Partnership Senior Associate

CHANCEN International

CHANCEN International

Sales & Business Development

kigali, rwanda

Posted on Apr 25, 2026

Job Description

About CHANCEN International

Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

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 9,000 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.

Job Summary

A. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

6. Support Partner Career Development Initiatives

Work closely with Partner Education Institutions to strengthen career guidance and employability services for students and graduates.

B. Deliverables

1. Partnership Pipeline Development

Identify and qualify potential partners based on strategic criteria.
Maintain a robust pipeline of prospective partnerships and collaborations.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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. Provide support to the Students application and monitoring team during the student application process

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.

Any other tasks assigned to you by your supervisor or by Chancen Management.


Requirements

Educational Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, International Relations, Development Studies, Finance, or a related field.

  • A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is an added advantage.

Technical Skills, Competencies & Experience

  • Minimum of 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in partnerships development, business development, consulting, or a related role.

  • Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship management, preferably within the education, nonprofit, or financial services sectors.

  • Strong negotiation and deal-closing skills, with the ability to structure and manage partnership agreements.

  • Proven ability to conduct market research, analysis, and strategic assessments.

  • Experience working with cross-functional teams and managing multiple stakeholders simultaneously.

  • Solid understanding of impact-driven models, such as education financing, employability, or social impact initiatives (experience with Income Share Agreements is an advantage).

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of French or Kinyarwanda is an added advantage.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); familiarity with CRM tools or project management platforms (e.g., Asana) is a plus.

  • Ability to work independently, take initiative, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

  • High level of integrity, professionalism, and alignment with CHANCEN’s mission and values.


Benefits

  • 21 days of annual leave, excluding national holidays.

  • 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.

How to Apply
  • Qualified and interested candidates should send their applications which contain a resume with the email address, contact, qualifications, a cover letter, and academic certificate through Chancen’s website career portal

  • The deadline for receiving applications is no later than 1st May 2026

  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.