About Company
Urwego Bank Plc is a Christian Microfinance Bank committed to providing a full range of financial services to the people of Rwanda, empowering them to transform their lives. With a strong focus on rural areas and agricultural communities, Urwego Bank aims to foster sustainable economic development and financial inclusion. We believe in providing accessible financial solutions, coupled with robust training and support, to help individuals, families, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) achieve their financial goals. Our mission is deeply rooted in our commitment to serve the underserved, build capacity, and contribute to the overall prosperity of Rwanda. Joining Urwego Bank means becoming part of a passionate team dedicated to making a tangible, positive impact on thousands of lives across the nation. We are an institution that values integrity, innovation, and community impact, driven by a vision of a flourishing Rwanda where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
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Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Cooperative Development Manager to join our dynamic team. This pivotal role will be instrumental in strengthening the capacity and improving the operational efficiency of agricultural and other community-based cooperatives across Rwanda. The Cooperative Development Manager will design, implement, and monitor programs aimed at enhancing cooperative governance, financial management, market linkages, and overall business development. You will work closely with cooperative members, leaders, and various stakeholders to identify needs, provide tailored training, and facilitate access to appropriate financial products and services offered by Urwego Bank. This role demands a proactive individual with a deep understanding of cooperative principles, rural development challenges, and innovative solutions to foster sustainable growth. You will be a key driver in empowering our cooperative clients, enabling them to build robust, self-sufficient enterprises that contribute significantly to local economies and improve the livelihoods of their members. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional interpersonal skills, a strong analytical mindset, and a proven track record in community development and capacity building. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting difference in Rwanda’s socio-economic landscape, working with a bank that champions financial inclusion and sustainable development, and fostering economic resilience at the grassroots level.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for cooperative capacity building, focusing on governance, financial literacy, business planning, and market access.
- Conduct thorough assessments of existing cooperatives to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and design targeted intervention plans.
- Provide hands-on training and mentorship to cooperative leaders and members on best practices in cooperative management, record-keeping, savings mobilization, and loan utilization.
- Facilitate linkages between cooperatives and relevant value chain actors, including input suppliers, buyers, and technology providers, to enhance productivity and profitability.
- Promote Urwego Bank's financial products and services (e.g., loans, savings accounts) tailored to the needs of cooperatives and their members.
- Monitor and evaluate the progress of supported cooperatives, ensuring the effective utilization of resources and achievement of program objectives.
- Prepare regular reports on cooperative performance, challenges, and success stories for internal stakeholders and external partners.
- Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and other development partners to leverage resources and create synergistic cooperative development initiatives.
- Stay abreast of trends and innovations in cooperative development, microfinance, and agricultural value chains to inform program design and implementation.
- Lead and mentor a small team of Cooperative Development Officers, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning and ensuring project objectives are met.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 4 years of proven experience in cooperative development, community development, microfinance, or agribusiness advisory services.
- Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, Rural Development, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of cooperative principles, governance structures, and operational challenges in a Rwandan context.
- Excellent training and facilitation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
- Proficiency in Kinyarwanda and English (written and spoken); demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a multi-lingual environment.
- Demonstrated project management skills, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with data management tools.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, or Business Administration.
- Experience working directly with financial institutions or in the microfinance sector specifically targeting rural populations.
- Certification in cooperative management, project management (e.g., PMP), or a related professional credential.
- Proven track record of successfully facilitating market linkages for agricultural products and value chain development.
- Experience in data collection and analysis using digital tools like ODK, SurveyCTO, or similar platforms.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses that reward your contributions.
- Comprehensive health insurance package for you and your eligible dependents.
- Generous paid time off, including annual leave and public holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuous learning to enhance your career.
- A vibrant, collaborative, and supportive work environment committed to social impact.
- Contribution to a robust pension scheme for your long-term financial security.
- Meaningful work that directly contributes to the economic empowerment and improved livelihoods of Rwandan communities.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications by visiting the Urwego Bank careers page. Please click on the application link below to find current openings and follow the specific instructions for applying to the Cooperative Development Manager position or related roles. Ensure your application includes a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a compelling cover letter outlining your suitability for this role and your vision for cooperative development in Rwanda.
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