1. Background Information

• Position Title: Project Coordinator – ASCENT/EAQIP

• Job Grade: JG E- Manager

• Project: Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) & Energy Access and Quality Improvement Project (EAQIP)

• Reports to: Director of Strategic Projects Implementation

2. Contract Terms – Fixed Term (36 Months)

3. Background and Context

Rwanda’s energy sector is a key driver of economic transformation and sustainable development. Significant progress has been made in expanding electricity access, which increased from 34% of households in 2017 to 72% in 2024, with the Government targeting universal access by 2030 under NST2. Despite this progress, access to clean cooking solutions remains limited, with most households still relying on traditional biomass fuels.

Through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and sector strategies, the Government of Rwanda aims to significantly increase access to clean cooking solutions and productive uses of energy to support inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and improved livelihoods.

To support these national priorities, the Government of Rwanda, with financing from the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, is implementing the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) Project, while the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) is also implementing the Eastern Africa Quality Improvement Project (EAQIP). 

These projects aim to expand access to sustainable energy, strengthen productive use technologies, enhance clean cooking solutions, and improve quality infrastructure and institutional capacity.

Given the strategic importance and complexity of these initiatives, BRD seeks to recruit a qualified Project Coordinator to support effective implementation, coordination, monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and achievement of project objectives.

4. Purpose / Objective of the Assignment

The Project Coordinator will be responsible for supporting the effective implementation and coordination of the ASCENT and EAQIP projects at the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD). The role will focus on overall project coordination, planning, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder engagement, reporting, and ensuring timely achievement of project development objectives in line with project agreements, operational manuals, and applicable donor requirements.

The Project Coordinator will work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including government institutions, development partners, participating financial institutions, private sector actors, consultants, and implementing partners, to ensure effective implementation of project activities, support project governance, facilitate communication and coordination, monitor implementation progress, identify bottlenecks, and ensure compliance with fiduciary, environmental and social, procurement, and reporting requirements.

5. Scope of Work and Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the day-to-day implementation of ASCENT and EAQIP project activities in line with approved project documents, work plans, financing agreements, and operational manuals.
• Support the preparation and implementation of annual work plans, procurement plans, budgets, implementation schedules, and project monitoring frameworks.
• Monitor project implementation progress against agreed targets, timelines, and key performance indicators, and propose corrective actions where necessary.
• Prepare periodic technical and operational progress reports, implementation updates, briefing notes, presentations, and other project documentation required by management, development partners, and stakeholders.
• Facilitate coordination and communication between BRD, government institutions, development partners, implementing agencies, participating companies, consultants, and other project stakeholders.
• Organize and coordinate project meetings, technical working sessions, supervision missions, workshops, field visits, and stakeholder consultations, and ensure timely follow-up on agreed action points.
• Support monitoring and evaluation of project activities, including data collection, analysis, reporting, and documentation of project results, lessons learned, and impact stories.
• Coordinate the implementation of environmental and social safeguards, fiduciary requirements, and compliance obligations in collaboration with relevant BRD departments and project stakeholders.
• Support procurement and contract management processes related to consultants, service providers, and project implementation activities in accordance with applicable procedures and donor requirements.
• Identify implementation challenges, operational bottlenecks, and project risks, and recommend practical mitigation measures to ensure effective project delivery.
• Support knowledge management, communication, and visibility activities related to the projects, including preparation of communication materials, success stories, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Ensure proper documentation, filing, and maintenance of project records and correspondence in accordance with BRD and donor requirements.
• Support audits, supervision missions, evaluations, and reviews conducted by management, development partners, and regulatory institutions.
• Perform any other duties related to project coordination and implementation as may be assigned by management from time to time.

6. Expected Outputs and Deliverables

• Approved annual budgets, work plans, implementation schedules, procurement plans, and project activity trackers for ASCENT and EAQIP projects.
• Timely coordination and implementation of project activities in accordance with project agreements, operational manuals, and donor requirements.
• Periodic project progress reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual implementation reports submitted within agreed timelines.
• Updated project monitoring and evaluation data, implementation dashboards, and performance tracking tools reflecting progress against agreed targets and indicators.
• Well-coordinated stakeholder engagement activities, including meetings, workshops, technical sessions, supervision missions, and field visits, with documented minutes and follow-up action plans.
• Timely identification and escalation of implementation bottlenecks, risks, and operational challenges, together with proposed mitigation measures and follow-up actions.
• Proper coordination and follow-up of project procurement, consultant assignments, and implementation support activities in collaboration with relevant BRD departments.
• Timely preparation of presentations, briefing notes, concept notes, and other technical documentation required by management, development partners, and stakeholders.
• Proper maintenance of project records, documentation systems, and filing structures in compliance with BRD and donor requirements.
• Monitoring and reporting on compliance with fiduciary, environmental and social safeguards, and other applicable project requirements.
• Documentation of project achievements, lessons learned, impact stories, and communication materials to support knowledge management and project visibility.
• Successful coordination of audits, supervision missions, evaluations, and donor review missions with timely follow-up on recommendations and agreed action points.
• Effective collaboration and communication among project stakeholders to support achievement of ASCENT and EAQIP project development objectives.

7. Working Relationships

• Internal: BRD Management, Strategic Projects Implementation Department, Finance, Procurement, Environmental & Social, Legal, and all relevant BRD departments.
• External: World Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), Rwanda Energy Group (REG), Government of Rwanda institutions, participating financial institutions, private sector actors, consultants, and implementing partners.

8. Professional, Academic Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in Project Management, Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Engineering, Energy, Development Studies, Public Policy, or any other relevant field. A Bachelor’s degree with strong relevant experience may be considered.
• At least seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in coordinating and implementing donor-funded projects, preferably in the energy, infrastructure, private sector development, or development finance sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in project coordination, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder engagement, reporting, and implementation support for large and complex projects financed by development partners such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, or other multilateral and bilateral institutions.
• Good understanding of project management principles, results-based management, and implementation of development projects.
• Knowledge of Rwanda’s energy sector, clean energy initiatives, private sector development programs, or quality infrastructure projects will be an added advantage.
• Familiarity with donor-funded project requirements, including fiduciary, procurement, environmental and social safeguards, and reporting requirements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, coordination, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and stakeholders effectively.
• Excellent communication, report writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with government institutions, development partners, private sector actors, consultants, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and project management or reporting tools.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French and/or Kinyarwanda will be an added advantage.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, accountability, and ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

9. Core Competencies

Project Management & Coordination Competencies

• Project Coordination and Implementation
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
• Work Planning and Budgeting
• Procurement and Contract Management
• Donor Compliance and Fiduciary Management 
• Environmental and Social Safeguards

Technical Competencies

• Stakeholder Engagement and Management
• Data Analysis and Results Reporting
• Risk Identification and Mitigation
• Knowledge Management and Documentation
• Energy Sector and Development Finance Knowledge

Behavioural Competencies

• Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Results Orientation and Accountability
• Adaptability and Learning Agility
• Integrity and Professionalism

10. Reporting Arrangements

The Project Coordinator shall report to the Director of Strategic Projects Implementation, BRD. The Coordinator will submit monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports and maintain regular communication with relevant BRD departments and project stakeholders. The duration of services is 36 months with possibility of extension based on performance evaluation. The Coordinator is expected to work full-time based in Kigali, Rwanda.

11. Application Guidelines

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should submit the following:

• Application letter
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copies of academic certificates and professional qualifications
• National ID
• Reference letters or evidence of similar assignments performed