Executive Director at NOUSPR-UBUMUNTU

Organization: National Organization of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry in Rwanda (NOUSPR)

About NOUSPR

Founded in 2007, the National Organization of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry in Rwanda (NOUSPR) is a leading advocate for the rights and well-being of individuals with psychosocial disabilities. Our mission is to provide a platform for empowered voices, advocating for and with these individuals to ensure the promotion and protection of their human rights. NOUSPR’s vision is a world where people with psychosocial disabilities are treated with dignity and respect, enjoying their human rights in all aspects of life. Our core values dignity, respect, honesty, transparency, and integrity guide our work.

2. Position Summary

The Executive Director is the senior management officer of NOUSPR, responsible for providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and external representation. This pivotal role requires a visionary and empathetic leader with a proven track record in administration, fundraising, and mental health rights advocacy. The Executive Director will translate NOUSPR’s mission into impactful, evidence-based programs, ensure financial sustainability, and foster a collaborative, inclusive, and transparent organizational culture.

Objectives of the Recruitment Process

The recruitment process aims to appoint a highly qualified individual who will:

• Provide strategic leadership to align NOUSPR’s activities with its mission, vision, and core values.
• Strengthen financial sustainability through innovative fundraising and robust financial management.
• Enhance advocacy efforts to influence mental health policies and reduce stigma surrounding psychosocial disabilities in Rwanda.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing organizational
• Ensure the delivery of impactful, evidence-based programs that meet the needs of beneficiaries and align with national and international standards.

1. Strategic Leadership and Organizational Governance (40%)
   • Strategic Vision: Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and execute NOUSPR’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and community needs. Demonstrate hands-on experience in creating strategic and action plans.
   • Board Relations: Serve as the primary point of contact for the Board, preparing comprehensive reports, facilitating board meetings, and ensuring effective implementation of board decisions.
   • Operational Management: Oversee daily operations, including administration, human resources, finance, and logistics, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and compliance with internal policies and Rwandan
   • Human Resources: Lead, mentor, and motivate a diverse team. Conduct performance appraisals, identify training needs, and foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and professional growth.
   • Legal & Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to Rwandan laws governing NGOs, including financial reporting, governance standards, and labor laws.

II. Project Management and Programmatic Oversight (30%)

• Project Lifecycle Management: Oversee the entire project lifecycle, from needs assessment and proposal development to implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
• Programmatic Excellence: Ensure programs (e.g., peer support groups, advocacy campaigns, livelihood projects, and community awareness

initiatives) are evidence-based, culturally sensitive, and deliver measurable impact.

• Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E): Develop and implement a robust M&E framework to collect, analyze, and report project data to assess effectiveness and inform future programming.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to project implementation, finances, and security, ensuring the safety of staff and

III. Financial Management and Resource Mobilization (20%)

• Financial Stewardship: Develop and manage the annual budget, oversee financial controls, accounting systems, and audits to ensure integrity and
• Fundraising Strategy: Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to diversify and increase income, including identifying new funding opportunities and leading grant proposal writing.
• Donor Relations: Serve as the primary point of contact for donors and partners, ensuring timely and high-quality reporting on program progress and financial expenditures.

IV. Advocacy, Communications, and Stakeholder Engagement (10%)

• Public Representation: Act as NOUSPR’s chief spokesperson at high-level forums, conferences, and media engagements to raise the profile of mental health advocacy in Rwanda.
• Government Relations: Cultivate strong relationships with key government bodies (e.g., Ministry of Health, Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, National Commission for Human Rights) to influence policy.
• Partnership Building: Strengthen strategic partnerships with local and international NGOs, academic institutions, and community-based organizations to amplify collective impact.
• Communications: Oversee the communications strategy, including social media, website content, and publications, to combat stigma and promote understanding of psychosocial disabilities.

5. Required Competencies Leadership & Management

• Visionary Leadership: Ability to articulate a compelling vision and inspire staff, board members, and partners.
• Decisive Decision-Making: Capacity to make informed, timely decisions under pressure.
• Team Development: Proven track record of building and leading high- performing, multi-disciplinary teams.

Project & Financial Expertise

• Project Management Methodologies: Deep understanding of project management principles (e.g., project charters, work breakdown structures, risk matrices).
• Financial Literacy: Strong grasp of non-profit accounting, financial forecasting, and budget management.

Fundraising Acumen:

• Demonstrated success in securing significant grants from institutional donors (e.g., Disability Rights Fund (DRF); Pan-African Network for Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities (PANPDD) Africa Disability Forum (ADF); USAID, EU among others)

Communication & Advocacy

• Multilingual: Exceptional command of written and spoken English and Kinyarwanda (mandatory). Professional proficiency in French is highly
• Persuasive Communication: Ability to communicate complex ideas and advocate for sensitive issues with clarity and empathy.
• Diplomacy: Skill in navigating political and social sensitivities and building consensus among stakeholders.

Interested candidates should submit the following documents in English via email to nouspr2020@gmail.com

• A Cover Letter including your monthly gross salary
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), including the names of three professional referees.

Please use "Executive Director" as the subject line of your email.