“Supporting girls and women to acquire education for development”

Ref: 023/03/25/FAWERWA

05^th March 2025

Job Advert | National Coordinator - FAWE (Rwanda Chapter)

Who we are: The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) is a pan-African non-governmental organization founded in 1992 by five women ministers of education to promote girls' and women's education in sub-Saharan Africa- in line with Education for All- by making sure girls and women have access to schools and are able to complete their studies and fulfill their dreams. With headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, FAWE has a network of 34 National Chapters in 33 countries.

Established in 1997, FAWE Rwanda Chapter boasts a rich history rooted in a visionary commitment to gender equity in education. FAWE Rwanda has been unwavering in its mission to promote gender equity and equality in education in Rwanda by fostering positive policies, practices and attitudes towards girls’ education. As an integral member of a broader network across Sub-Saharan Africa, the chapter in Rwanda has actively collaborated with government entities, local communities, schools, and international organizations to foster an inclusive educational environment.

Our Vision: Empowered Rwandan women and girls participate and make their contribution as equal members of society.

Our Mission: Empowerment of girls and women through gender equity in education and livelihoods, policies and programmes.

Position Summary: FAWE Rwanda Chapter is seeking to recruit an experienced, highly passionate National Coordinator who has integrity and is results-oriented. The National Coordinator will implement the National Chapter activities in line with FAWE Rwanda Strategic Plan and that of FAWE Regional Secretariat. The candidate will strategically lead the growth, innovation and execution of programmes being implemented by FAWE Rwanda. S/he will ensure FAWE Rwanda delivers high-quality and impactful programmes efficiently and effectively through leading a high-performing and committed team. The National Coordinator will play an active role in shaping the overall organization strategy and culture. This position is open to Rwandan Nationals only.

Contract Type: This is a full-time role with a renewable contract subject to performance and program funding. Three-year performance-based contract with potential for extension upon successful performance (key targets to be highlighted in separate document- Annex to the contract).

Location: The National Coordinator will be based at FAWE Rwanda Chapter, Kigali Office with occasional travel to project sites within Rwanda and other FAWE chapters in Africa or any other parts of the world deemed necessary by FAWE.

Reporting to: FAWE Rwanda Chapter Executive Committee/Board.

Direct reports: Members of FAWE Rwanda Senior Management Team and Executive Assistant report directly to the National Coordinator.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Oversight

• Lead the development and implementation of FAWE Rwanda Chapter’s country strategy in alignment with the organization’s vision, values, and global priorities.
• Provide overall strategic leadership in program development, sustainability planning, and resource mobilization.
• Ensure alignment of country operations with regional and global frameworks, policies, and best practices.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of FAWE Rwanda Chapter’s interventions to ensure effectiveness and long-term sustainability.

2. Programme implementation & Services Management

• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all FAWE Rwanda Chapter projects and programs in the country.
• Leading the development, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of the FAWE Rwanda Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027. Includes oversight in preparation of the annual organizational work plans and budgets and submission to the board for approval;
• Ensure high-quality service delivery in development and advocacy work.
• Drive innovation in program design to maximize impact and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements, budgets, and reporting obligations.
• Ensuring the overall program coordination by managing the day-to-day program activities within FAWE Rwanda structure.

3. Team Management & Development

• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the in-country team to foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and collaboration.
• Providing technical and professional leadership as well as guidance, and initiating policies good practices and standards that promote girls and women empowerment;
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, and capacity building of staff to ensure a strong and motivated workforce.
• Promote an inclusive and values-driven workplace that upholds FAWE Rwanda Chapter’s mission.

4. Policy & Systems Management

• Ensure all FAWE Rwanda Chapter policies, procedures, and ethical standards are effectively implemented.
• Maintain financial oversight, ensuring accountability and transparency in financial management.
• Strengthen internal controls, risk management, and operational efficiency.

