Country manager Rwanda & Burundi

PUM

2d • Remote

About The Position

As country manager for Rwanda & Burundi, you understand the crucial role strong business ecosystems play in driving economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development. You bring a solid local network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and partners, combined with proven experience in programme management and team leadership. This is an opportunity to lead the country teams for Rwanda & Burundi, consisting of seven country representatives on a freelance basis who engage change-driven SMEs to participate in PUM's impactful programmes. You will hold end-to-end responsibility for client relationship management after acquisition, ensuring continuity, quality of engagement, and strategic alignment. You will be part of the Africa regional team, reporting to the head of region and collaborating closely with 15 other country managers in the region, 12 programme managers, as well as other departments such as recruitment and communications & partnerships.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree.
• At least 10 years of experience in a coordinating role and leading a commercial or acquisition-focused team.
• Strong local SME network and a deep understanding of business ecosystem development in Rwanda & Burundi.
• Familiarity with European work culture.
• Experience in remote collaboration within international organisations.
• Strong intercultural communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and stakeholders.
• Proven leadership and accountability skills.
• Experience in performance management and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in managing a remote team operating across the country.
• Willingness to travel occasionally within Rwanda & Burundi for project development visits, partnership meetings, and country team meetings.
• Strong focus on impact, quality, and measurable results.
• Comfortable using digital tools, including Microsoft 365.
• Excellent command of English.
• Fluent in preferably one other official language, such as French or Swahili.
• Permanently based in Rwanda or Burundi.
• Available for 37.5 hours (1 FTE) per week.

Nice To Haves

• Thrive in an organisation in growth and transition and enjoy contributing to further professionalisation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Country Impact Plan (CIP) in line with PUM’s mission, strategy, and organisational ambitions, focusing on strengthening business ecosystems.
• Establish partnerships and collaborate with wider networks of entrepreneurs, business organisations and other enabling organisations to advance business ecosystems.
• Identify, develop, and secure funding opportunities from institutional donors, foundations, corporate partners, and other possible sponsors.
• Foster strategic partnerships with SMEs and stakeholders through proactive account management and ongoing engagement.
• Build, lead, and coach the country representative team, safeguarding the quality and continuity of acquisition.
• Ensure team capacity, motivation, accountability, and performance through effective people management, including organising country team meetings (CTMs).
• Qualify new clients using assessment criteria that emphasise diversity, inclusion, and alignment with PUM’s green and social goals within business ecosystems.
• Approve project proposals, ensuring accurate and complete information so programme managers can identify the right expert match.
• Collaborate closely with programme managers to ensure alignment, shared goals, and successful projects.
• Occasionally welcome and accompany visiting experts.
• Personally engage with clients after acquisition, ensuring continuity, quality of engagement, and strategic fit.
• Lead professional briefing and debriefing sessions to ensure quality assurance, data collection, and learning.
• Monitor performance and use data to share insights and improve results.
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies, quality standards, and project timelines.

Benefits

• Competitive fee aligned with local market standards.
• Possibility of extension based on organisational needs and successful collaboration.
• Contribute to the sustainable development of communities.
• Put expertise to best use, making tangible impact on businesses worldwide.
• Embrace new perspectives and gain insights by connecting with diverse people and cultures.
• Collaborate with a vast network of stakeholders, including institutional funders, government entities, and NGOs.
• Immerse yourself in a multicultural environment, broadening horizons.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior