not) been recruited.

The Delegation will not supply additional information or discuss the selection procedure. During the selection process, please do not contact the members of the Selection Committee, but address your questions and comments to the Delegation’s Administration.

Equal opportunities 

The European Union is committed to an equal opportunities policy for all its employees and applicants for employment. As an employer, the EU is committed to promoting gender equality and to preventing discrimination on any grounds. It actively welcomes applications from all qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds. We aim at a service which is truly representative of society, where each staff member feels respected, is able to give their best and can develop their full potential.