Background Information

Job Title: Operations Manager

Department: CEO’s office 

Reports to: Senior Project Coordinator for Export Credit Guarantee Facility

Project Introduction 

The Development Bank of Rwanda is establishing an Export Credit Guarantee Facility (ECGF).  The ECGF is a partial credit guarantee (PCG) facility that will support financial institutions in increasing financing for private enterprises operating in Rwanda with export potential or already active in the export sector (and its value chains). 

The ECGF will offer individual, hybrid, and portfolio guarantee for MSMEs through partner financial institutions. The ECGF aims to promote financial inclusion while striving for financial sustainability and achieving its strategic objectives of export development contributing to job creation and poverty reduction in Rwanda.

Contract Terms: Open - Ended

Purpose of the Job: 

The ECGF Operations Manager will be responsible for pioneering the guaranteed business function of the ECGF. She/he will be responsible for the development and implementation of business development strategies and plans. The role will identify and develop new guarantee business proposals for PFIs to meet the department’s volume and revenue targets, as well as the overall economic, environmental and social impact. She/he will also support the identification of technical assistance (TA) needs of PFIs and cooperate closely with other departments for implementation of relevant TA projects.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement a guaranteed business development strategy aimed at establishing the ECGF in the market, generating and increasing guarantee business volumes.
• Identify, develop and present business proposals to PFIs to meet the department’s targets related to guarantee volumes, revenue as well as social and environmental impact.
• Employ various prospective techniques to generate deals, arrange sales meetings, and present suitable solution offerings to prospective PFIs. 
• Conduct / lead the conduct of comprehensive due diligence reviews of different types of financial institutions.
• Prepare PFI onboarding requests for presentation and approval by relevant internal bodies.
• Support the negotiation and execution of legal agreements with PFIs. 
• Analyze and prepare guarantee issuance requests for the different guaranteed products, for consideration and approval by relevant internal bodies. 
• Work closely with PFIs to ensure the submission of timely, complete and accurate periodic reports to the ECGF.
• Support other departments in carrying out regular portfolio monitoring activities, including guarantee audits.
• Develop and manage relationships with PFIs to ensure their guarantee/risk-sharing needs are met and that ECGF’s guarantee products are utilized. 
• Maintain strong market intelligence that informs the ECGF’s strategy and business decisions on a continuous basis.
• Ensure prompt payment of fee invoices by PFIs.
• Assist with the management and efficient handling of guarantee claim applications submitted by PFIs.
• Perform other related and unrelated duties based on the department’s and/or organization’s needs

Performance Indicators

The performance of the ECGF Operations Manager will be assessed based on key performance indicators related to business volumes, revenue from guaranteed operations, PFI satisfaction (through regular surveys and adherence to agreed turnaround times) and other financial outcomes. 

Professional, academic qualifications and experience

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field.
• At least seven years of progressive experience within the financial services sector in Rwanda. 
• In-depth and up-to-date knowledge of the Rwandan banking and SME finance sector including Rwandan banking regulations.
• Strong knowledge of export financing mechanisms and international trade practices is desirable.
• Demonstrable track record in business development and portfolio management in a client-facing role. 
• Strong financial analysis skills.
• Strong people management skills. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.