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Programme Specialist & Head of Structural Transformation and Inclusive Growth Unit (STRING) – UNDP Rwanda (Open to All Applicants)


                         Programme Specialist

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Are you an experienced development professional ready to shape Rwanda’s inclusive growth agenda at a national level?
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Rwanda is recruiting a Programme Specialist & Head of Structural Transformation and Inclusive Growth (STRING) at the NO-C level.

This is a senior leadership role within UNDP Rwanda, offering the opportunity to influence national policy, manage a high-impact development portfolio, and guide transformative solutions aligned with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Organization: UNDP – United Nations Development Programme
Grade: Mid-level NO-C, National Professional Officer (Locally Recruited)
Occupational Groups: Poverty Reduction, Project & Programme Management, Managerial Positions, Disability Rights, Sustainable Growth
 Closing Date: 21 November 2025
Status :Closed  

About UNDP Rwanda

UNDP Rwanda is entering a transformative phase with the implementation of its Country Programme Document (CPD 2025-2029), fully aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and Rwanda’s Vision 2050. The CPD focuses on two major pillars:

  1. Environment and Economic Transformation – emphasizing nature-positive, climate-resilient economic solutions.
  2. Transformational Governance – strengthening systems for inclusive growth and institutional effectiveness.

Despite Rwanda’s impressive economic growth, challenges such as multidimensional poverty (affecting nearly half the population), inequality, and unemployment (16.8%) persist. UNDP Rwanda aims to address these issues by fostering inclusive economic growth, enhancing resilience, and empowering vulnerable populations, particularly women, youth, and informal workers.

The Structural Transformation and Inclusive Growth Unit (STRING) will spearhead innovative strategies for social protection, equitable access to economic opportunities, and poverty reduction. UNDP Rwanda Country Programme-

Position Overview

The Programme Specialist & Head of STRING serves as a senior advisor to UNDP Rwanda’s Resident Representative (RR) and Deputy Resident Representative (DRR).
You will provide strategic leadership for the Structural Transformation and Inclusive Growth portfolio, ensuring coherence, quality, and results across all interventions.

This role requires strong leadership, systems thinking, and the ability to translate complex socio-economic challenges into actionable development solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Programme Oversight

  • Lead formulation and execution of UNDP strategies aligned with CPD priorities
  • Supervise and mentor the STRING team, promoting cross-unit collaboration
  • Advise senior management on emerging socio-economic trends and risks
  • Ensure integration of digital, societal, and future-oriented risk analysis
  • Establish and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Oversee programme quality assurance, budgeting, monitoring, and risk management

2. Partnerships & Resource Mobilization

  • Develop strategic partnerships with UN agencies, government institutions, donors, private sector, and civil society
  • Position UNDP as a trusted policy and implementation partner in inclusive growth
  • Lead resource mobilization through concept notes, proposals, and funding negotiations
  • Coordinate cross-sector initiatives and ensure cost recovery mechanisms

3. Knowledge Management & Policy Advisory

  • Provide high-level policy and technical advisory support
  • Identify best practices and lessons learned to inform national policies
  • Lead training, advocacy, and knowledge-sharing initiatives
  • Strengthen evidence-based decision-making within UNDP and partner institutions

Required Qualifications

Education:

  • Master’s degree in Development Studies, Economics, Political Science, Public Policy, or related field.
  • Bachelor’s degree plus 7 years of relevant experience may be considered.

Experience:

  • Minimum 5–7 years in programme management, policy advisory, or development portfolio oversight.
  • Proven experience in partnerships, resource mobilization, and cross-sector collaboration.
  • Familiarity with UNDP, government institutions, or international organizations is an advantage.

Skills:

  • Strategic planning, systems thinking, results-based management, and project portfolio management.
  • Strong leadership, team supervision, and communication skills.
  • Data-driven decision-making and knowledge of ERP or project management software.

Languages:

  • Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda is required; Kiswahili is a plus.

Salary & Benefits 

  • Competitive UNDP salary aligned with National Professional Officer grade (NO-C).
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, pension scheme, and annual leave.
  • Opportunities for professional growth, learning, and international collaboration.

Applicant Tips & FAQs

  • Q: Who can apply?
  • A: Open to all qualified candidates meeting the educational and professional requirements.
  • Q: How to submit an application?
  • A: Apply directly via the UNDP Careers Portal
  • Ensure all supporting documents are attached before the closing date.
  • Q: Are multiple candidates selected?
  • A: Yes, UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates for this post.
  • Q: Any recruitment fees?
  • A: UNDP does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Learn more at UNDP Scam Alert

How to Apply

 position  is now closed.
For current openings, applicants should visit the official UNDP Careers Portal.


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