Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
CARE Rwanda is part of the global CARE organization, which has been dedicated to fighting global poverty and providing disaster relief since its establishment. The organization focuses on empowering women and girls, promoting gender equality, and fostering resilience in vulnerable communities. CARE operates in numerous countries worldwide, with a strong presence in Rwanda, where it has been actively involved in various development programs aimed at improving the lives of local populations. The organization is known for its commitment to social justice and its collaborative approach to development, working alongside local partners and communities to create sustainable solutions.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director (CD) position at CARE Rwanda is a pivotal leadership role that encompasses overall accountability for the strategic direction, program implementation, operational management, and risk oversight of the organization’s initiatives in the country. The CD will be responsible for ensuring that CARE’s mission to save lives, defeat poverty, and achieve social justice is effectively realized through innovative and impactful programs. This role requires a visionary leader who can navigate complex socio-political landscapes, inspire high performance among diverse teams, and engage with key stakeholders, including government officials, donors, and civil society organizations. The CD will also champion CARE’s commitment to gender equality and locally led solutions, particularly focusing on empowering women and girls in Rwanda.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Director will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Leading the development and execution of CARE Rwanda’s multi-year strategy, ensuring alignment with global priorities and national development goals.
• Driving organizational transformation and fostering innovation to maintain relevance in a changing environment.
• Exercising adaptive leadership to respond effectively to political, social, and economic shifts.
• Inspiring and managing a diverse team, promoting a culture of inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Designing and implementing resource mobilization strategies to secure diversified funding sources.
• Building and nurturing partnerships with government, donors, and the private sector to enhance CARE’s influence and operational capacity.
• Ensuring operational excellence by maintaining compliance with CARE’s global standards and managing risks effectively.
• Upholding program quality and impact through evidence-based, community-centered approaches that deliver transformative results.
• Representing CARE Rwanda externally to elevate its profile and influence policy and donor agendas.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Country Director position must possess senior leadership experience in humanitarian and/or development contexts, ideally within Rwanda or the surrounding region. A strong track record in strategic leadership, organizational transformation, and resource mobilization is essential. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in engaging with government, donors, and private sector partners at senior levels, showcasing their ability to lead complex operations while maintaining robust risk management and compliance oversight. A deep commitment to gender equality, locally led development, and inclusive leadership is crucial, along with an entrepreneurial mindset that enables innovation and adaptability in the face of change.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for the Country Director role, typically including a master’s degree in international development, public administration, business administration, or a related field. Advanced qualifications or certifications in leadership, management, or specific areas of development practice may be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience, typically at least 10 years, in senior leadership roles within humanitarian or development organizations. Candidates should have a proven ability to manage complex operations, lead diverse teams, and engage effectively with high-level stakeholders. Experience in resource mobilization and strategic planning is also essential, along with a demonstrated commitment to gender equality and social justice.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within CARE and with external stakeholders. Proficiency in Kinyarwanda or French would be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to engage with local communities and partners effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is expected to be a full-time role, with a focus on local hiring. CARE Rwanda strongly encourages applications from qualified Rwandan nationals and will prioritize local candidates for this position. The role may involve travel within Rwanda and potentially to other countries for regional meetings or collaborations. Compensation and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with experience, reflecting CARE’s commitment to attracting and retaining top talent in the development sector.