Government Relations Lead – Rwanda

Job Title: Government Relations Lead – Rwanda Department/Group: Implementation

Reporting To: Head of Program Implementation / Country Representative Years of Experience 10 years

Location: Rwanda Travel Required: 80%

Job description

About Raising The Village

At Raising The Village (RTV), we are dedicated to eradicating ultra-poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa. As a dynamic, rapidly growing international development organization, we’ve assembled a team of over 350+ passionate individuals in Uganda, Rwanda, DRC and Tanzania, alongside an additional 15+ professionals in North America. Together, we are committed to elevating communities out of ultra-poverty by implementing innovative solutions and leveraging advanced data analytics to drive impact.

To date, our holistic approach has positively impacted over 1,000,000 lives since 2012, and we’re poised to achieve even greater milestones, aiming to assist 1 million individuals annually by 2027. Our growth and success are fuelled by the invaluable support of global partners who share our vision of sustainable change. Learn more about our impactful programs at www.raisingthevillage.org

Job Summary

The Government Relations Lead will lead the design and execution of a structured, district-centered government engagement strategy to support Raising The Village’s Government-Led Implementation (GLI) model in Rwanda.

The role is primarily focused on district-level engagement, ensuring strong MOUs, effective co-financing agreements, and sustained collaboration with local government structures across program implementation.

The Government Relations Lead will also support targeted central-level engagement to unlock enabling conditions for scale, including regulatory approvals, strategic partnerships, and national positioning.

This role is critical to ensuring that RTV is not only compliant, but positioned as a trusted, high-impact partner aligned with government priorities and systems.

Roles and Responsibilities

District-Level Government Engagement (Core Focus)

• Lead engagement with district leadership to negotiate, strengthen, and operationalize MOUs ensuring there is a three-year runway for partnership across the country.

• Ensure clear commitments on co-financing, facilitation, and delivery responsibilities

• Support district-level positioning of RTV as a partner of choice

• Coordinate and participate in JADF and district coordination platforms

• Facilitate and organize routine district level review processes (Monthly, Quarterly, Semi-annual and Annually) for joint program performance, ensuring data and information is shared appropriately and at the right time.

Structured Government Engagement Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive engagement strategy across all levels (from district to sector and cell)

• Ensure continuous engagement throughout program lifecycle (Planning& Design, Implementation, M&E, Learning, and Impact Sharing)

• Establish structured engagement cadences and tracking systems

• Coordinate high-quality stakeholder visits to program sites, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and values.

Government Reporting & Performance Alignment

• Prepare for and participate in joint government impact review forums (Ministerial/district/sector/cell level)

• Present SE, AHS, and program performance data in a way that aligns with Government priorities (e.g., FoBaSi, poverty graduation) and District development plans and Imihigo and at least on a quarterly basis.

• Shift engagement from compliance-based reporting to collaborative performance management

Government-Led Implementation (GLI) Support

• Support rollout and strengthening of the GLI model

• Build capacity of RTV staff and Government counterparts (sector/cell level)

• Ensure alignment of roles, responsibilities, and expectations of both government and RTV in program implementation

Central-Level Engagement (Targeted)

• Engage with ministries and agencies for specific enabling functions, including NISR approvals, Ministry recommendations and Participation in strategic forums (e.g., MINALOC committees)

• Support long-term positioning for national scale and partnerships

Policy Monitoring & Advisory

• Monitor policy, regulatory, and governance developments

• Provide regular updates and briefs to program leadership on risks, opportunities, and alignment strategies

• Ensures that RTV operations meet all necessary regulatory requirements, such as securing operational permits and maintaining licensing requirements.

Internal Coordination & Capacity Building

• Work closely with Implementation, Planning, and M&E teams

• Ensure RTV obtains, maintains, and complies with all required permits, licenses, certificates, and statutory registrations necessary for legal and operational compliance in Rwanda.

• Support internal capacity building on Government engagement and GLI model execution

• Ensure documentation and institutional memory of engagements and agreements

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Governance and Leadership, Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, International Relations, or a related field; a Master’s degree is an advantage.

• Minimum 10 years of experience in government relations, PPP (Public Private Partnerships) management, government stakeholder engagement, public service, or policy advocacy, preferably in the development sector.

• In-depth knowledge of Rwanda’s governmental structure and policies, with a demonstrated ability to navigate government processes effectively.

• Proven experience in building and sustaining relationships with government officials and stakeholders.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess and respond to regulatory and policy changes that impact RTV’s mission and programs.

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to represent RTV effectively in meetings and build rapport with diverse audiences.

• Highly organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple stakeholders simultaneously with minimal supervision.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Commitment to RTV’s mission and values, with a collaborative mindset and a focus on achieving shared objectives.

• Strong program stakeholder engagement capability (hands-on, field-oriented)

• Ability to navigate both local and central government systems

• Strategic thinker with execution discipline

• Comfortable working across multiple stakeholders and levels, mostly in rural and remote areas

We encourage women, people with disabilities and minority groups to apply for this position. RTV is committed to equal opportunities and diversity of perspective at the workplace.

Disclaimer: Raising the Village DOES NOT charge any kind of FEE(s) at whichever stage of the recruitment process.