Overview

The Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security is seeking a highly organized and professional Executive Assistant to support the Director of the African Centre of Excellence (ACOE) based in Kigali, Rwanda.

This role is designed for a proactive professional capable of managing executive coordination, communication, strategic planning support, operational logistics, and administrative responsibilities within a dynamic international environment.

The successful candidate will work closely with both the Rwanda office and global headquarters teams to support organizational objectives focused on peace, child protection, and the prevention of recruitment and use of children in armed violence.

This is an excellent opportunity for professionals interested in international development, peacebuilding, executive operations, and nonprofit leadership support.

Why This Opportunity Matters

This position offers valuable international NGO experience within a globally recognized institution focused on children’s rights, security, peacebuilding, and advocacy.

The role provides exposure to:

• Executive leadership support
• International nonprofit operations
• Strategic communications
• Event coordination
• Research and reporting
• International partnerships
• Peace and security initiatives
• Advocacy and policy support

Professionals joining this role will gain experience working in high-level operational and strategic environments while contributing to initiatives that support vulnerable children and communities globally.

It is particularly valuable for candidates interested in careers in:

• International relations
• Executive management
• Communications
• NGO operations
• Public administration
• Peace and conflict studies
• Humanitarian coordination

Application Tips

To strengthen your application:

• Highlight executive support or administrative coordination experience
• Mention nonprofit, international organization, or development sector exposure
• Emphasize:
  • Communication skills
  • Report writing
  • Event coordination
  • Strategic planning support
  • Travel coordination
• Demonstrate strong organizational abilities and time management
• Include examples of:
  • Managing multiple deadlines
  • Supporting senior leadership
  • Coordinating meetings or projects
  • Preparing reports or presentations
• Showcase proficiency in:
  • Microsoft Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • Word
• Keep your CV professional, concise, and achievement-oriented

Strong English writing and communication abilities should be clearly demonstrated throughout your application.

Responsibilities

Executive & Operational Support

The Executive Assistant will:

• Support the Director in daily operational activities
• Prepare briefing notes and background documents for meetings
• Draft meeting minutes and business trip reports
• Conduct operational research and provide administrative support
• Assist with strategic planning activities

Event & Logistics Coordination

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting event planning and coordination
• Assisting with operational logistics for ACOE activities
• Managing travel arrangements and travel claims
• Coordinating administrative tasks linked to meetings and workshops

Communication & Editorial Support

The role also involves:

• Assisting with communications planning and editorial calendars
• Supporting development of project-specific communication plans
• Monitoring relevant media and news trends
• Recommending social media and communication best practices
• Supporting development of marketing materials alongside HQ teams

Research & Reporting

The successful candidate will:

• Monitor research briefs and publications
• Support preparation of reports and strategic documents
• Provide information to support executive decision-making
• Help maintain timely operational intelligence for the Rwanda office

Team Collaboration

The Executive Assistant will also:

• Work closely with ACOE and headquarters teams
• Build strong internal working relationships
• Support collaborative organizational objectives
• Contribute to maintaining a professional and safe work environment

Requirements

Education

Applicants should possess:

• Bachelor’s Degree in:
  • Business Administration
  • Communications
  • Public Administration
  • International Relations
  • Related field

Candidates should have:

• Minimum 3 years of professional experience
• Experience working in:
  • International nonprofit organizations
  • Executive support roles
  • Communications or operations environments

Previous executive assistance experience is considered an advantage.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Advanced Microsoft Office skills:
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • Word
• Strong report writing abilities
• Communication and editorial planning skills
• Research and analytical capabilities
• Event coordination and logistics management skills

Strong candidates should possess:

• Excellent organizational and prioritization abilities
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Flexibility and adaptability
• High professionalism and integrity
• Team collaboration mindset
• Initiative and independent problem-solving abilities

Applicants must have:

• Excellent written and spoken English skills

Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences is essential.

The Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security is committed to:

• Child protection
• Peace and security
• Human rights advocacy
• Ethical leadership
• International collaboration
• Prevention of child recruitment into armed violence

All staff are expected to uphold integrity, professionalism, accountability, and commitment to protecting children’s rights. 

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official application platform before the deadline.

📅 Deadline: 11 May 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.