Program Manager Job at Rwanda Kolping Society 2026

 

Strategic Leadership Opportunity: Program Manager at Rwanda Kolping Society.

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for driving organizational success through effective program management? Rwanda Kolping Society (RKS) is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead multiple projects and secure resources that advance the organization's mission. This role offers a unique blend of strategic planning, fundraising, and project implementation in the non-profit development sector.

About the Role

The Program Manager position at Rwanda Kolping Society represents a pivotal leadership opportunity for professionals who can balance multiple responsibilities. This isn't just about managing projects, it's about being a strategic leader who oversees interconnected initiatives to achieve broad organizational goals while simultaneously securing the resources needed to fuel success.

Position: Program Manager

Organization: Rwanda Kolping Society (RKS)

Application Deadline: January 21, 2026

Understanding the Program Manager Role

As a Program Manager at RKS, you'll operate at the intersection of strategic vision and operational excellence. Your role encompasses two critical dimensions: resource mobilization through donations, campaigns, and grants, and comprehensive oversight of project implementation. This dual focus makes the position both challenging and rewarding for the right candidate.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Program Oversight

You'll oversee multiple related projects designed to achieve strategic organizational goals. This requires big-picture thinking combined with attention to detail as you manage stakeholders, resources, budgets, and project teams. Your work ensures that program delivery consistently aligns with RKS's organizational objectives.

Resource Mobilization and Fundraising

A significant aspect of this role involves developing and executing strategies for individual, corporate, and foundation giving. You'll write compelling grant proposals, organize fundraising events, and cultivate lasting relationships with donors, partners, and volunteers. Managing donor databases and aligning fundraising efforts with project needs will be central to your success.

Project Lifecycle Management

From planning and initiation through monitoring, evaluation, and closure, you'll guide projects through their entire lifecycle. This includes defining project objectives, scope, deliverables, milestones, and timelines in collaboration with stakeholders. You'll manage resources efficiently while ensuring projects meet their objectives and stay within budget constraints.

Stakeholder Communication and Governance

Exceptional communication forms the backbone of this role. You'll facilitate seamless information flow between all stakeholders, including team members, management, clients, and external partners. Regular reporting on fundraising progress and project outcomes keeps everyone aligned and informed.

Risk Management and Quality Assurance

Identifying, analyzing, and implementing risk mitigation strategies protects project success. You'll monitor progress, costs, and performance continuously, identifying obstacles early and alerting stakeholders when intervention is needed. Quality assurance of programs ensures that RKS maintains high standards in all its initiatives.

Team Leadership and Coordination

Building and leading effective teams is essential. You'll allocate tasks strategically, coordinate internal and external stakeholders, and ensure adherence to plans while maintaining team motivation and productivity.

Required Qualifications

Educational Background

The ideal candidate holds a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Technology, or a related field. A Master's degree, particularly an MBA or advanced degree in Business Management, Public Administration and Good Governance, Economics, Development Studies, Finance, or related disciplines, is often preferred and will strengthen your candidacy.

Professional Experience

RKS seeks candidates with extensive experience in project or program management, typically ranging from three to five or more years. Many successful Program Managers start in project leadership roles before advancing to this strategic position. Your background should demonstrate a track record of successful program delivery and resource mobilization.

Essential Skills and Competencies

Leadership and Communication

Strong team leadership abilities are non-negotiable. You must possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills for effective stakeholder management. The ability to work collaboratively while also demonstrating assertiveness when necessary will serve you well.

Strategic and Analytical Thinking

This role demands big-picture thinking combined with analytical rigor. You'll need strong judgment and decision-making capabilities, along with the ability to conduct cost analysis and interpret financial data. Strategic planning skills drive both funding success and program achievement.

Technical Proficiency

Proficiency with project management software such as MS Project is expected, along with competency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Familiarity with financial and management software like QuickBooks or SAGE is highly valued. Strong IT skills are essential for managing the technical aspects of modern program management.

Methodological Knowledge

A broad understanding of project methodologies and the ability to manage interdependencies between projects distinguishes excellent Program Managers. You should be well-versed in budgeting, resource allocation, and performance evaluation techniques.

