The British Government, through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is inviting applications from qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Policy, Programme & Partnership Manager – Strategic Partnerships & Innovation (HEO) at the British High Commission in Kigali, Rwanda.
This is a permanent employment opportunity for a professional interested in international partnerships, policy development, innovation, science and technology, and programme management.
The successful candidate will help shape the United Kingdom’s strategic partnership with Rwanda by identifying opportunities for cooperation in innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), science, technology, and institutional development.
The position offers a monthly base salary of RWF 2,911,559, before tax and other statutory deductions.
Applications must be submitted before 5 November 2026.
About the British Government and FCDO
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is the United Kingdom government department responsible for promoting British interests and supporting international development.
The British High Commission in Kigali represents the United Kingdom in Rwanda and works with the Government of Rwanda, institutions, businesses, research organizations, and other partners to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The British Government is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. It welcomes applications from candidates of different backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
Position Overview
The Policy, Programme & Partnership Manager will help shape the British High Commission’s strategic partnerships and innovation agenda in Rwanda.
The role focuses particularly on innovation, science, technology, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. The successful candidate will identify opportunities to connect UK expertise with Rwanda’s innovation ecosystem and develop practical partnerships that contribute to development objectives.
The position combines policy analysis, strategic relationship management, partnership development, and programme management.
The successful candidate will also work within the High Commission’s four-person Analysis Cluster, leading analysis of Rwanda’s innovation ecosystem and developments in science and technology.
In addition, the postholder will manage the Peer-to-Peer Partnerships, Programme-Funded Posts, and Innovation components of the High Commission’s new portfolio programme.
Key Responsibilities
The responsibilities are divided into four main areas.
1. Innovation, Science and Technology – 40%
The successful candidate will:
- Lead the High Commission’s work on innovation, including technology and artificial intelligence.
- Identify opportunities where UK expertise and partnerships can support Rwanda’s development and advance UK objectives.
- Analyse Rwanda’s innovation ecosystem and monitor developments in science and technology.
- Identify key stakeholders, barriers to technology adoption, market failures, emerging opportunities, and potential risks.
- Translate research and analysis into practical policy advice, partnerships, and activities.
- Develop policy positions, briefings, and advice for senior leaders.
- Contribute to policy engagement with the Government of Rwanda and other partners.
- Lead the scoping, design, delivery, and adaptation of activities under the innovation component of the High Commission’s portfolio programme.
2. Strategic Partnerships and UK-Rwanda Collaboration – 35%
The postholder will:
- Manage and strengthen important institutional partnerships between UK and Rwandan organizations.
- Support collaboration between HMRC and the Rwanda Revenue Authority.
- Strengthen cooperation between the Office for National Statistics and the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda.
- Manage the partnership between the UK National Audit Office and the Office of the Auditor General.
- Identify and develop new partnerships between UK and Rwandan organizations.
- Connect government institutions, research organizations, regulators, innovation hubs, and other relevant partners.
- Build and maintain a strong network of stakeholders.
- Organize technical exchanges, official visits, workshops, and senior-level engagement.
- Use the British High Commission’s convening role to develop and strengthen UK-Rwanda cooperation.
3. Programme Management – 20%
The successful candidate will:
- Manage the Peer-to-Peer Partnerships, Programme-Funded Posts, and Innovation components of the High Commission’s portfolio programme.
- Ensure effective programme delivery and alignment with wider portfolio objectives.
- Manage activities in accordance with the FCDO Programme Operating Framework (PrOF).
- Monitor programme finances, forecasts, risks, commercial considerations, and value for money.
- Work with programme partners and colleagues to address delivery challenges.
- Monitor partnership performance and programme impact.
- Capture evidence and lessons to improve future programme activities.
- Provide additional programme management support across the High Commission when required.
4. Wider High Commission Contribution – 5%
The postholder will actively contribute to the wider work of the British High Commission, supporting cross-office priorities and corporate responsibilities as required.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Candidates must demonstrate the following essential competencies:
- Strong analytical and policy skills, including the ability to understand complex or emerging issues and identify opportunities and risks.
- Ability to translate research and analysis into practical recommendations and action.
- Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills.
- Experience developing productive partnerships with stakeholders across government, the private sector, academia, civil society, and/or international organizations.
- Strong interest in innovation, science, and technology, including emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
- Ability to understand how technology can contribute to development and wider policy objectives.
- A self-starting attitude and the ability to work independently with significant autonomy.
- Ability to develop new ideas and opportunities and take them from concept to delivery.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to communicate complex issues clearly to different audiences, including senior stakeholders.
- Experience in project or programme management.
- Organizational and financial skills required to manage activities, budgets, risks, and results.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver work efficiently while adapting to changing circumstances.
Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience
The following would be an advantage:
- Professional or academic experience in innovation, science and technology, digital transformation, and/or artificial intelligence.
- Experience in policy, international development, or international cooperation.
- Knowledge of Rwanda’s innovation, science, and technology ecosystem.
- Experience working with Rwandan government institutions.
- Written and spoken communication skills in Kinyarwanda and/or French.
Required Civil Service Behaviours
Applicants should demonstrate the following behaviours:
- Communicating and Influencing: Ability to communicate effectively, influence stakeholders, and build productive relationships.
- Delivering at Pace: Ability to organize work and deliver results efficiently.
- Seeing the Big Picture: Understanding wider strategic priorities and how individual activities contribute to organizational objectives.
- Working Together: Ability to collaborate with colleagues and partners to achieve shared goals.
Salary and Employment Benefits
The position offers the following:
- Monthly Base Salary: RWF 2,911,559.
- Employment Type: Permanent.
- Starting Date: 4 January 2027.
- Learning and Development: Access to the FCDO’s extensive professional development opportunities.
The salary is subject to tax and other statutory deductions. The British High Commission also contributes employer and employee social security contributions in addition to the base salary, as stated in the vacancy announcement.
The successful candidate will have access to professional development opportunities covering:
- Policy and diplomatic skills.
- Programme and project delivery.
- Leadership and management.
- Coaching and mentoring.
- Specialist learning and networking in innovation, science, and technology.
Staff are expected to dedicate at least five days annually to learning and development.
Additional Employment Conditions
The employer has provided the following conditions:
- The position has no direct line management responsibilities.
- The postholder will manage programme expenditure associated with the relevant portfolio components, expected to be less than £500,000 per year.
- Employees recruited locally are subject to the British High Commission’s Terms and Conditions of Service under local employment law in Kigali.
- Candidates must be legally able to work and reside in Rwanda with the appropriate visa or work permit status, or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.
- The successful candidate is responsible for obtaining the relevant permit and meeting associated permit and relocation costs where applicable.
- Reference checks and security clearances will be conducted for successful candidates.
- Appointable candidates who are unsuccessful may be placed on a reserve list for six months.
Applicants should ensure that their applications are submitted before the deadline.
Application Deadline: 5 November 2026
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