Overview

The Rwanda Internet Community and Technology Alliance (RICTA) is seeking an Innovation & Partnerships Lead to support its mission of strengthening Rwanda's internet and digital ecosystem.

RICTA is a not-for-profit organization representing institutions and individuals within Rwanda's internet community. Established in 2005, the organization is known for its role in managing the .RW country-code top-level domain and supporting the Rwanda Internet Exchange Point.

The Innovation & Partnerships Lead will report to the Chief Executive Officer and will be responsible for developing innovation initiatives, building strategic partnerships, identifying growth opportunities, and supporting programmes that increase RICTA's long-term impact and sustainability.

Why This Opportunity Matters

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to Rwanda's growing digital and technology ecosystem while working with government institutions, private companies, development partners, academia, technology organizations, and innovation communities.

The successful candidate will have an opportunity to help develop new programmes, partnerships, and initiatives that encourage digital innovation, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and sustainable organizational growth.

The role is particularly suited to a professional who combines strategic thinking with practical experience in partnerships, innovation, business development, and programme management.

Application Tips

Applicants should tailor their CV and application to demonstrate direct experience related to the position.

Highlight your experience in innovation management, strategic partnerships, business development, or programme management. Where possible, provide clear examples of partnerships you have developed, projects you have managed, funding or proposal opportunities you have supported, and measurable results you have achieved.

Applicants should also emphasize experience working with government institutions, private-sector organizations, development partners, academia, technology companies, or other major stakeholders.

Before submitting, carefully review your CV and supporting documents to ensure that your most relevant qualifications and achievements are easy to identify.

Responsibilities

Innovation Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and implement innovation initiatives aligned with RICTA's strategic priorities.
• Identify emerging technologies, trends, and opportunities relevant to the organization.
• Establish and manage innovation programmes, pilot projects, and proof-of-concept initiatives.
• Promote creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement within the organization.
• Lead innovation projects from concept development through implementation and evaluation.
• Facilitate innovation workshops, ideation activities, and design-thinking sessions.

Strategic Partnerships Development

• Develop and manage partnerships with government institutions, regulators, academia, development partners, technology companies, industry associations, and innovation hubs.
• Identify potential strategic partners and assess opportunities for collaboration.
• Coordinate Memoranda of Understanding, partnership agreements, and collaboration frameworks.
• Maintain strong stakeholder relationships to support long-term collaboration.
• Represent RICTA at relevant partnership forums, conferences, and stakeholder engagements.

Business Development and Resource Mobilization

• Identify opportunities that can support strategic growth and organizational sustainability.
• Coordinate proposal development and funding applications for innovation initiatives.
• Engage development partners and donors to identify financial and technical support opportunities.
• Develop business cases for new initiatives and potential investments.
• Support sustainability and revenue-generating initiatives where appropriate.

Ecosystem Development and Stakeholder Engagement

• Strengthen relationships across Rwanda's innovation and digital ecosystem.
• Coordinate multi-stakeholder initiatives, working groups, and collaborative activities.
• Build networks with entrepreneurs, researchers, innovation communities, and industry leaders.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among relevant stakeholders.

Programme and Project Management

• Lead the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of innovation and partnership projects.
• Develop project plans, milestones, budgets, and performance indicators.
• Monitor the delivery of partnership commitments and project activities.
• Prepare reports and presentations for management and relevant stakeholders.

Research and Market Intelligence

• Conduct research on emerging technologies, industry developments, and innovative business models.
• Analyse market developments and recommend relevant strategic opportunities.
• Benchmark regional and international best practices.
• Generate research-based insights to support organizational decision-making

Requirements

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Innovation Management, Business Administration, Strategic Management, Technology Management, ICT, International Development, or a related field.
• Professional certification in Project Management, Innovation Management, Design Thinking, Partnership Management, or a related discipline is an advantage.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in a leadership or management role.
• Demonstrated experience in innovation management, partnership development, business development, or strategic programme management.
• Experience engaging government institutions, development partners, private-sector organizations, or other major stakeholders.
• Proven experience developing and managing strategic partnerships.

Technical Competencies

• Innovation management
• Strategic partnership development
• Business development
• Stakeholder engagement
• Project and programme management
• Research and market analysis
• Resource mobilization and proposal development
• Policy and regulatory awareness
• Digital transformation knowledge

Behavioural Competencies

• Strategic thinking
• Leadership and influence
• Relationship building
• Negotiation and persuasion
• Creativity and problem solving
• Communication and presentation skills
• Results orientation
• Adaptability and resilience
• Collaboration and teamwork

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications no later than 10 September 2026.

The original vacancy announcement instructs candidates to click the "Apply" button to complete the application. Applicants should review their information carefully and ensure that all required application details and documents are provided before submission.