Personal Qualities

Success in this role requires specific personal attributes: adaptability to changing circumstances, results orientation, a strong sense of responsibility, and the ability to motivate others. Resilience, proactivity, and effective negotiation skills help you navigate complex organizational landscapes.

Time Management and Flexibility

Managing multiple projects simultaneously demands exceptional time management and flexibility. You'll need to prioritize effectively, adjust to shifting demands, and maintain composure under pressure.

Language Requirements

Fluency in English or French is required, with knowledge of both languages considered a significant advantage. This linguistic capability facilitates communication with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Comprehensive Impact

As Program Manager, your work directly influences RKS's ability to fulfill its mission. You'll see the tangible results of your strategic planning and fundraising efforts as projects come to life and benefit communities.

Professional Development

This role offers substantial professional growth opportunities. You'll develop expertise across multiple domains from fundraising and donor relations to project implementation and team leadership. The experience gained positions you for continued advancement in the non-profit and development sectors.

Strategic Influence

Unlike purely operational roles, this position places you at the strategic heart of the organization. You'll contribute to setting priorities, shaping initiatives, and determining how resources are allocated to maximize impact.

Diverse Stakeholder Engagement

Working with donors, partners, volunteers, team members, and community beneficiaries provides rich exposure to different perspectives and professional networks. These relationships often prove invaluable throughout your career.

Key Responsibilities at a Glance

Your day-to-day work will include:

• Planning, executing, monitoring, and evaluating projects from start to finish
• Managing timelines, budgets, and resources across multiple initiatives
• Developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies
• Writing persuasive grant proposals and organizing fundraising events
• Cultivating and maintaining donor relationships
• Establishing methods, priorities, and guidelines for program implementation
• Processing and reporting results to stakeholders
• Identifying and mitigating risks to project success
• Ensuring quality assurance across all program activities
• Finalizing deliverables and documenting lessons learned
• Managing marketing, communication, and overall program quality

How to Apply

If you possess the qualifications, experience, and personal qualities outlined above, RKS invites you to apply for this strategic leadership position.

Application Requirements:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover letter highlighting relevant experience and motivation
• Application deadline: January 21, 2026

To Apply: Click the "Apply" button on the job posting to complete your application. Ensure your cover letter clearly demonstrates how your experience aligns with the role's requirements and articulates your vision for contributing to RKS's mission.

Preparing a Strong Application

To maximize your chances of success:

In your CV:

• Emphasize project and program management achievements with quantifiable results
• Highlight successful fundraising campaigns and grant writing experience
• Detail your experience managing teams and stakeholder relationships
• Include specific software proficiencies and technical skills

In your cover letter:

• Connect your experience to RKS's work and mission
• Provide concrete examples of strategic program successes
• Demonstrate your understanding of the non-profit development sector
• Explain your approach to balancing fundraising with program implementation

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What Makes an Ideal Candidate?

The strongest candidates combine technical expertise with interpersonal excellence. You should be comfortable moving between strategic planning sessions and hands-on project execution. Your ability to inspire teams, cultivate donor relationships, and navigate complex organizational challenges while maintaining focus on results will set you apart.

The Broader Context

Non-profit program management in Rwanda's development sector offers unique opportunities and challenges. The role requires cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and genuine commitment to social impact. Your work contributes to sustainable development initiatives that improve lives and strengthen communities.

Final Thoughts

The Program Manager position at Rwanda Kolping Society represents more than a job it's an opportunity to lead meaningful change while developing professionally. If you're ready to leverage your strategic thinking, fundraising acumen, and project management expertise to drive organizational success, this role could be your next significant career step.

For professionals passionate about the development sector and skilled in both resource mobilization and program implementation, this position offers the perfect platform to make a lasting impact while advancing your career in strategic program leadership.

For more career opportunities, scholarships, and professional internships in Rwanda and across Africa, visit The Light of Engineering regularly for updates that can illuminate your professional journey.

Disclaimer: This job posting information is accurate as of the publication date. Please verify all details directly with Rwanda Kolping Society before applying.