Project Director – Rwanda

Report to: Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa and DOT Rwanda Country Director

Location: Rwanda

Status: Full-time; Term contract

Who We Are:

Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT), is an International Non-profit Organization headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, which fosters digital inclusion for leadership, economic empowerment, and climate action among young women and men in Africa and the Middle East.  DOT is a vibrant youth-driven community of trailblazing social pioneers equipped with the necessary tools, knowledge, and networks to create opportunities and drive transformation within their communities. We strive to foster youth potential, bridge digital gaps across communities, and inspire young individuals to partake in an all-inclusive digital economy.  As catalysts of development for over 23 years, our impact extends to over 25 countries.  

Established in 2010, DOT Rwanda is a registered branch of DOT. As a youth-serving and locally-staffed organization, DOT Rwanda has long-standing operations and networks of local and international partners across Government, higher educational institutions, foundations, civil society, and the private sector that extend across diverse urban and rural communities. For 14 years, DOT Rwanda has nurtured the 21st-century skills, digital literacy, and entrepreneurial mindset of young women and men, including those in marginalized communities. This has led to the creation of a powerful ripple effect, impacting over 120,000 people, expanding their enterprises, spurring employment, and cultivating community leaders.

In an upcoming, youth-focused project, DOT Rwanda is leading a consortium with 4 youth-serving organizations to build the digital skills of Rwandan youth for their inclusion in the digital economy.

The Opportunity:

DOT Rwanda seeks a highly experienced and motivated individual to serve as the Project  Director, to manage an upcoming project to be delivered in Rwanda. The Project Director will ensure effective coordination, communication, and collaboration among the consortium partners; facilitate the smooth implementation of project activities against the approved proposal and budget; and oversee the achievement of the project’s objectives. 

This role requires a highly organized and strategic individual with experience in multi-stakeholder coordination, program management, and partnership development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for the project, ensuring timely, effective, and agile implementation of the project according to the approved proposal and budget. 
• Effectively lead and manage the consortium of partner organizations to create a collaborative and high-performing team environment. This involves facilitating communication, coordination, and information sharing among partners; leading regular consortium meetings and working groups; and ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability across partners.
• Oversee the development and implementation of detailed project plans, work breakdown structures, budgets, and timelines across all consortium partners. Ensure the project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Ensure sound financial management of the project in collaboration with the Finance Controller. This includes supporting budget development and adjustments, monitoring, reviewing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with donor regulations. 
• Ensure the integration of the project’s gender equality strategy and DOT’s safeguarding policies into project plans, budgets, and implementation in collaboration with the Gender and Safeguarding Lead.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and represent the consortium in external meetings and events.
• Oversee the implementation of the project’s monitoring and evaluation framework across all consortium partners in collaboration with the M&E Manager. Ensure timely and accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting. 
• Lead the documentation and dissemination of project learnings, best practices, and success stories.
• Lead the identification and management of project risks and the implementation of mitigation strategies and contingency plans across all consortium partners.
• Ensure effective communication across the consortium and project partners, stakeholders Prepare and submit regular and high-quality progress reports and presentations.
• Lead the development and implementation of strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project’s impact. Explore opportunities for scaling up successful interventions beyond the project period.
• Supervise 5-7 project staff on the consortium team and partner-based intervention leads.
• Manage project consultants as required.

Qualifications

• A resident of Rwanda and legally able to hold employment in the country.
• A University degree in a relevant field (e.g. Development Studies, Project Management, Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related discipline).
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive work experience in areas of program/project management, and international development,  with a demonstrated track record of successful implementation and achieving impact.
• Proven expertise in navigating complex stakeholder relationships, including engaging with high-level government officials, private sector executives, international organizations, and community leaders.
• Experience with project financial management, including monitoring budgets, reviewing cash forecasts, and BVA analyses.
• Excellent people management skills, including experience in building, leading, and motivating high-performing teams, both in-person and remotely.
• Strong digital literacy and familiarity with project management tools, data management systems, and online collaboration platforms.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with fluency in English and Kinyarwanda.
• Proven ability to develop high-quality project reports, presentations, and communication materials.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment while managing multiple priorities and adapting to changing circumstances.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with a creative and innovative approach to bringing value across multiple project components and teams.

What DOT Offers:

• DOT compensation is competitive with local markets, reflecting the importance of this role to both DOT’s operations and its global purpose-driven mission.
• The privilege to collaborate with an energetic local and international team dedicated to youth empowerment and systemic change.
• The chance to make a significant difference for youth and your country.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit your application through this Google form (https://forms.gle/bLXiPGZ3Dfi8QzaZA) (A Gmail account is required to view this form and upload documents) by 15th September 2024, at 12 PM GMT+2. 

DOT celebrates diversity and is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment that values cross-cultural understanding. We strongly encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, those from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or those with intersectional identities. DOT ensures accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the recruitment and selection process. Please indicate any need for accommodations in your application.