Programme Coordinator

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TORs) FOR RECRUITING PROGRAMS COORDINATOR FOR FAWE RWANDA CHAPTER

1.Background

The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) is a membership-based Pan-African Non-Governmental Organization that operates through 34 National Chapters in 33 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to promote girls’ and women’s education. FAWE’s vision, mission and goal focus on quality education for girls and women socio-economic empowerment. FAWE Rwanda is one of 33 national chapters. FAWE Rwanda Chapter was started in 1997 and since its inception, FAWE Rwanda has grown to become a reputable partner and focal point on female education in Rwanda.

FAWE Rwanda Chapter would like to recruit a Programme Coordinator for an initial period of three years, renewable based on performance and resource availability with a probationary period of three months. The details of the position are provided below:

Position: Programs Coordinator

Reports to: Executive Director

Direct reports: All Programs officers

Job Purpose: The core purpose of “Programs Coordinator” (PC) is to support Executive Director in designing programs, funds mobilization, day-to-day supervision of programs implementation, and reporting of programs activities. The Program Coordinator will provide strategic leadership and oversight for program development, resource mobilization, implementation, monitoring, and reporting. The incumbent will also support organizational planning, decision-making, partnership development, and institutional growth while ensuring delivery of high-quality programs aligned with FAWE Rwanda's strategic objectives.

2. Duties, responsibilities and performance areas

The duties, responsibilities and performance areas are as follows:

Programs design Weight: 20%

• Coordinate the compilation of data and information necessary for the formulation of FAWE strategic Plan and annual action plans.
• Initiate programs and design logframe thereof: programs objectives, assumptions, SMART goals, target results, outputs, outcomes, performance indicators, programs activities, staffing requirements, programs inputs &budgets, monitoring & evaluation, risks & mitigation thereof etc.
• Design effective programs monitoring & evaluation system: procedures, frequency, etc; and ensure effective implementation thereof.

Funds mobilization Weight: 40%

• Coordinate the development and submission of funding proposals, ensuring that proposals are aligned with organizational priorities, programme objectives, donor requirements, and submission timelines.
• Collaborate with the Fundraising Officer and relevant programme teams to develop high-quality, compelling, and tailored grant proposals that effectively communicate the organization’s impact, needs, and value proposition.
• Identify and research potential funding opportunities, including grants, institutional donors, corporate partnerships, and other resource mobilization opportunities, while maintaining an up-to-date funding pipeline and tracking proposal deadlines.
• Support the Executive Director in funding negotiations and donor engagements, including discussions on funding terms, partnership arrangements, budgets, and other relevant conditions with prospective funding partners.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, institutional funders, and community supporters, ensuring regular engagement, effective communication, and appropriate donor stewardship.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with government institutions, development agencies, private sector actors, and other stakeholders to advance FAWE Rwanda's mission and sustainability

Programs implementation Weight: 30%

• Conduct regular assessments of risks that may affect programme implementation and, in consultation with the Executive Director (ED), recommend and implement appropriate risk mitigation measures.
• Provide day-to-day oversight and supervision of programme activities, ensuring effective implementation in line with approved plans and objectives.
• Oversee program budget implementation and expenditure tracking in collaboration with the Finance Department, ensuring accountability and efficient utilization of resources
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and support to programme staff to strengthen programme implementation and performance.
• Coordinate the activities of programme staff and facilitate effective collaboration across different programme areas.
• Ensure the quality, effectiveness, and timely delivery of programme interventions in accordance with established standards and organizational objectives.
• Ensure that all program activities are implemented in compliance with FAWE policies, procedures, strategic priorities, and applicable funding partner requirements and regulations.
• Ensure safeguarding, child protection, gender equality, and Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) principles are integrated into program planning and implementation.
• Support the Executive Director in assessing and evaluating the performance of programme staff, including identifying capacity-building needs and recommending appropriate performance improvement measures.
• Provide ongoing guidance, constructive feedback, and mentorship to programme staff, and identify and facilitate appropriate capacity-building and professional development opportunities based on identified needs

Programs reporting Weight: 30%

• Coordinate and manage the reporting process by guiding programme staff on reporting requirements, setting deadlines, collecting reports, and ensuring timely submission of accurate and complete information.
• Review, verify, consolidate, and analyze programme reports in coordination with M&E staff, ensuring that reported results are supported by reliable data and clearly reflect progress, achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and gaps.
• Prepare and submit consolidated programme reports to Executive Director, and donors; provide feedback to programme staff, maintain reporting records, and follow up on outstanding actions and documentation.
•  Ensure regular reporting of programs activities: (weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually – as applicable).
• Ensuring full compliance with funding partners’ reporting requirements, and funding agreement provisions.

