PROJECT BACKGROUND
The University of Rwanda through the Center of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural
Resource Management (CoEB) is implementing several research projects and seeks a
project manager for one of the projects entitled ‘Building resilient working landscapes in
Rwanda: Promoting Indigenous trees as an alternative sustainable wood supply for the
timber industry project (PITTIR).
The aim of this project is to identify a suite of indigenous tree species that meet industry
requirements for commercial production and that contribute to human wellbeing and
biodiversity conservation through the following outputs: (1) Identify a set of native tree
species that can be domesticated for commercial cultivation, for livelihood improvement
opportunities, and that help combat malnutrition and climate change impacts; (2)
Determine best approaches to collect seeds of these identified species; (3) Established
framework for growing selected indigenous trees from seed to sapling for use in
commercial plantations. The Project manager will also support other projects under the
Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management (CoEB), such as the
COMBIO project which is a collaborative project to build resilience of communities living
in Rwanda’s Eastern Province to the impacts of climate change and will reduce
vulnerability to climate change through community-based biodiversity restoration and
conservation.
The CoEB seeks a Project Officer to support the Center in managing these projects. The
position is for a two-year period with possibility of extension depending on availability of
funds.
1. PROJECT OFFICER (1POSITION)\
Duties and responsibilities
• Assist the Center Director and staff in implementing project activities
• Coordinate and supervise execution of project activities according to the project
plan.
• Assist the project PI and the Centre Director in the overall coordination of the
project at the University of Rwanda, Center of Excellence in Biodiversity and
Natural Resource Management (CoEB).
Monitor progress, track milestones, and adjust project strategies as needed to meet
objectives.
• Communicate regularly with project partners and staff
• Plan and coordinate regular project meetings, retreats, workshops and
communications as required and take minutes at meetings, ensure they are
distributed.
• Gather and supervise casual labors, field assistants or interns as required to
complete certain project activities.
• Responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the programs:
implement, guide, and co-supervise field activities related to the execution of the
project.
• Draft project reports and other needed project documents.
• Manage project documentation, including contracts, permits, reports, and records
and appropriate filing procedures.
• Work as the focal person between Center of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural
Resource Management (CoEB) and the University of Rwanda single project
implementation Unit.
• Develop comprehensive project work plans, including scope, objectives,
deliverables, and timelines and monitor it with the project teams.
• Identify and allocate necessary resources, such as personnel, equipment, and
budget.
• Manage and track project assets.
• Conduct a thorough assessment of project risks and develop appropriate mitigation
strategies.
• Establish clear communication channels and reporting mechanisms within the
project team, industry partners and stakeholders.
• Develop and manage the project budget, ensuring effective allocation and
utilization of resources.
• Monitor project expenditures, identify cost-saving opportunities, and maintain
financial records.
• Coordinate procurement activities, including obtaining quotes and managing
vendor relationships.
• Prepare and submit regular progress reports and financial statements to the donors
and stakeholders.
• Support the mainstreaming of gender equality and effective implementation of the
community approach through all relevant project activities
• Participate in Center staff meetings and activities, and project team meetings.
Carry out any other duties as may be assigned by the project Principal investigator,
Center Director, or other Center staff.
Required skills, experience, qualification and key attributes
• Master’s degree in Economics; Project Management; Business Administration;
Development studies, Environmental Chemistry, Forestry, or Biodiversity
conservation with 2 years of experience in project management or A bachelor degree
in Economics; Project Management; Business Administration; or Development
studies, Environmental Chemistry, Forestry, Biodiversity conservation with at least
3 years of experience in project management from delivery, monitoring and
evaluation
• Prior experience and knowledge in dissemination and engagement of local leaders
and other project stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with multiple partners of
diverse backgrounds
• Excellent oral and written communication in English; ability to write clear and
concise reports and able to make effective presentation;
• Experience in working with scientific researchers and Experience in scientific
research (research assistant, composing research proposals, etc)
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and motivate teams and action
• Excellent leadership and managerial skills, great teamwork, strong analytical
skills, strong planning and budgeting skills, strong attention to detail and problem
solving skills;
• Highly skilled in computers, software, and other technologies
• Experience in community and stakeholder engagement
Language Proficiency
• Excellent command of English for both verbal and written communication
• Capability to speak Kinyarwanda is a must.
Core Competencies
• Accountability: takes responsibility of individual and collective actions that
promote the project activities
• Professionalism: Promote organizational and projects interests, objectives and
values
• Transparency: able to build trust with the PI and among project stakeholders
• Active: takes initiative, innovates, seeks best practices and problem solves
Working modalities
This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week working in a dynamic, collaborative
research environment. The successful candidate will be based at the CoEB offices in
Kigali, College of Science and Technology, and will work closely with Center researchers
and partners, as well as students and interns, and will report directly to the Director.
Application procedures
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application documents to the
following link: https://forms.gle/NrvkePsEbv4G43Ss6 with a copy to coeb@ur.ac.rw
email address.
Application letter addressed to UR-SPIU Coordinator explaining why you want the
position
1. A detailed Curriculum Vitae demonstrating experience in indicated areas
2. Certified copies of academic degree (s)
3. Three references (names and contact information) of people who can attest to your
work experience and abilities
4. Copies of proofs of previous relevant experiences
5. A copy of the Rwandan National Identity Card or Rwandan passport.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the submission of application is Tuesday 14th September 2023 at
17:00 Rwanda time. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to sit for the written
exam.
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