PROJECT TECHNICAL ASSISTANT

1. BACKGROUND

The Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Health (MOH), is currently implementing a Primary Health Care (PHC) reform by moving from specialized Community Health Workers (CHWs) to polyvalent models, introducing a new cadre, and strengthening health posts to achieve universal health coverage (UHC). The Maternal, Child and Community Health (MCCH) Division of the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) plays a crucial role in coordinating health interventions and primary health care services. The Project Technical Assistant will be hired by the technical cooperation project, the Project for Strengthening Community Health System based on Primary Health Care Approach (September 2024 – September 2027). The project is being implemented by the MOH, RBC, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The assistant will support RBC in implementing the PHC reform and its related activities.

2. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Project Technical Assistant will have the following duties and responsibilities under the direct guidance of RBC through the MCCH Division and the MOH, with overall guidance and monitoring from the JICA project:
• Provide technical and programmatic support for the PHC activities, particularly focusing on strengthening primary health care service delivery systems.
• Participate in operation research, monitoring and evaluation of activities conducted by the MOH/RBC.
• Support the MOH/RBC/MCCH Division in rolling out the digitalization system for primary health care.
• Support the MOH/RBC/MCCH Division in the development, review, and adaptation of primary health care tools.
• Support the implementation of integrated primary health care services and ensure effective linkages between communities and health facilities.
• Perform any other task assigned by the MOH/RBC/MCCH Division and the JICA project.

3. REPORTING OBLIGATIONS

The assistant will report to the Chief Advisor of the JICA Project and the Division Manager of MCCH Division, RBC.

4. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND KEY SKILLS

Education:
• Master’s degree or above in public health, health sciences or other health-related areas, preferably with the background of general medicine or nursing.

Experience:
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in government health systems strengthening, with specific experience in primary health care policy, planning, and implementation.
• Experience in designing, implementing and monitoring government-led, community-based health programs in Rwanda.
• Knowledge of health information systems and experience in designing and implementing health program monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems.

Core Competencies and Requirements:
• Strong understanding of Rwanda’s health system, primary health care and community health programs.
• Ability to work effectively with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders in a multicultural environment and multidisciplinary team set up.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills to effectively explain complex technical concepts in clear language appropriate to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong sense of accountability for work activities, research, and personal actions with focus on high-impact results.
• Must be a Rwandan National with proficiency in written and spoken English.

5. LOCATION OF ASSIGNMENT

The assistant will be primarily based in the MCCH Division, RBC in Kigali for the duration of the assignment. The RBC will provide office space and furniture.

6. DELIVERABLES

The assistant must submit the following deliverables to the JICA project in a timely manner.

Deliverables

Deadlines
• Monthly reports on summary of activities and progress during the reporting period and planned activities for the following 4 weeks (maximum 5 pages, excluding annexes and bibliography).

By the end of every 4 weeks
• Final report, including executive summary of the entire assignment, comprehensive analysis of all activities undertaken, recommendations for future PHC activities, documentation of best practices and lessons learned (maximum 15 pages, excluding annexes and bibliography).

No later than 10 business days before the end of the contract

7. PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Payment of fees will be made monthly against the above-mentioned deliverables, performed activities and time allocated.

8. DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The contract will run from May 2026 to April 2027 (12 months, with possibility of extension subject to budget availability and performance).

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit the following documents to ch_jica_rwd@k-rc.co.jp with subject line Application – Project Technical Assistant:
• Updated CV (with contacts of three professional references)
• Cover letter (one page)
• Copies of degrees and certificates

Application Deadline:

Wednesday, 15 April 2026, 11:00 AM in Kigali time