5. Networking & Representation

• Serve as FAWE Rwanda Chapter’s primary representative in the country, engaging with government agencies, donors, partners, and other key stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships to enhance FAWE Rwanda Chapter’s impact and influence.
• Forge strategic partnerships and networks with institutions nationally and regionally to advance girls’ education. For instance, partnership with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, and ensure that the Chapter is part of the national education system process, active participation and communication with coalitions, networks, and like-minded organizations;
• To promote the visibility and awareness of FAWE Rwanda’s vision, mission, and values;
• Advocate for FAWE Rwanda Chapter’s mission and contribute to sector-wide policy dialogues at national, regional and international levels.

6. Security & Risk Management

• Ensure the safety, security, and well-being of FAWE Rwanda Chapter staff in the country.
• Lead risk management strategies, including contingency planning and crisis response.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in all operations.

7. Resource Mobilization

• Ensure that there is a robust fundraising strategy for sustainability of the chapter.
• Ensure that there is a robust Advocacy and Communication Strategy.
• Developing an effective membership recruitment strategy and enhancing their active involvement and participation in chapter activities.
• Performing the duties of a Secretary to FAWE Executive Committee, regularly convene statutory meetings as stipulated in the Chapter’s constitution and keep accurate records of the proceedings. And ensure that the FAWE Rwanda Executive Committee decisions are implemented.
• Performing any other duties as may be directed by the FAWE Rwanda Executive Committee.

Education/Qualification:

• Master’s degree in Public Administration and Management, Development Studies, Business Administration, Project Management, Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Social work and Social Administration, Education Planning and Management, Law or related subjects.

Experience:

• Minimum of [7] years of senior leadership experience in development, or nonprofit sectors.
• At least [5] years of experience in education program management, policy development, or advocacy, preferably in the nonprofit or development sector.
• Proven track record in program management, fundraising, and donor relations.
• Experience in leading and coordinating teams across various program areas and in different countries would be an added value.
• Strong understanding of country-specific political, economic, and social contexts.
• Substantial development or disaster risk reduction experience
• Proven people management experience,
• Proven project and budget management experience, managing large scale budgets would be an added value
• Proven ability in strategic planning and thinking
• Proven ability in acquiring and managing institutional funding
• Proven ability in capacity development of staff and partner organisations.
• Experience in national and local advocacy forums and initiatives
• Proven track record in program leadership and management in education-focused organizations, NGOs, or international agencies.
• Strong experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) to assess program impact and improve outcomes.

Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to develop and execute national education strategies in alignment with organizational goals.
• Strong visionary leadership to drive educational change and innovation.
• Ability to make data-driven decisions and implement evidence-based education programs.
• Expertise in designing, implementing, and scaling education projects, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
• Excellent leadership & management, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
• Training, coaching & mentoring skills
• Strong financial management and budget oversight abilities.
• High-level negotiation and diplomatic skills.
• Ability to build and maintain high-impact partnerships.
• Strong communication, advocacy, and representation skills.
• Fluent in written and spoken English and Kinyarwanda and knowledge in French would be an added advantage.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Computer literacy skills.

Personal Qualities:

• Adaptability to work in challenging environments with resilience and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with teams and stakeholders.
• Passionate about education, community development and social justice/change.
• Adaptable, resilient, and culturally sensitive.
• Integrity, transparency, and commitment to ethical leadership.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, high-pressure environment.
• Self-disciplined with ability to work proactively, using own initiative.
• Flexibility to accommodate changing priorities, ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Motivating, inspiring and encouraging.
• Demonstrates sensitivity and skills in cross cultural communication.
• Having a vision for FAWE Rwanda Chapter’s work and being able to articulate that vision with commitment and passion.

Applications must come in one PDF document that include the following:

• Application cover letter addressed to the FAWE Rwanda Chapter Executive Committee Chairperson.
• Curriculum vitae including your personal details, education level, and any experience
• Copies of the academic degrees.
• Name, address, and telephone numbers of three (3) references.

Interested candidates should send their applications and required documents stated above through the Application Button below not later than Friday 14^th March 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next steps of recruitment.

Disclaimer: FAWE Rwanda Chapter does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to pay particular care when submitting personal information during the application process.

Dr. Jolly Rubagiza

Chairperson Executive Committee

FAWE Rwanda Chapter.