Job Title: Senior Strategy Manager

Status: Full time – Open

Duty Station: Kigali, Rwanda

Application Deadline: 30th August 2024

Submit CV, Cover letter and Academic degree to: [email protected]

General Overview

Rwanda Finance Limited (RFL) is the agency mandated to promote and develop the Kigali International Financial Center (KIFC) with a goal to position Rwanda as a financial services hub. We work with key stakeholders such as regulators, the financial industry, and local and international institutions to ensure a conducive investment climate for both local and international investors. Our work cuts across four key areas;

Policy Reform; we ensure the development of effective policy and tax frameworks for Rwanda to remain competitive as an International Financial Center.

Business Development; we work to position Rwanda as the preferred gateway for investments into Africa- attracting regional and PanAfrican based investors and facilitating the set-up of their legal structures in Rwanda.

Promotion and Marketing; we develop marketing strategies and content that promote the KIFC brand both locally and internationally.

Talent and Capacity Building; we foster flagship initiatives to upskill local financial professionals, attract talent, and strengthen local institutions to meet international standards for professionalism in financial centers.

Project Overview

The RWA/024 Project is a 5-Year project the Government of Rwanda has signed with the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to support the development of the Kigali International Finance Center. This Project is set to contribute to Rwanda’s ambition to establish and position the country as an international financial service center through attracting the necessary domestic and international investment. The Project aims to achieve 4 key outcomes:

1. The KIFC ecosystem cultivates first-class human capital for the financial sector
2. The KIFC ecosystem scales sustainable finance in Rwanda
3. The KIFC ecosystem facilitates investments in bankable projects of MSMEs
4. The KIFC ecosystem provides an enabling environment for the creation and expansion of fintech companies

Position Description

The Strategy Manager will be responsible for overseeing and leading the implementation of the following result areas: :

1. The KIFC ecosystem scales sustainable finance in Rwanda

• RSE facilitates trading in green capital market products through its Green Exchange Window

This will involve supporting the operationalisation of a Green Exchange Window at the Rwanda Stock Exchange - working on different dimensions of organisational development such as strategy, structure, systems (processes, procedures and IT systems), product development (investment funds, securities and bonds), leadership, staffing and skills and will focus on working with RSE management and staff. Key support in this area will be provided through a partnership with the Luxembourg Green Exchange (LGX) which is a leader in this field.

CMA ensures adequate regulation of ESG capital market products

This will involve fostering collaboration between the Capital Markets Authority, CMA and key stakeholders of Luxembourg ecosystem including the Luxembourg Labelling Agency (LuxFlag) to support CMA in defining strategic and operational approach to independent ESG labelling.

In this context, the training of local independent external green bond reviewers will be a crucial factor to maintain market integrity and increase the attractiveness of Rwanda as a regional hub for green bonds issuance. Supporting CMA in the development of a regulatory framework for private equity, venture capital and other alternative funds will be a crucial aspect of the project to create an enabling environment for impact funds in Rwanda.

2. The KIFC ecosystem facilitates investments in bankable projects of MSMEs

• RSE facilitates capital investment in SMEs

The RWA/024 project will also provide direct support to the RSE investment clinic on i) organisational development such as strategy, structure, systems (processes, procedures and IT systems), leadership, staffing and skills. Additionally, ii) increasing the capacity and number of local experts able to assist SMEs in accessing funding through the capital markets, iii) providing financial support to companies seeking advice from local experts, and iv) communication on funding opportunities for SMEs.

3. The KIFC ecosystem provides an enabling environment for the creation and expansion of fintech companies

• CMA creates an enabling environment for the creation and expansion of fintech companies

While the project’s focus here is on supporting BNR on open finance, a critical aspect will also be to support the CMA to enable more FinTechs in the capital market space.

Responsibilities:

The Strategy Manager will be responsible for implementing the above results of the of the RWA/024 Project. To do so the Strategy Manager will:

• Liaise and collaborate closely with partner organisations such as the Capital Markets Authority, the Rwanda Stock Exchange to successfully implement the activities.
• Liaise and collaborate closely with stakeholders from Luxembourg such as the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), Luxembourg House of Training, Luxembourg Labelling Agency (LuxFlag) to leverage their expertise for the project and create deeper financial ties between Rwanda and Luxembourg.
• Contribute to the planning of support activities and ensure the correct preparation, implementation and monitoring of the support activities.
• Follow emerging initiatives of other development partners related to business development services and actively pursue synergies.

Report

Though embedded in Rwanda Finance as a Strategy Manager, this resource will primarily serve as the National Capital Markets Advisor to the RWA/024 Project, overseeing the promotion and development of sustainable finance in Rwanda.

The Strategy Manager will report directly to the Chief Strategy Officer of RFL and the Chief Technical Advisor of the RWA/024 Project.

Profile & Professional Characteristics

Competencies

• Commitment to the organization’s vision
• Dynamic and detail-oriented individual
• An independent problem solver who can think critically and proactively, take initiative, set priorities, and bring tasks to completion with appropriate follow-up, all within a complexly structured and evolving team
• High degree of professionalism, ethical sensitivity, and discretion; proven ability to apply good judgment and responsible decision-making
• Ability to work effectively in teams with demonstrated ability to establish and sustain interpersonal and professional relationships with key local and international public and private sector actors at all levels of seniority
• Results-driven, ability to plan and coordinate effectively internally and with stakeholders
• Demonstrate openness to change and ability to manage complexities
• • Qualifications & Skills (desired)
• Minimum five (5) years relevant experience in sustainable finance, leading or facilitating similar initiatives/projects
• Knowledge and good understanding of sustainable finance, capital markets and the Rwandan financial sector ecosystem
• Demonstrated technical experience in strategic planning and project management
• Excellent organizational, writing, and oral presentation skills
• Fluent in written and spoken English. Working knowledge of French and Kinyarwanda are a plus
• Well versed with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Teams etc)

• Academic:
  • Master’s degree in Sustainable Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or relevant field
• o International education and/or work experience is an asset