Transition Specialist – Rwanda

About the role

The Transition Specialist will support Rwandan sub‑national governments in preparing for the shift from memoranda of understanding to government‑to‑government (G2G) partnerships and performance‑based agreements. Working closely with the Transition Management Unit, the specialist will ensure contracts comply with both recipient and U.S. government regulations while minimizing award‑related risks.

Key responsibilities

• Advise the recipient government and TMU on contract inputs, identifying risks and mitigation strategies.
• Support milestone deliverables, reporting requirements, source data governance, and timing.
• Guide the government through awarding, modifying, and managing G2G agreements and contracts.
• Ensure compliance and risk management so all obligations are enforceable and auditable.
• Develop model contract templates, SOPs, and guidance notes to build institutional capacity.
• Provide targeted training on contract drafting, negotiation, and administration.
• Coordinate with TMU to align contract management with program planning, financial management, and compliance.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Law, Contract Management, Public Procurement, Finance or a related field.
• Extensive experience drafting, negotiating and managing G2G agreements.
• Deep knowledge of performance‑based, milestone‑based and cost‑reimbursement contracts.
• Strong writing ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements.
• Proven track record delivering technical assistance and capacity‑building to government entities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder‑engagement skills in cross‑cultural settings.

Required skills

• Contract drafting
• Negotiation
• Public procurement
• Compliance management
• Performance‑based contract administration