Executive Director

Position: Executive Director

Organization: Association Rwandaise des Conseillers en Traumatisme (ARCT-RUHUKA)

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Number of Positions: 1

Reports to: Chairperson of the Board of Directors

Supervisory Authority: Board of Directors

Application Deadline: 22 October 2026

About ARCT-RUHUKA

ARCT-RUHUKA is a national non-governmental organization established in 1998 to provide professional trauma counselling and psychosocial support in Rwanda.

Over the years, the organization has expanded its work to include trauma counselling, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), professional capacity building, advocacy, institutional strengthening, child protection, and community support.

ARCT-RUHUKA works with different communities and sectors across Rwanda to promote mental well-being, strengthen resilience, protect vulnerable groups, and improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

The organization is looking for an experienced and qualified Executive Director to provide strong leadership, improve organizational performance, coordinate programs, mobilize resources, develop partnerships, and support the long-term sustainability of the organization.

Job Purpose

The Executive Director will provide strategic and operational leadership to ARCT-RUHUKA under the direction of the Chairperson of the Board of Directors.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring effective governance, quality program delivery, proper management of human and financial resources, resource mobilization, institutional development, and achievement of the organization's strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Provide overall leadership to ensure the organization operates effectively, transparently, and accountably.
• Turn decisions of the General Assembly and Board of Directors into practical plans and activities.
• Lead the development and implementation of strategic and operational plans.
• Prepare and submit strategic plans, budgets, and institutional reports to the Board for approval.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, statutes, procedures, and regulations.
• Strengthen the organizational structure and improve institutional efficiency.
• Coordinate preparations for Board and General Assembly meetings.
• Follow up on decisions, recommendations, and resolutions of the organization's governing bodies.
• Advise the Board on strategic priorities, risks, opportunities, and organizational sustainability.

2. Administrative and Operational Management

• Manage and coordinate the organization's daily operations.
• Ensure effective administrative systems and internal controls.
• Define staff responsibilities according to the approved organizational structure.
• Coordinate activities between departments, project teams, and operational units.
• Ensure proper use of human, financial, logistical, and material resources.
• Oversee the management and protection of organizational assets and property.
• Strengthen internal communication and administrative systems.
• Maintain good relationships with government institutions, regulators, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Identify operational challenges and implement appropriate solutions.
• Ensure continuity of operations during emergencies.

3. Program and Project Management

• Coordinate and supervise all programs and projects.
• Ensure programs are aligned with the organization's mission and strategic plan.
• Oversee the preparation of project proposals, work plans, budgets, and results frameworks.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to expected results.
• Promote quality trauma counselling, psychosocial support, training, advocacy, and awareness activities.
• Ensure services respect beneficiaries' dignity, confidentiality, safeguarding, and non-discrimination.
• Organize regular staff coordination and performance review meetings.
• Follow up on recommendations from audits, evaluations, monitoring visits, and partner reviews.
• Promote innovation, learning, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.

4. Financial Management and Budgeting

Working with the Director of Finance and Administration, the Executive Director will:

• Coordinate preparation of the organization's annual and consolidated budgets.
• Ensure budgets are implemented according to approved plans and donor requirements.
• Monitor budget performance and address significant variances.
• Review financial reports before submission to the Board and partners.
• Ensure effective internal controls and fraud prevention systems.
• Approve expenditures and financial commitments within delegated authority.
• Ensure financial reports are accurate, timely, and compliant with applicable requirements.
• Ensure compliance with tax, accounting, social security, and financial regulations.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and follow up on audit recommendations.
• Promote transparency and responsible use of organizational resources.
• Ensure compliance with donor financial requirements and grant conditions.
• Support strategies for financial sustainability and diversification of funding.

5. Human Resource Management

• Implement the organization's human resource policies and procedures.
• Identify staffing needs according to organizational and program priorities.
• Recruit, assign, and supervise staff within delegated authority.
• Establish staff performance objectives and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Promote a respectful, inclusive, professional, and harassment-free workplace.
• Identify training and professional development needs.
• Promote teamwork, motivation, accountability, and staff growth.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and staff protection policies.
• Address workplace conflicts and support appropriate solutions.
• Promote succession planning and leadership development.

6. Resource Mobilization and Partnerships

• Develop and implement resource mobilization and partnership strategies.
• Identify funding opportunities from donors, UN agencies, NGOs, foundations, and private-sector organizations.
• Coordinate the preparation of proposals, concept notes, and funding applications.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, government institutions, civil society organizations, and professional networks.
• Represent ARCT-RUHUKA in relevant meetings, forums, and partnerships.
• Negotiate partnerships within the organization's approved authority.
• Develop sustainable income-generating initiatives that support the organization's mission.
• Improve the visibility and reputation of ARCT-RUHUKA.
• Ensure compliance with donor agreements and partnership commitments.
• Diversify funding sources to strengthen long-term sustainability.

7. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning

• Establish effective systems for planning, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and performance management.
• Develop appropriate organizational and program performance indicators.
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of technical, financial, narrative, and institutional reports.
• Regularly assess progress against plans, budgets, and expected results.
• Organize performance review meetings and follow up on recommendations.
• Promote the use of reliable data for decision-making.
• Strengthen accountability to beneficiaries, communities, partners, and governing bodies.
• Document good practices and promote organizational learning.
• Ensure improvement plans from audits and evaluations are implemented.

8. Legal Compliance, Ethics and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, statutes, and organizational policies.
• Ensure the organization meets its legal and regulatory obligations.
• Maintain and update relevant legal and institutional documents.
• Implement measures related to fraud prevention, anti-corruption, safeguarding, and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Identify and manage financial, operational, legal, institutional, and reputational risks.
• Protect personal information and maintain confidentiality.
• Coordinate legal matters and disputes with the Board and legal advisers where necessary.

9. Communication and Representation

• Ensure effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders.
• Represent ARCT-RUHUKA in official, administrative, and partnership matters.
• Maintain strong relationships with government authorities, donors, beneficiaries, and partners.
• Oversee institutional reports, publications, and communication materials.
• Promote the organization's image, visibility, and reputation.
• Present important strategic matters to the Board for appropriate decisions.

Academic Qualifications

Applicants should:

• Hold at least a Master's Degree or equivalent in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health, Psychosocial Support, Social Work, Public Health, Administration, Management, Sociology, Community Development, Development Studies, Project Management, or another relevant field.
• Have professional experience related to trauma counselling, MHPSS, child protection, community development, advocacy, institutional development, or NGO management.
• Demonstrate experience in strategic leadership, organizational management, program planning, project implementation, resource mobilization, and donor relations.
• Have a good understanding of NGO governance, financial management, human resources, partnerships, and organizational sustainability.

Professional Experience

Candidates should have:

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in organizational, program, or project management.
• At least 5 years of experience in a managerial, leadership, or supervisory position.
• Experience in program coordination, financial and administrative management, strategic planning, and human resource management.
• Experience managing projects supported by national or international development partners.
• Experience in trauma counselling, mental health, or psychosocial support programs is a strong advantage.
• Experience in resource mobilization, partnership development, and institutional management is an added advantage.
• Experience working with vulnerabl