Title of post: Project Manager – Tuote Kesho

Reports to: Director of Programmes, International Alert Rwanda

Management responsibility: Project Officers/Rwanda,Burundi and DRC

Job location: Kigali – Rwanda, with frequent travel to Burundi and DRC

Grade: 2.2

Duration of contract: 1 year

 International Alert and Tuote Kesho! Project

International Alert is a global peace-building organization with over 30 years of experience. We work with local partners and governments to develop sustainable, locally owned solutions. In the Great Lakes Region, Alert has a long-standing presence in Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC, focusing on inclusive governance, social cohesion, access to justice, and conflict-sensitive economic development.

International Alert is recruiting a dynamic and experienced Project Manager to lead the implementation of the Tuote Kesho! project. This GIZ-funded initiative seeks to elevate women’s voices in peace and security processes across the Great Lakes Region by leveraging cross-border trade as a catalyst for dialogue, economic resilience, and regional stability. The project will be implemented in Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Job purpose

The Project Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Tuote Kesho! project, a GIZ-funded regional initiative aiming to elevate women’s voices in peace and security processes by leveraging cross-border trade. The post-holder will oversee the planning, coordination, and monitoring of activities across Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC. They will supervise regional teams, ensure quality delivery, lead stakeholder engagement, and contribute to learning and adaptive programming.

Duties and responsibilities

Project Management and Coordination

• Lead planning, implementation, and monitoring of project activities across all three countries.
• Ensure activities are delivered in a conflict-sensitive and gender-responsive manner.
• Oversee risk management and adaptive programming, in collaboration with security and programme teams.

Team Supervision and Support

• Provide leadership and technical guidance to project staff in each country.
• Ensure effective coordination and learning across the regional teams.
• Support capacity-building of country teams and partners.

External Engagement and Representation

• Represent the project in national and regional forums and coordination meetings.
• Maintain relationships with government institutions, civil society actors, and regional stakeholders.
• Liaise with GIZ and ensure alignment with donor priorities and guidelines.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

• Oversee data collection and documentation with support from MEL staff.
• Ensure timely and quality donor reporting and internal learning products.
• Promote knowledge generation and adaptive learning across the programme.

Financial and Operational Oversight

• Collaborate with finance and operations teams to manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Ensure compliance with financial procedures and procurement processes.
• Monitor spending and report variances in line with donor expectations.

Support to Other Regional Projects

• Provide technical and coordination support to other ongoing regional initiatives, as required.

Travel requirements

The job is based in Kigali with frequent travel to DRC, Burundi. Occasional regional travel to participate in advocacy events and to take part in Alert’s annual meetings.

Person specification

Essential requirements

• Master’s degree in international relations, Development, Peacebuilding, Gender Studies, or a related field.
• Or Minimum 5 years’ experience in project management, including regional/multi-country initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in peacebuilding, gender equality, or cross-border trade.
• Deep understanding of the Great Lakes Region’s socio-political dynamics.
• Excellent coordination, team management, and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Proficiency in English is required; French is highly desirable.
• Prior experience managing GIZ-funded projects is an advantage.

Desirable requirements

• Substantial professional experience in overseeing projects focused on social cohesion, women's economic and community empowerment.
• Have direct skills and experience in facilitating various training workshops, organizing high-level forums and workshops
• Knowledge of spoken Kirundi and Swahili will be considered an advantage as spoken language in Burundi and Eastern DRC respectively.
• Have direct experience in the execution of projects using a gender-based approach, social cohesion and entrepreneurship.
• Be methodical and perfectionist, knowing how to organize your work in particular by respecting priorities and deadlines.
• Have a practical mind, know how to identify problems and propose alternative solutions that are positive for all concerned, and in a better time.
• Experience in written reporting of project-related activities.
• Commitment to Alert's approach and values, particularly regarding the needs of conflict-affected populations.

Each application should consist only of the following documents:

• A cover letter that explains why you are the ideal candidate for the position as well as what has motivated you to apply for the position.
• A curriculum vitae that clearly respond to the education, experience and essential skills mentioned in the table above.
• Job Application form

The Application documents must be sent by email no later than 04 June 2025 at 5pm to Rwanda@international-alert.org . Please mention the following reference in the subject of your email: Application for Project Manager Position-Tuote Kesho

Please note the following:

• This is a national position.
• If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, you can assume that your application has; on this occasion, been unsuccessful.