JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Digital Programming Specialist 

Reports to: Youth Program Manager II 

Job Location: Kigali, with field trips involved (up to 30%)

Band: 8

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work are accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.

CRS in Rwanda

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has worked in Rwanda since 1960 and supports vulnerable households through programming in agriculture and food security, health and nutrition, economic strengthening, and youth development. CRS’ current portfolio in the country includes the RISE (Resilience in Secondary Education in Rwanda) project funded by UNICEF, as well as privately funded youth development initiatives.

CRS in Rwanda is in an exciting phase of consolidating its recent rapid growth to ensure high-quality programming in the years to come. The Country Program implements its projects in more than 13 districts through local partners, in close coordination and collaboration with Government of Rwanda structures.

Project Summary:

Youth for Youth (Y4Y) – East African Digital Entrepreneurship project is an initiative funded by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and implemented in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda through MOYA and MINICT and Caritas Rwanda. This initiative aims to promote digital solutions for young Rwandans living in rural areas. 

Job Summary:

The Digital Programming Specialist for the Youth for Youth (Y4Y) project is a key Technology Project Analyst within the initiative. This role will provide technical support to CRS project teams and partners in understanding participants’ needs, strengthening existing relationships with youth-led digital solutions, and developing and implementing appropriate Digital Programing. The Specialist will also build the capacity of teams to effectively utilize these solutions.

The Digital Programming Specialist will play an important role in enhancing the capacity of CRS project staff and Y4Y implementing partners to conduct solution design and user research activities in the field, and to translate findings into new or improved information systems that support the effective delivery of quality services to program participants. Additionally, the Digital Programming Specialist is a key member of the broader Digital Programming community within CRS and will contribute to promoting the smart and effective use of technology to support CRS programming. 

Specific Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Technology Product/Software Analyst and primary Digital Programming focal point for the Y4Y project, ensuring coordinated communication and unified technical decision-making across CRS, partners, and youth-led digital innovators.
• Provide strategic technology advice and technical support in youth-led digital program development to CRS Rwanda Program Office leadership to ensure high-quality program design and implementation, in alignment with established agency Digital Programming policies, procedures, service standards, innovation trends, and youth entrepreneurship needs. 
• Collaborate with youth-led digital solution providers to co-manage software development for timely, user-centered features, and conduct field research and user testing to integrate youth entrepreneurs’ needs into system improvements. 
• Lead support for youth entrepreneurs in e-commerce by mapping platforms, strengthening service linkages, and guiding online marketing and product management, while facilitating access to finance through youth-led digital solutions. 
• Ensure compliance with CRS Digital programming standards, data privacy policies, and national technical regulations in collaboration with government bodies (MINICT, MOYA, RISA, ICT Chamber).
• Document and share learnings from the use of technology in the Y4Y project and support partners in interpreting analytics dashboards and user insights to improve decision-making and digital service delivery.
• Representing CRS in Digital Programming working groups, digital innovation platforms, and fintech partnership forums.
• Provide support to youth program teams in implementing entrepreneurship activities according to CRS quality standards, and collaborate on data collection and MEAL processes, including evaluations, learning reviews, and accountability. 
• Provide technical support for the timely resolution of implementation issues and lead the development of relevant guidance and frameworks to enable the responsible and impactful use of technology in the Y4Y project in alignment with established agency Digital Programming policies, procedures, and service standards.
• Strengthen CRS, Caritas Rwanda, and partner staff capacity to manage youth-led digital solutions through training and mentorship, while identifying gaps and providing technical assistance to enhance Digital Programming readiness.

Competencies Relevant for the Specific Position:

These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by the Digital Programming Specialist to fulfill his/her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results:

• Excellent understanding of technology use in low-resource settings 
• Experience in technology Product and/or Project Management (including stakeholders’ management)
• Training/coaching skills and decision-making skills
• Entrepreneurship skills

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: The Digital Programming Specialist is a key member of the Y4Y project. She/he will report to the Youth Program Manager II and collaborate with the Project teams as well as the Regional Digital Programming Focal Point to ensure a holistic, integrated, and comprehensive project approach.

External: MOYA, RISA, MINICT, Caritas Rwanda, Implementing Partners and the Digital Ecosystem and community.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Programming, ICT Project Management, or related field
• ICT and/or Software Project Management knowledge/Certification
• At least 3 years of work experience in setting up and managing Technology systems and software development and implementation 
• Experience in database design and management
• Experience in training and mentoring staff in the use of Technology, and strong ability to explain technology related points and topics to non-technical audience 
• Experience in managing IT projects and strong Understanding of Software development concepts and methodologies (bonus point for SaaS-based companies or projects experience)
• Ability to lead without authority and to effectively work with and manage external stakeholders and partners, including government representatives
• Exceptional organizational skills 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills and Ability to think innovatively and strategically 

Personal Skills 

• Good time management skills with ability to work on multiple tasks
• Strong customer service orientation with good communication and interpersonal skills 
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions oriented and results-oriented

Required/Desired Foreign Language: Full working proficiency in English and Kinyarwanda is required

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff): 

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results. 

• Integrity
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Build Relationships
• Develop Talent
• Strategic Mindset 
• Accountability & Stewardship

Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. 

CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people, especially children and vulnerable adults, to live free from abuse and harm.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages young, female candidates to apply. 

How to apply

Interested and qualified candidates should complete this Form and submit it together with one page Cover
letter plus updated CV (maximum three pages) all as one PDF document - via email only to: RW_HR@crs.org not later than Friday December 5th 2025 at 5:00pm.

Please, include the statement below in your cover letter:

“By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to the above safeguarding-related topics.”

Also include your full names and title “Digital Programming Specialist” in the subject line. Due to anticipated high interest in this post and the expected number of applicants, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Kigali, November 21st 2025.