AIMS Rwanda Program Manager Job 2026 in Kigali: Apply by August 31, 2026

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is inviting applications for the position of Program Manager at AIMS Rwanda, based at its Centre of Excellence in Kigali, Rwanda. This is a full-time opportunity for an experienced program and project management professional who wants to contribute to Africa’s scientific, educational, and economic development.

The Program Manager will provide operational leadership and coordination for AIMS Rwanda’s programs, including the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and other donor-funded initiatives. The successful candidate will also contribute to partnerships, fundraising, program implementation, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation, reporting, and the long-term sustainability of the Centre.

Applications will be accepted until August 31, 2026.

Opportunity Overview

• Organization: African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
• Position: Program Manager, AIMS Rwanda
• Location: Kigali, Rwanda
• Centre: AIMS Rwanda Centre of Excellence
• Employment type: Full-time
• Functional focus: Program management, partnerships, fundraising, education and development
• Application deadline: August 31, 2026
• Reporting to: Centre President
• Primary working environment: Multicultural and international
• Languages: Excellent English required; French is an advantage

About the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a pan-African network of centres of excellence dedicated to postgraduate education, research, and public engagement in mathematical sciences and STEM.

AIMS was established with the goal of enabling Africa’s brightest students to develop the skills, knowledge, and independent thinking required to contribute to Africa’s scientific, educational, and economic development.

The first AIMS Centre was established in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2003. Since then, the network has expanded across the continent, with Centres in:

• South Africa
• Senegal
• Ghana
• Cameroon
• Rwanda

AIMS currently operates two Centres in Rwanda, contributing to the organisation’s broader pan-African network.

Each AIMS Centre provides tailored academic and non-academic programs and trains approximately 50 African students each year, preparing them for leadership roles in areas including academia, government, and industry.

The AIMS academic model also brings together leading international lecturers who teach within an intensive 24-hour learning environment.

About the AIMS Rwanda Program Manager Position

The Program Manager will be based at the AIMS Rwanda Centre in Kigali and will report directly to the Centre President.

The central responsibility of the role is to coordinate and oversee the day-to-day programmatic activities of the Centre.

This includes responsibility for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program as well as other programs and activities funded by donors.

The position goes beyond routine program administration. The successful candidate will also help AIMS Rwanda strengthen its partnership network, support fundraising activities, and contribute to revenue-generating initiatives designed to support the long-term sustainability of the Centre.

The Program Manager will therefore play an important role in ensuring that AIMS Rwanda’s programs are properly planned, implemented, monitored, evaluated, and reported.

Key Responsibilities of the Program Manager

1. Program Coordination

The Program Manager will coordinate the Centre’s day-to-day programmatic activities.

This involves ensuring that programs are implemented effectively and remain aligned with their intended objectives.

Responsibilities may include:

• Coordinating program activities
• Supporting program planning
• Monitoring implementation
• Ensuring activities are delivered on time
• Identifying implementation challenges
• Developing solutions to program-related issues
• Coordinating different teams and stakeholders
• Ensuring program objectives are achieved

The position requires someone who can manage multiple activities while maintaining a strong focus on results.

2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

A significant part of the position involves supporting the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AIMS Rwanda.

The Program Manager will contribute to ensuring that the program is effectively coordinated and implemented.

This requires strong organizational, monitoring, reporting, stakeholder-management, and program-management abilities.

Because the program involves students and education, the role also requires an understanding of the broader relationship between education, development, and opportunities for young people in Africa.

3. Management of Donor-Funded Programs

The Program Manager will oversee and coordinate other donor-funded programs and activities implemented through AIMS Rwanda.

This requires an understanding of donor expectations and the ability to ensure that programs meet agreed objectives, timelines, budgets, and reporting requirements.

The successful candidate will need to be comfortable working within donor-funded environments and managing the associated accountability requirements.

4. Planning and Budget Management

The position includes responsibility for operational leadership in planning and budgeting.

The Program Manager will work with the relevant teams to ensure that programs have appropriate plans and budgets and that implementation is monitored against those plans.

Strong financial management and organizational skills are therefore important.

Candidates should be comfortable working with budgets and using tools such as Microsoft Excel to support program planning and reporting.

5. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting are important components of this role.

The Program Manager should have a high level of comfort with Results Based Management (RBM), monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and program reporting.

This means the successful candidate should be able to:

• Establish and monitor program objectives
• Track progress against expected results
• Analyze program performance
• Identify challenges and areas requiring improvement
• Support impact measurement
• Prepare accurate reports
• Communicate program results to stakeholders and donors

The ability to translate program data into meaningful information for decision-making will be particularly valuable.

6. Impact Evaluation

The position requires experience and understanding of the impact evaluation requirements associated with foundations and international donors.

AIMS specifically identifies experience with donors such as:

• Canadian Government
• Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
• International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
• UKaid
• USAID
• Other government and international development agencies

Experience working within donor-funded programs and understanding donor reporting and impact requirements can therefore strengthen an applicant’s profile.

7. Partnership Development

The Program Manager will also support the Centre President in developing a strong and sustainable partnership network.

These partnerships may exist at both:

• National level
• International level

The role therefore requires someone who can communicate effectively with different stakeholders and develop constructive professional relationships.

Strong networking and interpersonal skills will be important for building and maintaining partnerships that support AIMS Rwanda’s objectives.

8. Fundraising and Resource Mobilization

The Program Manager will actively contribute to fundraising initiatives.

This may involve identifying opportunities and supporting efforts to secure resources for the Centre’s programs and operations.

The position also includes contributing to revenue-generating activities aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of AIMS Rwanda’s operations.

