Country Manager, Rwanda at Foundation for the Global Compact: (Deadline 19 February 2023)

POSTING TITLE:                Country Manager, Rwanda (Contractor)

Foundation for the Global Compact

LOCATION:                          Kigali, Rwanda

LENGTH OF CONTRACT:      12 Months (Renewable)

INITIAL PERIOD:                April 2023 – March 2024

POSITION SUMMARY

In 2022-2023, the UN Global Compact (UNGC) aims to expand its presence in Rwanda. To that aim, we are hiring a Country Manager that will lead the promotion and representation of the UNGC initiative in Rwanda.

As the new Country Manager for Rwanda, we are seeking an experienced, strategic and creative professional with a track record of success in delivering campaigns, driving stakeholder engagement and managing business relations.

Under the supervision of the Africa Regional Head in Abuja and the guidance of the UN Resident Coordinator in Kigali, the Rwanda Country Manager will work closely with UNGC colleagues in New York, in Africa and in other Global Compact Networks to build a strong foundation for the UN Global Compact in Rwanda. The Country Manager will also work very closely with local businesses, partners and other key stakeholders in Rwanda and help establish an Advisory Board in Rwanda that can provide direction for the establishment of the UNGC in Rwanda as well as direction in terms of priorities and programmes, that are aligned with the 2023 UNGC strategy and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2018-2023) and National Strategy for Transformation (2017-2024).

Key partners include the UN Country Team and UN Resident Coordinator Office in Kigali, the Rwanda Development Board and the Rwanda Private Sector Federation. The Country Manager will work from the UN Resident Coordinator Office.

She/he will manage a menu of programmatic offerings, facilitate recruitment of companies and help position the UN Global Compact initiative within Rwanda, building relevant partnerships in Rwanda as needed. She/he will support engagements with senior leaders/national partners by translating global and regional messaging into the local context. She/he will also be adept at monitoring impact and measuring engagement to optimize effort.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adapt and implement communication strategies to enhance the UN Global Compact (UNGC)’s reputation as the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative in Rwanda.
• Work with UNGC Staff on incubating a Global Compact Network starting with phase 1 recruitment and positioning and partnership – Lead the creation of a sustainable UNGC Network in Rwanda.
• Build the foundation for a strong relationship and engagement with the UN System, the Rwanda Development Board and the Private Sector Federation in Rwanda.
• Host brand awareness events and primer sessions on the value proposition of the UNGC.
• Supervise the adaptation of global campaigns to the local audience.
• Advise the Regional Head and UNRC on Rwanda-media relations, event participation, speaking opportunities, and earned media, social media, and media events.
• Advise the Regional Head and UNRC/UNCT on identifying key supporters and lead prospects within the market.
• Host local recruitment events including with regional or national partners and maintain day-to-day contact with prospects and new joiners.
• Develop and implement UN – Rwanda businesses engagement and mobilization strategy well aligned to the UNGC objectives and principles
• Deliver existing programmatic content to the local market from the UNGC’s Lead and Shape areas in Gender Equality, Human Rights, Climate Change and integrating the SDGs.
• Contribute to organizing policy dialogues that facilitate transformative, multi-stakeholder partnerships for delivering the 2030 Agenda
• Work with Global Compact Local Networks on joint opportunities and priorities.
• Address needs for rapid response activities (including crisis and reputation management) as well as larger, longer-term opportunities.
• Conduct additional projects, as assigned.

RESULTS EXPECTED

• The Rwanda private sector is incentivized to join the UN Global Compact (UNGC) and a key set of companies is identified to support strong growth and development of the UNGC in Rwanda.
• Increased growth of the UNGC and positive awareness of the initiative and secure revenue from new joiners.
• Initial partnerships and relationships required to build the foundation for strong recruitment, continuous engagement and private sector alignment with Agenda 2030 are established.
• Designated global programmatic offerings to the local level successfully with the aim of encouraging responsible business practices are delivered.
• An Advisory Board to encourage Rwanda companies to participate in the UNGC is set up and supports the establishment of the Rwanda Network.
• A private sector/business ecosystem mapping is undertaken and guides the UN Global Compact and UNCT in Rwanda.
• UN Rwanda businesses engagement and mobilization strategy for sustainable development is designed and implemented.

CORE VALUES

• Integrity: Demonstrates the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviors; acts without consideration of personal gain; resists undue political pressure in decision-making; does not abuse power or authority; stands by decisions that are in the Organization’s interest, even if they are unpopular; and takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior.
• Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; and remains calm in stressful situations.
• Respect for Diversity: Works effectively with people from all backgrounds; treats all people with dignity and respect; treats men and women equally; shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making, examines own biases and behaviors to avoid stereotypical responses, and does not discriminate against any individual or group.

COMPETENCIES

• Communication: Speak and write clearly; listen to others and respond appropriately; two-way communication; tailor language, tone & style; share information;
• Planning and Organizing: Develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identify priority activities and adjust as required; allocate appropriate time and resources for completing work; foresee risk and allow for contingencies; monitor and adjust plans as necessary; use time efficiently;
• Creativity: Actively seek to improve services; offer new and different options to meet client needs; promote and persuade others to consider new ideas; take calculated risks – think “outside the box”; take an interest in new ideas; do not be bound by traditional approaches;
• Networking: Easily identify connections with people and organizations that are relevant to his/her work; create or maintain connections that generate value to others and opportunities for his/her mission; able to identify irrelevant connections and protect the organization’s reputation.

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Masters in a business or social-science-related field.
• 10+ years of experience managing stakeholder relationships, especially with private sector actors and organizations, with a strong understanding of / familiarity with the business environment and community in Rwanda.
• Understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the government of Rwanda’s plans to achieve a sustainable development, corporate sustainability and specifically the role of the private sector in achieving SDGs in Rwanda.
• Knowledge of media relations and events promotion.
• Language competency: Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda.
• Excellent and creative writing skills.
• A proven track record of coordinating projects.
• An international outlook and mindset.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently, but equally comfortable working in a diverse team environment and often under deadline pressure.
• Experience working with partners to generate the best results on deadline and within budget.

PROVEN DELIVERY OF RESULTS

• Must be able to manage multiple priorities (including content management demands), communicate status appropriately, and maintain a high level of operational transparency and accountability.
• Delivers to clear goals within strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments, allocates appropriate time and resources, tracks progress and adjusts priorities as required.
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary.
• Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize a varied workload.
• Strong problem-solving skills, analytical skills, and attention to detail.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please include the following materials in your email submission with the subject heading “Country Manager Rwanda” to localnetworks@unglobalcompact.org, a Cover Letter + a Resume/CV.

A competitive interview process will be conducted throughout March 2023.

Please submit your application by 19 February 2023.