Deputy Executive Director at Never Again Rwanda (NAR)

Deputy Executive Director
Never Again Rwanda (NAR) | Post type: jobs April 16, 2025 - Deadline 27/04/2025 | NumberOfPosition [1]

Never Again Rwanda (NAR) Overview

Never Again Rwanda (NAR) is a human rights and peacebuilding organization that was founded in response to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi

Job description

Reporting requirements:

Directly reporting to the Executive Director and liaising frequently with the Senior Management Team (SMT)

Job Purpose:

The Deputy Executive Director will have the passion and experience to be part of a leadership team committed to supporting social change in Rwanda and to contributing to the overall leadership and vision of Never Again Rwanda (NAR).

You will work closely with the Executive Director and other members of the Senior Management Team (SMT) to oversee the delivery of the organisational strategy.

You will have lead responsibility for managing the organisation’s programme strategies, supporting the implementation of the organisational strategy, seeking and developing new programmes with donors and partners, forging strategic partnerships, overseeing the organisation’s grant-making and community development initiatives, and contributing to developing new programmes with donors.

You will play a crucial role in Never Again Rwanda's growth and development. You will be able to develop new funds and donor relationships while raising the organisation’s profile in all its pillars.

Main Responsibilities and Deliverables

Overview of Responsibilities

Support the Executive Director in strategic management and leadership of the organization.
Align the organizational strategic plan with attaining the NAR goal, and ensure all programs are directed towards fulfilling the organization's mission and values.
Ensure quality assurance and best practices across all NAR initiatives and operations. Collaborate with staff, partners, and stakeholders to develop and implement strategic plans, programs, and initiatives.
Represent the organization in external meetings, events, and partnerships.
Contribute to fundraising strategies and secure financial resources.
Provide guidance and support to staff members by fostering professional development and growth.
Build and maintain relationships with partners and stakeholders.
Program strategy and implementation, and ensure timely delivery and reporting.

Specific Responsibilities

To work on implementing NAR’s strategic planning direction and approach to additional funding opportunities
Oversee, in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board, NAR’s grant programme strategies and design thematic programmes and special initiatives.
In collaboration with the Executive Director, to follow up, seek and develop opportunities for new funds, and design new grant-making programmes aligned with organisational and donor objectives.
Assume the lead responsibility for NAR’s most significant programmes, leading on strategy, renewal, and growth of funds •
Continuously analyse risks, potential, changes in the environment, navigating the political context, and inform organisational policy •
Work in collaboration with the Head of Information and Communications Team
Maintain good donor relations in programme design and deliver impact reporting for back donors.

Coordination

Collaboration and meeting with the Senior Management Team (SMT)
Coordinate programme reports (Quarterly, six-monthly, annual), concept notes, briefing papers, and case studies.
Assume the lead in organising the weekly coordination meetings with thematic teams.
Provide the lead in organising reflection meetings with various thematic teams, evaluate progress, identify challenges, and implement improvements.
Support programme staff in maintaining good relations with sector and district government staff.
Coordinate planning various strategic events related to ongoing programmes/ projects.

Performance Indicators

Assisting the Executive Director in managing and leading the organization:

Effective collaboration with the Executive Director in decision-making and problem-solving.
Demonstrating strong leadership skills and providing support to staff members.

Collaborating with staff, partners, and stakeholders to develop and implement strategic plans, programs, and initiatives:

Successful development and implementation of strategic plans and initiatives.
Building strong partnerships and fostering effective collaboration with stakeholders.

Overseeing day-to-day operations and ensuring the organization's mission and goals are achieved:

Efficient management of organizational resources and budgets.
Meeting or exceeding performance targets and goals set by the organization.

Representing the organization in external meetings, events, and partnerships:

Effective communication and representation of the organization's mission and values.
Building positive relationships and partnerships with external stakeholders.

Contributing to fundraising strategies and securing financial resources:

Successful development and implementation of fundraising strategies.
Meeting or exceeding fundraising targets and securing financial resources for the organization.

Providing guidance and support to staff members:

Demonstrating effective leadership and mentorship to staff members.
Supporting staff in their professional development and achieving their goals.

Monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments to ensure successful implementation:

Regular monitoring and evaluation of projects and programs.
Identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary adjustments.

Building and maintaining relationships with partners and stakeholders:

Cultivating strong relationships with partners and stakeholders.
Ensuring effective communication and collaboration with external entities.

Advocating for the organization's mission and values :

Effectively representing the organization's mission and values in various settings.
Promoting awareness and support for the organization's cause.
Contributing to the development of long-term strategic plans and initiatives.

