Recruitment of Staff to Work with the Rwanda Green Fund Rwanda at Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA).:(Deadline 21 March 2025)

Recruitment of Staff to Work with the Rwanda Green Fund Rwanda at Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA).:(Deadline 21 March 2025)

Background and context

About the Fund

The Rwanda Green Fund, established by the Government of Rwanda in 2012, is an innovative investment fund dedicated to addressing environmental and climate challenges. It invests in public and private projects that create transformational change, incubate and accelerate high-impact green ventures, and attract climate finance. The Fund aims to unlock the potential of green finance to achieve sustainable development, aligning its technical and financial support with Rwanda’s green economy goals. Its responsibilities include mobilizing resources for environmental preservation, combating climate change, supporting research, and coordinating climate finance partnerships at national and international levels.

The Fund conducts public Calls for Proposals, where applicants have a one-month window to submit their project concepts, which are screened through a rigorous, transparent, and competitive process overseen by the Fund Management Team and evaluated by the Fund Managing Committee. The Fund offers three main financial instruments: grants for public institutions and NGOs, innovation grants for private sector research and development, and a credit line offering low-interest financing through Rwanda’s Development Bank. These instruments support projects that align with the country’s environmental and climate priorities, fostering a sustainable future for Rwanda.

About the Project

Rwanda is highly vulnerable to climate change, facing increased incidences of droughts, floods, and landslides. Climate variability, especially heavy rainfall and temperature increases, has caused infrastructure damage, disrupted water management, and posed challenges to the growing urban population. The country is water-scarce, with a significant portion of the population lacking access to safe drinking water. Informal settlements, like those in Kigali, are particularly at risk due to poor infrastructure and high population density, exacerbating the challenges posed by climate change.

The Green City Kigali (GCK) project, located on Kinyinya Hill in Gasabo district, aims to address these issues by developing a sustainable urban community. The area, highly vulnerable to landslides, is set to become a model for affordable, climate-resilient housing and infrastructure development. The pilot phase includes upgrading the informal settlement at Ngaruyinka, a community with poor infrastructure and high climate vulnerability. The project’s goal is to mitigate and adapt to climate change while creating a toolkit for future informal settlement upgrades across Rwanda.

The GCK project aligns with Rwanda’s climate goals, supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy initiatives and resilient infrastructure. It focuses on technical assistance to scale green construction practices and enhance institutional capacity. Through solar energy, water management, waste reduction, and low-emission construction methods, the project aims to create a replicable model for green urban development.

The project also integrates gender equality, recognizing the disproportionate impact of climate change on women. By promoting inclusive, sustainable, and low-emission urban development, the GCK contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including climate action, clean energy, and reduced inequalities. Expected outcomes include a climate-resilient community, increased awareness of green practices, and a foundation for future low-carbon investments in urban areas.

PROJECT MANAGER

1. Purpose and Scope of Assignment:

The Project Manager (PM) is responsible for delivering Rwanda Green Fund (RGF) projects in the built environment and physical infrastructure sector. This role encompasses the planning, execution, and oversight of infrastructure assets, ensuring their successful development and maintenance.

As the lead executor of RGF and GCKC’s core mandate, the PM provides strategic leadership and technical expertise to drive project success. They oversee the day-to-day operations of assigned projects, serving donors, partners, and beneficiaries.

Key responsibilities include project planning, budget management, and task coordination. The PM must also engage and negotiate with stakeholders while ensuring compliance with legal, safety, and environmental standards.

Risk management, problem-solving, and maintaining comprehensive project documentation are essential aspects of this role. The PM is expected to meet the organization’s performance and delivery targets while ensuring the successful execution of assigned projects. They have the authority to allocate work packages to Team Managers in accordance with the Project Plan and approve deliverables produced by them.

Additionally, the PM is responsible for developing the Implementation Plan, guided by the Project Implementation Manual (PIM) and relevant Legal Agreements. The success of the project and consequently, the PM’s effectiveness, will be measured against predefined Success Criteria. The PM oversees all phases of the project life cycle and is expected to execute these responsibilities with a degree of autonomy, ensuring alignment with the project’s success criteria.

2. Overall responsibility

The overall responsibility of the Project Manager will be to:

• Oversee the end-to-end development process of RGF projects, from feasibility studies to design, construction, and delivery; collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with quality standards; and establish project management methodologies and frameworks to ensure efficient execution and effective risk management.
• Prepare regular progress reports, presentations, and updates for senior management, the Steering Committee, and stakeholders; communicate the achievements, challenges, and lessons learned from the projects to internal and external audiences; and engage in public relations and media activities to raise awareness of green and affordable housing initiatives.
• Stay updated on relevant housing or infrastructure regulations, environmental standards, and building codes, ensuring compliance throughout the development process; advocate for policy changes or reforms that support the growth of green and affordable housing initiatives; and maintain strong relationships with regulatory authorities and ensure all necessary permits and approvals are obtained

3. Project Delivery and Performance

The Project Manager is responsible for ensuring the successful delivery and performance of projects by implementing effective planning, execution, and monitoring strategies, as outlined below.

• Develop, update, and implement project plans, including setting milestones and ensuring sustainability aspects (social, gender, environmental, economic) are embedded.
• Oversee project outputs, monitor progress, manage resources, and ensure quality compliance, taking corrective action when necessary.
• Liaise with suppliers, manage work packages, and control project changes to ensure proper execution and acceptance of deliverables.
• Lead contract management, including supplier performance evaluation, and advise on risks, issues, and mitigation strategies.
• Identify and report potential business opportunities.

4. Project Procedures

The role of a project manager will be to ensure adherence to established project procedures, including compliance with organizational policies, financial management, reporting, procurement, and documentation, as described below.

