Fund Manager for the Enabling a Locally Led Circular Economy for Food Systems Transition

This position can be based in Rwanda. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission for the country office designated. WRI is not able to sponsor work authorization for this position. This position is fully remote but could become hybrid depending on available office space as WRI's presence in Rwanda grows.

About the Program:

The Circular Economy for Food Systems Transition in Rwanda is a three-year project funded by the IKEA Foundation and managed by a consortium of partners led by the World Resources Institute (WRI), in partnership with the Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE) Secretariat, Resonance, African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), African Circular Economy Network (ACEN), and Rwanda Cleaner Production and Climate Innovation Centre (CPCIC). The consortium is comprised of organizations at the forefront of building the circular economy for food movement at the national (CPCIC), regional (ACEN, ACEA) and global (WRI, PACE, Resonance) levels.

Our vision is a resilient, circular, and regenerative food system that improves livelihoods and provides positive social and environmental outcomes for communities in Rwanda and across Africa. In pursuit of this vision, our mission is to catalyze cross-sectoral action that will:

• Accelerate business growth for companies within the circular economy for the food arena (Workstream 1).
• Advance the development of a supportive enabling environment for the circular economy for food via smart policy design (Workstream 2); and
• Generate and distill actionable learnings to accelerate food system transformations in other geographies (MEL & Communications).

**Job Highlight:
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In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing the activity managers responsible for Pipeline Development (Resonance), the TA Facility (ACEN), Market Linkages (CPCIC). You will be supported by the Project manager.

You will report to the Project manager.

What you will do:

Fund management (100%)

• Oversee the Activity Managers, responsible for Pipeline Development (Resonance), the TA Facility (ACEN), Market Linkages (CPCIC)
• Accountable for the Fund’s end-to-end daily operations by ensuring funds are well administered and that partners are fully informed of relevant compliance regulations and WRI procedures.
• Create results-based contracts with each of the Activity Managers for the management of their respective activities
• Work with Activity Managers and MEL Specialist to finalize CE definition and Impact Framework
• Lead data aggregation and synthesis efforts across the Fund, to support and enhance investment analysis and decision-making
• oversee the promotion activity of the SME Fund across Rwanda
• Oversee the selection and contracting of experts, and other TA providers for all project activities as well as manage the selection and intake of SME applicants into the Pipeline Development, Specialized Technical Assistance (TA), and Market linkages
• Work with TA providers to create term sheets outlining the impact goals and deliverables that they are responsible for delivering to SMEs under their subcontract period.
• Ensure that the technical assistance provided to the SMEs meets their needs and aligns with the overall objectives of the project TA Facility
• As part of market linkages, ensure that anchor firms and industry leaders are connected to appropriate SMEs to create more opportunities for circular practices in the Rwandan agri-food system.
• In collaboration with the Project Manager, organize the Stage-Gate Activity Performance Reviews
• Support the coordination across Activity Managers to deliver and flag any discrepancies between progress and the annual work plan and budget.

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What you will need:**

• Education: You have completed a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Project Management, Finance development economics, Agri-Economics, or any related field or relevant work experience in lieu of degree is accepted

• Experience: You have 6+ years of experience in Funds/ Grant design, administration, management, and oversight.

• Demonstrated experience in program management

• Experience leading the effective implementation of complex projects, including the management of data and reporting

• Experience working with international donor organizations

• Direct line management experience.

• Experience working with sustainability issue and / or circular economy.

• Languages: Verbal and written proficiency in English. Knowledge of French and Kinyarwanda would be an asset

• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization

Potential Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. WRI offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package.

**How to Apply:
**
Please submit a resume with cover letter by the date of  20th of January, 2023. You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer:

• A competitive salary
• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US.
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission-driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities.
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work.
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI.
• Long-term commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours.
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure.

About Us:

Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

Our mission and values:

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence, Respect.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.