Partnerships Senior Associate

CHANCEN International

CHANCEN International

Sales & Business Development
kigali, rwanda
Posted on Aug 21, 2025

Job Description

About Chancen International

Chancen International is a non-profit financial institution providing ethical, fair, and responsible financing to help young Africans access quality tertiary education. Using an innovative Income Share Agreement (ISA) model, we cover students' tuition fees, allowing them to study without financial barriers. Graduates repay a portion of their income once employed, creating a sustainable funding cycle that supports future generations. By empowering young people with education, we enable their transition to meaningful employment, fostering economic mobility and strengthening communities.

Headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda, and operating in Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana, Chancen International has helped over 5,000 young people access education leading to dignified work. Our focus on marginalized populations ensures these youth gain the skills needed to thrive and contribute to building strong economies and peaceful nations.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive working environment where each individual can flourish and achieve their full potential. Our actions are guided by our company values: Authenticity, Curiosity, Courage, Stewardship and Fairness

  1. Main Job Purpose:

CHANCEN International is looking for a Partnership Senior Associate whose competency is based on CHANCEN’s six core competencies: Problem-Solving, Consequence of Judgment, Pressure of Work, Knowledge, Job Impact, and Comprehension. The Partnership Senior Associate will play a crucial role in identifying, establishing, and nurturing strategic partnerships that align with our business goals. He/She will leverage her/his expertise in relationship building, negotiation, and market analysis to drive the growth of our organization through effective collaboration with key stakeholders.

  1. Main Responsibilities:

  1. Identify and Assess Opportunities

  • Conduct market research to identify potential partners and opportunities for collaboration.

  • Evaluate the strategic fit and alignment of potential partnerships with company objectives.

  1. Build and Maintain Relationships

  • Cultivate relationships with potential partners, key industry players, and other relevant stakeholders.

  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure a seamless onboarding process for new partners.

  1. Negotiate and Close Deals

  • Lead negotiations with potential partners to establish mutually beneficial agreements.

  • Work closely with all Chancen department teams to finalize partnership contracts and agreements.

  1. Collaborate Internally

  • Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on partnership objectives and deliverables.

  • Provide regular updates and reports on partnership development activities to the leadership team.

5. Monitor and Evaluate Performance

  • Develop and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the success of partnerships.

  • Continuously monitor and evaluate the performance of existing partnerships, identifying areas for improvement and growth.

B. Deliverables

  1. Partnership Pipeline Development

  • Identify and qualify potential partners based on strategic criteria.

  • Maintain a robust pipeline of prospective partnerships and collaborations.

  1. Strategic Partnership Agreements

  • Negotiate and finalize partnership agreements that align with the organization's objectives.

  • Ensure that partnership agreements are comprehensive, legally sound, and mutually beneficial.

  1. Market Research and Analysis

  • Conduct thorough market research to identify industry trends, competitor activities, and potential partnership opportunities.

  • Provide insightful analysis and recommendations based on market findings.

  1. Stakeholder Relationship Management

  • Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, clients, and industry influencers.

  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure effective communication and coordination with partners.

5. Performance Metrics and Reporting

  • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of partnerships.

  • Provide regular reports and updates on the performance of existing partnerships, highlighting achievements and areas for improvement.

6. Business Growth Targets

  • Contribute to growth through the identification and development of impact-oriented partnerships.

  • Meet or exceed partnership development targets set by the organization.

7. Internal Collaboration and Training

  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment and support for partnership initiatives.

  • Provide training and guidance to internal stakeholders on effective partnership management.

8. Risk Management

  • Identify potential risks associated with partnerships and develop strategies to mitigate them.

  • Proactively address any issues that may arise during the partnership lifecycle.

9. Continuous Improvement

  • Seek feedback from partners and internal teams to identify areas for improvement in partnership processes and strategies.

  • Stay updated on industry best practices and incorporate them into the organization's partnership development approach.


Requirements

C. Educational Qualifications

Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in; Project Management, Education

Data Analysis, Research, Investment Management, or a similar relevant field.

D. Technical Skills, Competencies, and Experience

  • Minimum 5 years of working experience in Education /Program Management /due diligence

  • Have an understanding of macro-economic and sectoral labor market developments

  • Extensive knowledge of the education legal framework in Rwanda

  • Ability to understand a Partner Education Institution’s business, financials, and sustainability

  • The ability to analyze and cross-reference data sources

  • The ability to evaluate a data source, analyze it, and load it into a predefined data input sheet.

  • To be able to build and manage corporate partnerships portfolios, Business Administration, and leadership, with Strong attention to detail.

  • Advanced analytical thinking

  • Creative thinking and out-the-box approach to solving problems

  • Ability to work autonomously

  • The ability to work in a start-up environment and matrix management structure.

  • Advanced understanding of data and data analysis.

  • Excellent written English and French skills

  • Excellent report-writing skills

  • The ability to plan and meet deadlines

  • Good communication skills and ability to present the organization and influence credibly and effectively externally and at all levels of the organ


Benefits

  • Training, learning and development opportunities and financial support for further education.

  • Medical insurance/aid coverage and wellbeing initiatives.

  • A fulfilling work environment in a supportive and entrepreneurially driven organization with clear, frequent growth opportunities.