Candidates who have experience in fundraising, resource mobilization, donor engagement, or partnership development may therefore have an advantage.

9. Operational Leadership

The Program Manager will provide operational leadership and oversight across the Centre’s program activities.

This requires the ability to coordinate different functions while ensuring that programs remain on track.

The role will involve working closely with a multicultural team and interacting with students, staff, partners, donors, and members of the wider public.

10. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

AIMS is looking for someone who can make sound decisions and exercise good judgment.

The successful candidate should be capable of identifying challenges during program implementation and developing practical solutions.

This requires:

• Independent thinking
• Analytical skills
• Good judgment
• Creativity
• Flexibility
• A results-oriented approach

The role is suited to someone who can take ownership of responsibilities rather than waiting to be directed at every stage.

Educational Requirements

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in one of the following areas or a related discipline:

• International Development
• Economics
• Business Administration
• Project Management
• Social Sciences
• Education

An equivalent qualification may also be considered.

The academic background should provide a strong foundation for program management, development work, education, business, economics, or related areas.

Professional Experience Requirements

Applicants must have a minimum of five years of professional experience in program and budget management.

This experience should include responsibility for areas such as:

• Day-to-day program implementation
• Program monitoring
• Budget management
• Program coordination
• Operational planning
• Reporting
• Program performance

The requirement for five years of experience means that this is an experienced professional-level position rather than an entry-level opportunity.

Project and Program Management Qualifications

Professional qualifications in project or program management are expected.

Examples specifically mentioned by AIMS include:

• PgMP
• PMP
• MSP

Candidates with recognized professional project or program management credentials should highlight them prominently in their applications.

STEM and Education Experience

AIMS is particularly interested in candidates who have an understanding of education and development in Africa, with a strong focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

Experience in education programs, STEM initiatives, development projects, or related areas can therefore be highly relevant.

This is particularly important because AIMS’s core mission is focused on mathematical sciences, STEM education, research, and the development of Africa’s scientific talent.

Gender Equity and Equality

An appreciation of, or training in, gender equity and equality is also identified as a requirement.

Applicants should therefore demonstrate awareness of the importance of inclusive and equitable approaches within education and development programs.

Communication and Language Skills

Excellent communication skills are required.

Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.

This is important because the position involves:

• Program reporting
• Stakeholder communication
• Donor engagement
• Partnership development
• Facilitation
• Team coordination
• Presentations
• Interaction with students and staff

A working knowledge of French is an added advantage.

Multicultural Working Environment

AIMS operates across several African countries and works with students, lecturers, researchers, development partners, and professionals from different backgrounds.

The Program Manager must therefore be comfortable working within a multicultural environment.

AIMS is looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills who can effectively interact with:

• Multicultural teams
• Students from different backgrounds
• Staff
• Partners
• Donors
• Members of the public

The ability to work respectfully and effectively across different cultures and backgrounds is an important part of the position.

Results-Oriented Approach

The successful candidate should be highly results-driven and motivated by a strong commitment to performance excellence.

AIMS is looking for someone who can:

• Set clear objectives
• Establish realistic deadlines
• Monitor progress
• Deliver results
• Respond quickly to challenges
• Maintain high standards

A strong sense of urgency and accountability will be important in managing the Centre’s programs.

Entrepreneurial Mindset

AIMS is also looking for an entrepreneurial and self-starting professional.

The successful candidate should enjoy working in a dynamic environment and be comfortable identifying opportunities rather than simply responding to instructions.

This quality is particularly relevant to the fundraising and revenue-generation aspects of the position.

Technical Skills

Applicants should be proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite, including:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Word

Knowledge of internet-based applications such as Skype, Gmail, and similar digital tools is also expected.

Strong Excel skills can be particularly useful for program budgets, monitoring data, reporting, and analysis.

Who Should Apply?

This position is particularly suited to experienced professionals who have a combination of:

• A relevant Master’s degree
• At least five years of program and budget management experience
• Professional project/program management qualifications
• Experience with donor-funded programs
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation
• Results Based Management experience
• Strong communication skills
• Partnership development experience
• Fundraising or resource mobilization experience
• Experience in education and development
• Knowledge of STEM education in Africa
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities

Candidates who have worked with major international donors or development agencies may be particularly well positioned for the role.

APPLY HERE

Why Consider the AIMS Rwanda Program Manager Opportunity?

The position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to an organisation whose mission is centered on developing Africa’s scientific and mathematical talent.

The successful candidate will not only manage programs but also contribute to broader objectives involving:

• African scientific development
• STEM education
• Postgraduate education
• Youth development
• International partnerships
• Donor-funded initiatives
• Resource mobilization
• Sustainable institutional development

The position could therefore be particularly valuable for an experienced program manager interested in combining management, education, international development, STEM, and African development.

Visit HERE to learn more about the AIMS Rwanda Program Manager Job 2026 in Kigali

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

The position is based at the AIMS Rwanda Centre in Kigali, Rwanda.

Kigali serves as the operational base for the role, meaning the successful candidate will be expected to work from the AIMS Rwanda Centre as part of its full-time operations.

Employment Type

This is a full-time opportunity.

The Program Manager will be integrated into the AIMS Rwanda Centre and will work closely with the Centre President and the wider AIMS team.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AIMS states that it is an equal opportunity employer.

The organisation encourages qualified professionals to apply and is committed to considering candidates based on their qualifications, skills, experience, and suitability for the position.

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until:

August 31, 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline and ensure that all required information and supporting documents are complete.

Application and Recruitment Information

Interested candidates should apply through the official AIMS recruitment process and carefully review the requirements before submitting their application.

Candidates should ensure their CV and application clearly demonstrate:

• Academic qualifications