Project Manager

Mission and objectivesThe United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) reduces poverty and drives inclusive growth in the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs) by expanding access to finance for households and small businesses, providing grants, loans, and guarantees to mobilize resources and spur innovation. Through its Inclusive Digital Economies (IDE) programme, UNCDF advances solutions in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) finance, climate and energy, women’s economic empowerment, and remittances. In Rwanda, the IDE team leads the Amplifying Cross Border Digital Opportunity project (2024–2027), which leverages digital technologies to support Small-Scale Cross-Border Traders (SSCBTs)—mainly women in the informal sector—enhancing access to services, markets, and resources while ensuring trade and digitalization policies deliver tangible benefits.

ContextIn Rwanda, UNCDF’s Finwise/IDE team is implementing the \"Amplifying Cross Border Digital Opportunity\" project (2024–2027) to enhance the livelihoods of Small-Scale Cross-Border Traders (SSCBTs) particularly for women through digital technology. The programme aims to: • Connect SSCBTs to markets and services via digital platforms and financial tools. • Translate policy into practical benefits on the ground. • Promote inclusive economic growth and women's empowerment. Aligned with UNCDF’s broader focus on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) finance, gender inclusion, and digital development, the initiative seeks to catalyse investment and strengthen local ecosystems to support informal traders' transition to sustainable livelihoods. The UN Volunteer/Project Manager will support in program coordination, stakeholder engagement, data collection, and impact reporting. His/her contribution will significantly strengthen UNCDF’s ability to localize, implement, and monitor project activities effectively.

Task DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of the Finwise Program Specialist and with technical oversight from the Eastern and Southern African Regional Digital Manager, as well as oversight from the Inclusive Digital Economies (IDE) Regional Results Measurement Specialist, the UNV will lead the implementation of the results measurement strategy for UNCDF Finwise in Rwanda including: Project Management & Coordination: • Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the project of amplifying digital opportunities for cross-border traders in Rubavu and Rusizi. • Ensure timely delivery of project outputs and adherence to budget and timelines. • Prepare regular progress reports, case studies, and documentation of lessons learned. Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Development • Facilitate partnerships with fintech's to enhance DFS tailored to SSCBTs. • Engage with cooperative leaders and local authorities to ensure community buy-in and sustainability. • Represent the project in relevant forums and stakeholder meetings. Digital Solutions Development • Support fintech’s in designing and piloting inclusive, data-driven digital solutions for SSCBTs. • Oversee the integration of digital tools into cooperative operations (e.g., digital record-keeping, mobile payments). • Ensure solutions are accessible and inclusive for women, youth, and Persons with Disability (PwD) Reporting and knowledge-sharing: • Review and contribute to progress reports and donor reporting. • Contribute to knowledge products to share programme results and learnings. • Contribute to annual monitoring and reporting related to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

Competencies and values• Accountability • Integrity • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management • Working in teams

Living conditions and remarksKigali, the capital of Rwanda, has experienced remarkable rejuvenation and stability, evident upon arrival in the city. While motorcycle taxis are the fastest mode of transport, they're not recommended without your own helmet, though some provide helmets. Standard taxis, marked with yellow stripes, are another option, with many operated by Kigali Taxi Service or Kigali Airport Taxis. Public transportation is affordable and efficient, with new and well-maintained buses available, and prepaid cards can be purchased at bus stations. Rental cars are also available due to significant investment in infrastructure, leading to minimal congestion. Accommodations in Kigali are readily available and meet relevant standards, with recreational facilities like swimming pools also accessible. Shopping options include various shops and markets offering essential items, imported goods, home furnishings, electrical appliances, and vehicle spare parts. The city boasts both public and private health facilities, such as King Faisal Hospital and Legacy Clinic, equipped to handle emergencies and affiliated with CIGNA insurance. Kigali is considered exceptionally safe, with emergency numbers like 999 for police, 111 for fire fighters, and 112 for general emergencies, and 113 for traffic accidents. The UNV Programme offers monthly living allowance covering basic needs like housing, utilities, transportation, and communication. The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable them to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service.