Business Associate

Position Overview

We are seeking a Strategic Business Associate, a highly analytical, structured, and mission-driven professional who will operate inside the Office of the CEO. This role is designed for someone with exceptional problem-solving ability, strong financial acumen, and the capacity to bring clarity, order, and execution discipline in fast-paced environments.
The ideal candidate has the mindset and capability comparable to a top global MBA or strategy/consulting background. You will work directly with the CEO across strategy, finance, operations, and new business development, helping shape Masaka’s next decade of growth.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning

• Support the CEO in shaping company strategy, annual plans, and long-range growth models.
• Build analytical and financial models to support budgeting, investment cases, and strategic decisions.
• Break down complex challenges into clear frameworks, workflows, and recommendations.
• Prepare strategic memos, board materials, and analytical briefs for leadership.

New Business Development

• Research, design, and help launch new business lines (e.g., beverages, water, bottling, and new dairy categories).
• Develop financial projections, market-entry strategies, operational structures, and feasibility assessments.
• Lead cross-functional execution of pilot projects from concept to operational reality.

Financial & Analytical Excellence

• Build and manage forecasting tools, dashboards, and financial models.
• Strengthen internal reporting, performance tracking, and decision-making systems.
• Support investor readiness, banking relationships, and fundraising processes.

Organizational Effectiveness

• Bring order, structure, and clarity to high-priority, ambiguous projects.
• Ensure decisions made by leadership are translated into clear action plans with timelines and ownership.
• Draft CEO-level communication, including speeches, updates, frameworks, and leadership messages.

Special Projects & CEO Support

• Serve as the CEO’s point-person for critical or time-sensitive assignments.
• Diagnose organizational and operational challenges and propose scalable solutions.
• Build playbooks, SOPs, and systems the company can use long-term.

Who We Are Looking For

High Capability

• Exceptionally sharp analytical thinker; quickly identifies patterns and root causes.
• Strong financial modeling and business acumen.
• Ability to create structure from a blank page.
• Thrives in strategy, operations, and execution simultaneously.
• Fast learner with excellent communication skills.

High Character

• Deep integrity and commitment to protecting Masaka’s culture and values.
• Extreme ownership  committed to delivering results with accountability.
• Calm under pressure; brings clarity and stability in challenging situations.
• Humble learner — open to feed back, growth-minded, and adaptable.
• Mission-aligned  respects and embodies Masaka’s moral and spiritual foundation.

High Versatility

• Can move between CEO-level strategy and ground-level execution seamlessly.
• Communicates effectively with both Deaf and hearing teammates.
• Thrives in fast-growth, high-performance environments.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and incomplete information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or equivalent analytical training preferred.
• 3–7 years of experience in strategy, consulting, finance, operations, or related fields.
• Advanced analytical and financial modeling skills.
• Proven ability to lead projects and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication.

Success Indicators (First 12 Months)

• At least one new business line was structured and launched successfully.
• Significant strengthening of organizational systems, clarity, and execution discipline.
• High trust built with the CEO and senior leadership.
• Consistent delivery of high-quality, accurate, and timely work.

Compensation & Working Conditions

• Compensation:Competitive salary based on experience.
• Paid Leave: 18 working days per annum.
• Travel: Candidates will work primarily from the company’s offices at Plot G5, Kigali Special Economic Zone, Kigali, Rwanda.
• Duration: Seeking a minimum initial commitment of 2 years.
• Reporting: Candidates will report to the CEO as well as work collaboratively with other department heads and team members. Candidates will manage existing accounting and administrative personnel.
• Expenses: Candidates will receive an airtime allowance.