INVESTMENT FACILITATION SPECIALIST
INVESTMENT FACILITATION SPECIALIST
About The Job
ABOUT RWANDA DEVELOPMENT BOARD (RDB)
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is a government institution, mandated to accelerate Rwanda’s economic development by enabling private sector growth. Under the supervision of the Office of the President, RDB is governed by a Board of Directors made up of global entrepreneurs and experts. RDB was established in 2008, primarily to create a one-stop shop for business and investments. RDB provides support to businesses throughout the entire investment journey to ensure that Rwanda remains one of the most competitive places to do business in Africa and the world.
RDB is building an investment matchmaking platform to facilitate companies based in Rwanda to raise capital. RDB collaborates with different stakeholders including Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) through the ongoing collaborative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to unlock MSME Financing.
ABOUT ACCESS TO FINANCE RWANDA (AFR)
Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) is part of the broader Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) network in Africa, which aims to create a transformative impact in the fight against poverty. AFR supports initiatives that enhance financial inclusion and strengthen financial sector development, enabling financial institutions and markets to drive more inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
AFR focuses on removing systemic barriers that limit access to financial services for low-income populations, particularly rural communities, women, youth, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It facilitates the development and delivery of a wide range of financial services, including savings, credit, insurance, investments, payments, and remittances.
Guided by the Market Systems Development (MSD) approach, AFR emphasizes market-led, profitable, and sustainable solutions to enhance financial inclusion and foster a more resilient financial sector.
ABOUT THE JOB
The Investment Facilitation Specialist will play a crucial role within the Investment Matchmaking Team of the Investment Marketing & Facilitation Department at RDB. The role involves developing a network of company relationship managers, maintaining a database of investment opportunities, and fostering collaboration between investors and Rwandan businesses.
This position will be seconded to RDB as an AFR staff member.
- Reporting Line:
- Primary: Strategic Advisor at RDB (regular basis)
- Secondary: Investment Manager at AFR (monthly basis)
- Contract Duration: 2 Years
- Expected Start Date: May 2025
Specific Skills
- A minimum of two (2) years relevant experience in investment facilitation, financial services, business development, or related fields.
- Proven experience in an investment-related field, entrepreneurship support, or as an entrepreneur.
- Demonstrated ability to engage with and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including startups, investors, and financial institutions.
- Strong understanding of financial concepts and strategies, including private equity, venture capital, and private debt investments.
- Experience supporting businesses in investment readiness and fundraising efforts.
- Background in working with or for investment firms such as private equity funds, venture capital firms, or transaction advisory services.
- Familiarity with the operations of Enterprise Support Organizations (ESOs) and experience in business advisory services.
- Experience working in multi-national and multi-cultural environments, preferably within the financial or investment ecosystem.
Responsibilities & Duties
- Strategic Partnerships & Investment Promotion
- Identify, map, and engage potential partners to support RDB in executing its investment promotion mandate.
- Establish and maintain a robust network of company relationship managers to facilitate investment support for Rwandan businesses.
- Investment Data Management & Insights
- Continuously collect, update, and manage a comprehensive database of investment opportunities in Rwandan companies.
- Develop, enhance, and maintain tools and systems for cataloging companies, their investment needs, and readiness levels.
- Ensure accurate data is systematically recorded in CRM and other relevant platforms, including all investor and company interactions.
- Investment Pipeline Development
- Work closely with investor relationship managers to establish a strong investment pipeline.
- Provide regular feedback to Rwandan companies, company relationship managers, and Business Development Service (BDS) providers on investment-readiness and areas for improvement.
- Identify systemic bottlenecks hindering investment and contribute to the design and implementation of solutions to enhance investment inflows.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
- Foster strong collaboration between RDB, AFR, and key stakeholders in the investment ecosystem.
- Act as the primary liaison between RDB, AFR, and other relevant organizations to facilitate investment matchmaking and collaboration.
- Support stakeholders in enhancing investment-readiness programs for Rwandan businesses.
- Investment Promotion & Marketing
- Assist in planning and organizing events that connect investors with Rwandan companies.
- Coordinate with the RDB Communications Department to ensure consistent messaging and regular updates on Investment Matchmaking activities.
- Governance & Reporting
- Actively participate in management meetings to provide updates, actions, and recommendations related to investment facilitation.
- Contribute to strategic discussions and implementation efforts aimed at strengthening Rwanda’s investment ecosystem.
- Undertake any additional duties assigned by RDB and/or AFR to support investment facilitation and promotion efforts.
Educational Requirements
- A minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
- A Master’s Degree in a relevant field, and/or an internationally acclaimed professional certification in finance and investment related fields is an added advantage.