This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in Kigali. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.
About the program:
The World Resources Institute (WRI) Rwanda is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to serve as Program Manager within its Food Program in Rwanda, contributing to WRI Africaโs Food Systems Strategy. The Food program prioritizes three key areas: (i) promoting sustainable, nature-positive agriculture practices, including agroecology and regenerative farming to improve soil health and yields for smallholder farmers; (ii) reducing food loss and waste, and (iii) shifting diets toward diverse, nutrient-dense foods to address malnutrition and health issues, especially women and children. The program embraces circularity for food to address the interconnected goals of improving human well-being, protecting nature, and combating climate change. The u will lead the Circular Food Systems project, which aims to transform Rwandaโs food systems by supporting agri-food SMEs to adopt circular economy practices and principles and evidence-based policy engagement. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise, proven program management experience, and a track record of successfully facilitating multi-stakeholder processes. This position integrates strategic oversight with technical leadership across policy development, research, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge dissemination. You will integrate equity into your work.
Job Highlight:
This position will integrate strategic oversight with technical leadership across policy development, research, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge dissemination.
What you will do:
Program Management and Implementation (60%):
- Lead implementation of the Rwanda-based Circular food systems project, aligning with WRI Africaโs mission and strategic goals
- Lead preparation of annual work plans and budgets for Circular food systems project activities in coordination with the relevant staff
- Oversee execution of workplans, budgets, and deliverables across core workstreamsโincluding policy development, SME engagement, research, and stakeholder coordinationโto ensure alignment and Manage execution plans, timelines, budgets, and deliverables across key workstreams, including policy, SMEs, research, and stakeholder engagement
- Supervise project staff and consultants and in cordination with other WRI programs
- Support the implementation of other Food Program activities in Rwanda, including on Yield Productivity, Food Loss and Waste and integrating Food in Restoration
- Explore opportunities for cross-collaboration and cross-learning between the food program three strategic areas and other vital landscape programs/initiatives
- Conduct and participate in research that advances knowledge and learning on the priority areas for Food for WRI Africa, including regular writing, review and publishing of journal articles, peer-reviewed reports, issue briefs, opinion pieces and strategic communication outputs
Policy Support, Engagement and partnerships (30%):
- Support coordination of the Circular economy Multistakeholder Platform (MSP) in collaboration with the local implementing partner, including strategic planning, event organization, and documentation
- Track progress on MSP recommendations and maintain the stakeholder database and communication channels
- Facilitate and support working groups within the MSP (e.g., sustainable packaging, SME financing), ensuring inclusive participation and clear outcomes.
- Strengthen relationships with key ministries, government agencies, and public institutions in close coordination with WRI Rwanda Country Representative and Food Program Lead
- Identify and engage policy champions across institutions to build momentum for key policy proposals
- Ensure WRIโs policy contributions are reflected in national development dialogues and sector planning processes
- Provide leadership in program visibility through communication and strategic engagements with external stakeholders and interest groups
- Support the food program in building relationships with a diverse network of relevant public and private sector actors to maintain a strong network of research and academic, development and public institutions that will advance food systems transformation
- Translate research findings into strategic advice for relevant ministries, regulatory bodies, and public institutions
Donor Relations & Fundraising (10%):
- Lead timely and quality financial and technical reporting to donors and partners.
- Manage and build strong relationships with partners
- Contribute to fundraising and proposal development efforts to grow the Food Program in Rwanda and beyond
- Strengthen fundraising linkages between food and restoration team
- Lead and co-lead other proposals developed by WRI teams in the focus area, with an emphasis on Africa
- Build long-term relationships with partners and donors through transparent communication and value-driven collaboration
- Strengthen fundraising linkages between the Food Program in Rwanda and other WRI Africa programs.
What you will need:
- Education: You have a completed bachelorโs degree or higher Degree in public policy, Economics, Environmental Science, Agricultural economics, or related fields. Relevant work experience is accepted in lieu of a degree
- Experience: You have 7+ years full-time relevant work experience managing projects in food systems or environment with a track record in policy analysis, multi-stakeholder coordination, and translation of research findings into strategic advice for policy makers
- Deep understanding of Rwandan food system dynamics and experience working with national and local institutions
- Strong analytical and research skills; experience producing high-quality research publications and policy briefs
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English
- Proven track record in stakeholder coordination and team leadership
- Preferred: Experience working with international NGOs or multilateral institutions
- Working knowledge of French and/or Kinyarwanda will be an added advantage
- Experience with MEL frameworks and program implementation
- PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is preferred
- Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization.
Potential Salary:
Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.
How to Apply:
Please submit a resume with a cover letter by 8 September 2025. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of qualified applications.
You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.
What we offer:
- A competitive salary
- Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US
- The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities.
- A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
- The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
- Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours
- Generous leave days that increase with tenure
About Us:
World Resources Institute works to improve peopleโs lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyse change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.
Our mission and values:
WRIโs mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earthโs environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.