3. Person specifications Academic & professional qualifications

• Master’s degree in any of the following disciplines awarded by an accredited university: Project Management, Development studies, Social Sciences, Development Economics and related fields experience.
• A recognized professional certification in Project Management, such as PMP or an equivalent internationally recognized qualification is an added advantage

4. Essential experience

• At least 7 (seven) years working experience managing multiple and concurrent donor funded programs; most of which with senior managerial responsibilities such as strategy formulation, program design, staff supervision, program budget management.
• Proven experience in raising funds through various ways including writing fundable projects (please provide evidence for this)
• Demonstrated experience leading and supervising multidisciplinary teams in a development organization.
•  Proven experience engaging with government institutions, development partners, donors, and other key education-sector stakeholders.
•  Experience implementing programs related to education, gender equality, girls' empowerment, youth development, or social inclusion.
• Proven experience in Non-Governmental Organizations or public sector donor-funded development programs.

5. Essential knowledge

• Sound understanding of development partnerships, financial resources mobilization, donor strategies, governmental and international relations.
• Awareness of the universal Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); in particular, the call for “ending poverty”, “gender equality”, and “quality education”.
• In-depth understanding of development concepts, methodologies and techniques including demonstrated understanding of gender issues in development, alleviation of poverty through skills development and empowerment.
• Excellent understanding of project management cycle and project appraisal methodologies.
•  Strong knowledge of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and quality assurance methodologies.
• Knowledge of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) principles and evidence-based program management. 
• Good understanding of safeguarding, gender mainstreaming, social inclusion, and child protection principles in development programming.

6. Essential skills and Abilities

The candidate should possess the following skills and competencies:

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to lead, motivate, mentor, and manage teams to achieve organizational objectives.
• Team management and staff development skills, including performance management, coaching, delegation, and capacity building.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex issues and develop practical solutions.
• Strategic thinking and planning skills, with the ability to align program implementation with organizational goals and priorities.
• Negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to build consensus and foster productive partnerships.
• Conflict management, stakeholder engagement, and networking skills.
• Effective time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Proficiency in English, including strong report writing, proposal writing, and documentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and contribute to organizational decision-making and strategic direction.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, accountability, and results orientation
• Strong partnership-building and stakeholder management skills.
•  Ability to analyze program data and evidence to inform strategic decisions and improve program performance.
•  Proficiency in digital collaboration, program management, and data analysis tools.

7. Key Deliverables

• Develop quality programme plans (Annually Action Plan) aligned with FAWE Rwanda’s priorities.
• Prepare Annual action plan, log frames, budgets, and implementation plans.
• Identify and follow up on potential funding opportunities.
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of funding proposals on time.
• Maintain good relationships with donors and funding partners.
• Coordinate and supervise programme activities and staff.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and feedback to programme staff.
• Identify staff training and capacity-building needs and support their development.
• Monitor programme progress, results, risks, and quality of implementation.
• Ensure programme activities comply with FAWE policies and donor requirements.
• Prepare accurate and timely programme reports for management and donors.
• Maintain proper programme records and follow up on reporting and implementation actions.
• Prepare Quarterly and annual consolidation activities report for the organization
• Provide strategic leadership and direction for program implementation, ensuring alignment with FAWE Rwanda's vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
• Contribute to organizational planning, decision-making, and performance management as an active member of the Senior Management Team (SMT).
• Lead and strengthen a high-performing program team by promoting accountability, collaboration, innovation, and a results-oriented culture.
• Represent FAWE Rwanda in strategic meetings, partnerships, networks, and relevant sector coordination forums.
• Support organizational risk management, resource mobilization, and institutional development initiatives to enhance program sustainability and impact.
• Ensure program budgets are effectively managed and utilized in accordance with approved plans, organizational policies, and donor requirements.
•  Ensure integration of safeguarding, gender equality, and inclusion principles across all programs and projects.
• Oversee staff performance management processes, including goal setting, performance reviews, and implementation of professional development plans.
• Ensure effective coordination across departments to promote integrated program delivery and achievement of organizational objectives.

8. Remuneration package and benefits

Remuneration and Benefits: FAWE Rwanda Chapter offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications, skills, and relevant professional experience. The benefits package includes medical insurance, pension contributions, maternity leave, an airtime allowance, and one month of annual leave, provided in accordance with FAWE Rwanda’s policies and applicable employment regulations.

9. Job application procedures

• Application letter addressed to FAWE Rwanda Executive Director and Education certificates (combined in pdf);
• Recent Curriculum Vitae (CV) with proven work Experience including three referees (combined in pdf).
• Highly qualified candidates should send their cover letter; well detailed CV and copies of degrees and certificates.

How to Apply

Interested candidate should submit their application no later than 15th October 2026. Please click on the “Apply Now” button to complete your application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.