This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the UK’s future partnership with Rwanda at the intersection of innovation, science and technology, policy, and international partnerships.

Based at the British High Commission in Kigali, the postholder will own and help set the direction of the High Commission’s strategic partnerships and innovation agenda, with significant autonomy to identify opportunities and turn ideas into practical UK-Rwanda collaboration. They will have a particular focus on innovation, including technology and AI, exploring how emerging technologies and Rwanda’s wider innovation ecosystem can contribute to the country’s development and create opportunities for deeper UK-Rwanda cooperation.

The role combines policy and analysis with hands-on partnership building. The potholder will manage and strengthen important institutional relationships, including partnerships between HMRC and the Rwanda Revenue Authority, the Office for National Statistics and the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, and the National Audit office and Office of the Auditor General. They will also have the freedom to identify, scope, and broker new collaborations, bringing together government, research institutions, regulators, and innovation hubs in Rwanda and the UK.

Working as part of the High Commission’s four-person Analysis Cluster, the postholder will lead analysis of Rwanda’s innovation ecosystem and developments in science and technology, translating emerging ideas into policy advice, partnerships, and activities. They will work closely with colleagues across the High Commission, the wider UK Government, and a diverse network of Rwandan and UK partners.

As one of three Programme, Policy, and Partnerships Managers at the High Commission, the postholder will also be responsible for programme management for the Peer-to-Peer Partnerships, Programme-Funded-Posts, and Innovation components of the High Commission’s new portfolio programme. In particular, they will drive the innovation component of the portfolio, leading the scoping, design, delivery, and adaptation of activities in partnership with thematic leads, and may provide wider programme management support where required.

This role would particularly suite someone who is curious, entrepreneurial, and excited by innovation; who enjoys building relationships; and who is comfortable taking ownership of a growing agenda rather than simply managing an established portfolio.

Innovation, science, and technology (40%) 

• Lead the High Commission’s work on innovation, including technology and AI, identifying opportunities where UK expertise and partnerships can support Rwanda’s development and advance UK objectives.
• Lead analysis of Rwanda’s innovation ecosystem and monitor developments in science and technology, including key actors, barriers to adoption, market failures, emerging opportunities and risks, and opportunities for UK engagement.
• Translate analysis and emerging ideas into practical policy advice, partnerships, and activities, working closely with thematic leads across the High Commission.
• Develop policy positions, briefings, and advice for senior leaders, and contribute to policy influencing and engagement with the Government of Rwanda and other partners.
• Drive the innovation component of the High Commission’s portfolio programme, leading the scoping, design, delivery, and adaptation of activities.
  
  
  

Strategic partnerships and UK-Rwanda collaboration (35%)

• Manage and strengthen a portfolio of important UK-Rwanda institutional partnerships, including relationships between HMRC and the Rwanda Revenue Authority, the Office for National Statistics and the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, and the National Audit Office and Office of the Auditor General.
• Identify, scope, and broker new partnerships between UK and Rwandan organisations, drawing on UK expertise and bringing together government, research institutions, regulators, innovation hubs and other relevant partners.
• Build and maintain a strong network of stakeholders to gather insights, identify opportunities, and support delivery of the High Commission’s objectives.
• Convene partners and coordinate technical exchanges, visits, workshops, and senior-level engagement, using the High Commission’s convening power to develop and deepen UK-Rwanda collaboration.

Programme management (20%) 

• Manage the Peer-to-Peer Partnerships, Programme-Funded Posts, and Innovation components of the High Commission’s portfolio programme, ensuring effective delivery and coherence with wider portfolio objectives.
• Manage relevant activities in accordance with FCDO’s Programme Operating Framework (PrOF), maintaining proportionate oversight of finances, forecasts, risks, commercial, and VfM considerations, and working with programme partners and colleagues to address delivery issues.
• Monitor the performance and impact of partnerships and innovation activities, capturing evidence and learning to improve delivery and inform future activity.
• Provide wider programme management support across the High Commission where required.
  
  
  

Wider High Commission Contribution (5%) 

• Play an active role in the wider life and work of the British High Commission, contributing to cross-office priorities and corporate responsibilities as required.

• Strong analytical and policy skills, with the ability to understand complex or emerging issues, identify opportunities and risks, and translate analysis into practical recommendations and action.
• Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills, with experience of developing productive partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders across government, the private sector, academia, civil society, and/or international organisations.
• A strong interest in innovation, science and technology, including emerging technologies such as AI, and an ability to understand how these can contribute to development and wider policy objectives.
• A self-starter, comfortable working with significant autonomy, developing new ideas and opportunities and taking them from initial concept through to delivery.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and persuasively to different audiences, including senior stakeholders.
• Experience of project or programme management, with the organisational and financial skills required to manage activities, budgets, risks and results effectively.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver at pace, while adapting to new opportunities, changing circumstances and emerging priorities.