External Relationships and Strategic Partnerships

Lead on advocacy processes on focused issues and other strategic partnerships
Contribute to developing NAR, writing proposals, and developing new programmes and partnerships.
Create strong links and networks with other CSOs, the community, and public sector state bodies.
Lead on the relationship with Rwandan CSOs network bodies and international NGOs, collaborating on the development and delivery of programmes.
Represent NAR at external events and forums, building the organisation's profile.
Work with the Board of Directors, other senior staff, and international academics involved in NAR programmes to explore opportunities for NAR's benefit.

Leadership and management

Work in partnership with other members of the Senior management team to embed a high-performing, highly motivated, collaborative, creative, and dynamic culture within NAR and seek opportunities to celebrate success.
Provide leadership and support to a talented team of Programme Managers and Officers, helping them shape programmes and building on individual team members' talents.
Work with the Director of Finance to oversee programme expenditure to ensure compliance and accordance with back-donor budgets.

Organisational Learning and Capacity Building

As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of the understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient, and relevant to the communities they serve, NAR expects all staff members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities by providing training and presentations that benefit Never Again Rwanda staff as well as themselves.

Administrative

As part of the office team, assist in general administrative duties, making phone calls, sending invites, and making online publications to NAR stakeholders (local and international partners, civil society organisations, Government agencies, donors, local and international academics, and other potential supporters); host visitors; and support interns and volunteers.

Performance-related management

As a staff member of the organisation, you will be expected to undertake and manage staff performance appraisal formats (based on tasks and responsibilities undertaken) and complete an accompanying competency format (*how a task is undertaken, behaviour, skills, and attitudes) for you and staff under your supervision. This will be conducted every 6 months and annually.

A work plan of yearly objectives will need to be produced between the line manager and employee at the start of the year in January, after the annual planning of yearly programme activities and events has been completed.

The responsibilities list is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be requested to undertake other relevant and appropriate duties as required. The job description may be subject to regular review and appropriate modification.

Accountabilities

Directly supervises and time manages the following positions:
Director of Programs
Head of Communication
Program Managers
Policy Analysts
Researchers

Behavioural Competencies

Organisational Awareness

Understands how their job contributes to and delivers the NAR vision, mission, and goals in accordance with NAR values and the organisational strategic plan.

Planning and Delivery of Work

Thinks ahead, managing time, priorities, and risks, and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.

Decision-making

Considers the available information, identifies options, and makes timely decisions.

Working with Others

Takes responsibility for building and maintaining positive relationships and values the opinions of others.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Team Building

Works in a participatory and inclusive manner to encourage team support of one another, mentoring, coaching, and accompaniment.

Communicating and Influencing Others

Presents information and ideas clearly and convincingly, ensuring that messages are understood and that others see NAR as credible and engage with the organisation.

Managing Change

Can be flexible to sustain performance when situations change, workload increases, and priorities shift.

Qualification

Minimum Qualification: A University degree or a postgraduate qualification in Development or related Social Sciences, Conflict and Reconciliation, or Peacebuilding with ten years of professional work experience in senior management for the not-for-profit sector, preferably within a peacebuilding, governance, rights-based or research organisation(s).

Professional Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

At least 10 years of experience with three of those in a senior management role.
Excellent track record in programme design, development, and programme/ project implementation
Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of Rwanda’s civil society and smaller organisations and community groups working for social change.
Experience in negotiating and securing funding towards significant projects and/or contracts, or funding agreements
Experience in developing grant-making policy
Ability to manage a high volume of grant-funded programmes and operate under tight deadlines.
Demonstrating leadership within an organisation that is seeking to build transformational growth.
Experience leading and managing a team to develop and maintain a high-performing culture.
Strategic thinker with a creative and innovative approach. An exceptional ability to communicate, inspire, and enthuse others.
Ability to build relationships and influence a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
Strong project management skills, managing complex, multifaceted projects resulting in measurable successes and programme growth.
Experience working with a high-performance, collaborative, constructive senior management team.
Strengths in hiring, recruiting, managing, developing, coaching, and retaining individuals and teams, empowering them to elevate their levels of responsibility and performance.
Demonstrated results in managing complex programme systems and proven experience negotiating with back donors and international NGOs.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with exceptional attention to detail in English, French, and Kinyarwanda

Personal Qualities

An understanding of and commitment to Never Again Rwanda’s most vulnerable populations.
An excellent verbal and written communicator
Excellent listening skills.
Flexibility and a practical, can-do attitude.
Committed to equal opportunities and working with diversity.
Highly motivated and politically astute.
Comfortable with complexity and ambiguity.
Positive, resilient, and supportive of others
Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to and passion for Never Again Rwanda’s vision, mission, and values

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