Project Officer at Raising The Village (RTV) – Rwanda 2026 Career Guide, Salary & How to Apply

Overview of the Project Officer Role in Rwanda

The Project Officer position at Raising The Village (RTV) is a field-based development role focused on implementing community programs that reduce ultra-poverty in rural Rwanda.

This opportunity is based in Rwanda, specifically in Nyabihu District and Ngororero District, with up to 80% travel required.

If you are passionate about community development, enjoy working directly with rural communities, and can coordinate with government officials at the Sector and Cell levels, this role offers both impact and professional growth.

About Raising The Village (RTV)

Raising The Village is an international development organization working in Sub-Saharan Africa. Since 2012, it has impacted over 1 million lives through agriculture, livelihoods, financial inclusion, and data-driven poverty reduction strategies.

For official information about their programs and impact reports, visit their website here:
https://raisingthevillage.org 

RTV works closely with local governments to ensure sustainable development outcomes aligned with national priorities.

Rwanda Development Context

Rural districts like Nyabihu and Ngororero face:

• Limited market access
• High terrain and infrastructure challenges
• Agricultural dependency
• Youth unemployment

RTV’s work supports Rwanda’s decentralization framework and aligns with government poverty reduction strategies.

What Does a Project Officer Actually Do?

In simple language, a Project Officer ensures that community projects:

• Follow the approved plan
• Stay within budget
• Are completed on time
• Deliver measurable impact

They supervise Project Assistants and solve field challenges quickly.

Key Responsibilities Explained

Project Management

You will:

• Align workplans with project designs
• Conduct at least 3 site visits per week
• Identify risks and solve problems early
• Participate in project reviews

Example:
If a savings group in Ngororero stops meeting regularly, you visit the village, investigate the issue (e.g., farming season conflict), adjust the schedule, and coordinate with Cell leaders to improve attendance.

Government Coordination & Partnership Management

You will:

• Coordinate with Sector and Cell officials
• Train government staff on RTV methodologies
• Conduct joint field visits
• Consolidate and validate reports

Strong partnership management is critical for success in Rwanda’s decentralized governance system.

Supervision & Team Leadership

You will:

• Hold weekly meetings with Project Assistants
• Provide coaching and mentorship
• Conduct performance reviews
• Facilitate refresher training

You act as both a manager and a motivator.

Field Work (80% Travel)

This is not a desk job.

You will:

• Travel frequently to remote villages
• Ride a motorbike across hilly terrain
• Conduct household coaching
• Monitor community activities

Motorbike riding with a valid permit is mandatory.

Required Skills Explained Simply

Communication

• Strong written and spoken English
• Fluency in local dialects
• Clear community training delivery

Organization & Leadership

• Manage multiple villages
• Coordinate stakeholders
• Track progress accurately

Technical Skills

• Microsoft Word
• Excel reporting
• Data collection and consolidation

Facilitation Skills

• Lead community sessions
• Train government staff
• Encourage participation

Education & Experience Requirements

You must have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in:
• Community Development
• Project Management
• Social Work
• Development Studies
• Agriculture (preferred)
• Minimum 3 years experience in:
• Community development programs
• Village-level project implementation
• Government coordination

Salary Expectations in Rwanda (2026)

Based on similar NGO positions in Rwanda, Project Officers typically earn:

RWF 1,000,000 – 1,800,000 per month

This depends on:

• Experience
• Rural field exposure
• Leadership level
• Technical skills

International NGOs may also offer:

• Health insurance
• Travel support
• Professional development

Interview Preparation Tips

Understand Local Government Structures

Be ready to explain:

• Sector vs Cell responsibilities
• How do you coordinate with local leaders
• Your past collaboration experience

Prepare Measurable Impact Stories

Use the STAR method:

• Situation
• Task
• Action
• Result

Example:
“Improved savings group participation from 40% to 85% within 3 months.”

Demonstrate Motorbike Experience

Explain:

• Rural terrain experience
• Safety awareness
• Time management while traveling

Career Growth Path

From Project Officer, you can grow into:

• Senior Project Officer
• Project Manager
• Program Manager
• Country-level leadership roles

This role builds strong skills in:

• Monitoring & Evaluation
• Stakeholder management
• Leadership
• Donor reporting

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is motorbike riding mandatory?

Yes. A valid Rwandan rider’s permit is required.

How much travel is involved?

Approximately 80% of the time.

Is government coordination experience required?

Yes. It is mandatory.

Is this role suitable for fresh graduates?

No. Minimum 3 years of experience is required.

Final Advice Before Applying

Before applying:

• Tailor your CV to show measurable impact
• Highlight government coordination experience
• Quantify achievements
• Emphasize leadership and facilitation skills

Deadline: 20 March 2026

If you are passionate about rural transformation and ready for intensive fieldwork, this role offers meaningful career advancement in Rwanda’s development sector.