The position is based in Rwanda and involves occasional travel to our Swiss headquarters and to countries where Suyana operates, especially to Uganda. About Suyana FoundationThe Suyana Foundation is a Swiss non-profit organization founded in 2003. We implement long-term, integrated development programs in Bolivia and Peru and work with trusted local partners in Africa, Switzerland, and beyond.Suyana began its engagement in Africa in 2021 and currently supports several partner-led projects primarily in Rwanda and Uganda. In Rwanda, we are supporting three key projects focused on vocational agricultural training, youth empowerment, and community health and livelihood support, all aimed at promoting sustainable development and enhancing local skills.We plan to establish a legally registered entity in Rwanda, with an operational office, local staff, and functioning administrative systems. This local presence will enable us to directly manage and expand programs, engage more strategically with government institutions and stakeholders, consider new projects, and oversee implementation on the ground, deepening our long-term impact in the country. This office may also evolve into a regional hub for overseeing Suyana's growing engagement in Uganda and other countries in the region. Position SummaryAs Suyana's Country Representative in East Africa, you will lead the establishment of Suyana's operational base in Rwanda, while supporting project follow-up in both Rwanda and Uganda, based on project needs and in coordination with the Project Manager. You will oversee project implementation and partner coordination, ensure compliance and financial oversight, and contribute to new project design and resource mobilization. You will report to and receive active support from the Head of International Partner Projects in Switzerland, collaborating closely with field teams, headquarters staff, partner organizations, and key stakeholders across government, authorities, and the private sector.Key responsibilities · Representation and coordination: Act as Suyana's official representative in Rwanda, maintaining effective relationships with government authorities, development partners, and private-sector actors, while ensuring structured, transparent communication with the Swiss headquarters. This includes hosting visiting staff, consultants, and delegations for evaluations, project visits, and strategic missions.· Office establishment: The main task of this person is to lead the setup of Suyana's operational base in Rwanda, including the legal registration of the office, the establishment of its infrastructure, and the development of administrative, financial, and operational proceduresensuring full compliance with national regulations and Suyana's internal standards.· Human resources: Conjointly with the Head of IPP: recruit, onboard, and support local staff and experts, while fostering a collaborative team culture and building internal capacity aligned with Suyana's mission and technical standards.· Procurement and consultant management: Oversee the identification, contracting, and coordination of service providers and consultantsensuring quality assurance and effective support during key project activities such as baseline assessments, evaluations, and specialized consultancies.· Office management and finance: Oversee the day-to-day running of the office, including administrative coordination, staff supervision and support, and financial management. Supervise project budgets, cost-efficiency, and financial reporting in line with donor and internal requirements. Ensure all operations comply with Rwandan laws and regulations.· Project management: Oversee ongoing and new projects in collaboration with local partners, including regular field visits, and ensure quality, strategic alignment, and measurable impact across all phases of the project cycle. Promote excellence in Project Cycle Management by applying and strengthening PCM practices across planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and learning.Legal & Ethical Compliance Oversight: Ensure that all of Suyana's projects and operations comply with applicable local laws and internal policies. This includes safeguarding ethical integrity, promoting accountability, and proactively identifying potential legal or regulatory risks.MEAL: Support Suyana's Impact Manager and Project Managers to improve monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning mechanisms. Strong understanding of Kobo data collection and management systems.Reporting: Ensure the preparation and submission of timely, accurate, and comprehensive narrative and financial reports in line with Suyana's internal schedules, donor expectations, and the reporting requirements of relevant Rwandan authorities.· New projects and partnerships: Assess potential partners and co-develop new initiatives based on community needs and Suyana's holistic development framework.· Fundraising Support: contribute to the development of funding proposals, alongside the Africa Project and Partnership Manager, helping to secure resources for new and ongoing projects.· Strategic development: Contribute to Suyana's strategic positioning in the region by identifying opportunities, informing country-level priorities, and aligning local efforts with the foundation's broader mission and vision. Develop a network of key stakeholders including governmental interactions when relevant. Skills & qualifications This is a leadership role for a proactive, hands-on professional ready to take ownershipestablishing a strong and visible Suyana presence in Rwanda, built on a high-performing team and carefully developed, directly implemented approaches, while cultivating trusted partnerships and reinforcing Suyana's reputation for quality and impact.We are looking for a committed professional with the following qualifications:· Minimum 5 years of experience managing development projects, including significant fieldwork in Africa and close collaboration with local communities and partners. Previous experience in Rwanda and possibly Uganda is a must.· Proven ability to set up local operations, recruit and manage cross-cultural teams and consultants· Degree in international development, social sciences, or a related field (or equivalent experience); PCM proficiency is essential· Demonstrated expertise in Project Cycle Management (PCM) with a proven track record of successful, hands-on project implementation.· Alignment with Suyana's values and mission (concern, adaption and sustainability)· Strong leadership skills with the ability to build trust with partners, communities, and institutions· Results-oriented, reliable, and able to work independently and in diverse teams· Excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills in fast-paced, multicultural settings· Proficiency in English; Kinyarwanda is a must.; Swahili is a strong asset· Strong digital literacy, particularly in MS Office.· Based in Rwanda or willing to relocate there; flexibility to travel within the region as needed.· Applicants must have an EU, Swiss or Rwandan passport or a Rwandan work permit. What Suyana offersA leadership role in a growing international NGO, with the opportunity to shape our future in Africa and contribute to meaningful, long-term impact within a passionate team.A collaborative and entrepreneurial work environment.Competitive compensation package and benefits.