• Follow organizational policies, particularly the Project Management and Implementation Manual, and prepare plans for approval by the Project Steering Committee.
• Manage reporting obligations, procurement processes, and maintain project files while recording lessons learned.
• Develop and implement financial management guidelines, managing budgets, cash flow, and ensuring timely payments.
• Oversee project expenditures, support audits, and ensure formal handover at project closure.
• Develop and execute strategic plans for the Fund’s projects, conducting market research and identifying key performance indicators.

5. Monitoring and Reporting

The Project Manager will be responsible for monitoring project progress, evaluating performance, and ensuring accurate and timely reporting in alignment with organizational and partner requirements, as detailed below.

• Prepare and issue regular project and financial reports per partner and organizational requirements.
• Regularly review project status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule, and quality).
• Maintain diaries and progress reports as required by standard procedures.
• Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system.
• · Ensure all project team members track and regularly update milestones and targets throughout the project’s lifespan.

6. Stakeholder Engagement

The Project Manager will oversee stakeholder engagement, ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and alignment with project objectives, by doing the following.

• Develop stakeholder profiles and engagement strategies.
• Build strong relationships with the Project Steering Committee and key stakeholders.
• Coordinate project communication plans and monitor their effectiveness.
• Oversee stakeholder engagement, ensuring timely communication and alignment.
• Ensure stakeholders are informed and prepared to accept project outputs.

7. Fund and finance management

The Project Manager will develop and manage the financial aspects of the project, including budgeting, funding strategies, and financial analysis; secure financing options and partnerships to support the development and implementation of housing projects; and monitor project costs, financial performance, and financial risks, taking appropriate measures to ensure financial viability and sustainability.

8. Quality Assurance

The Project Manager will ensure that all project activities, deliverables, and processes meet quality standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices, as described below.

• Ensure project compliance with codes, standards, and audit requirements.
• Collaborate with procurement to align with suppliers’ quality systems.
• Coordinate quality reviews of project documents and deliverables.
• Provide quality control for management outputs.
• Stay updated on regulations and advocate for policy changes while maintaining relationships with regulatory authorities.

9. Knowledge Management and Innovation

The Project Manager will drive knowledge management and innovation to foster continuous learning and capacity-building within the team, as outlined below.

• Promote capacity-building activities to strengthen staff capabilities.
• Share lessons learned and best practices with other Project Managers and the wider PM community.
• Oversee and ensure timely sharing of lessons learned.
• Engage in Communities of Practice.
• Research and document lessons learned throughout the project.
• Provide feedback to improve policies and practices.

10. Personnel Management

The Project Manager will lead, motivate, and ensure the well-being of the project team while fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and diversity, as detailed below.

• Lead and motivate the project management team.
• Ensure that the behavioral expectations of team members are established.
• Ensure that performance reviews are conducted fairly, accurately, and timely.
• Select, recruit, and train team members as required, ensuring gender parity.
• Ensure safety and security for all project personnel and comply with relevant standards.
• Create, foster, and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans.

11. Impact of Results

The Project Manager will play a key role in driving project success, enhancing organizational visibility, and contributing to sustainable development outcomes as outlined below.

• The Project Manager directly impacts project success by adhering to project management methodologies, reducing risks, optimizing costs, and improving success rates.
• Strengthens the visibility and image of the organization as an effective service provider in project services and management.
• Contributes to achieving sustainable development outcomes and organizational business targets.

Required experience and qualifications:

• A post graduate degree in civil engineering, architecture, built environment or related qualifications plus experience in project management – including relevant professional memberships in good standing.
• You will have at least 9 years experience with at least 5 years senior management experience in a similar environment.

A PMP or PRINCE2 Practitioner certificate is desirable

Required Skills and knowledge:

• Professionalism: Proven conceptual, analytical, and evaluative skills. The ability to conduct independent reviews and identify issues; formulate options, arrive at conclusions and make sound decisions; an in-depth grasp of management principles and practices with sound knowledge and command of budget development, and resource control; strategic outlook with attention to accuracy and details.
• Leadership: Strong managerial and supervisory skills. Tact and negotiating skills, good judgment and decision-making skills; innovative and technical leadership – performing and/or overseeing the analysis of complex policy and programme issues; ability to get decisions timely executed in a collaborative environment.
• Managing Performance: Ability to establish priorities, plan and encourage performance; coordinate and monitor work of others, delegate appropriate responsibility, be accountable and exercise decision-making appropriately.
• Technological Awareness: Sound computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office products and complex computerized financial systems – including modeling skills and system project management skills.
• Communications and Teamwork: Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and effective oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with stakeholders (internal and external); strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Skills, Abilities and Competency Requirements: Excellent organizational, coordination, communication, and facilitation skills. Excellent interpersonal skills, team management experience, and demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary, multicultural, and international environment. Excellent computer skills. Results-oriented, accountable, proactive leadership skills. Ability to lead by example and drive change.
• Fluency in Kinyarwanda and at least English and/or French.

Application Procedure

To apply, please submit the relevant documents: your updated and signed Curriculum Vitae (CV), copies of academic certificates, proven working experience and one-page cover letter detailing why you are interested in the position you are applying for.

Please note that all applicants must apply using our online application system via https://www.greenfund.rw/career/

The deadline for submission of application is the 21^st March 2025 at 5:00 PM Local time.

In case of questions, please reach out to email: recruitment@greenfund.rw. For more information, kindly visit the Rwanda Green Fund website on https://greenfund.rw/.

Done at Kigali, on 6^th March 2025,

Teddy MUGABO MPINGANZIMA

Chief Executive Officer

National Fund for Environment