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kigali, rwanda
About CHANCEN International
Application Deadline: 26th August 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 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.
The Government of Rwanda, through the Higher Education Council (HEC), is mandated to coordinate activities related to study loans and bursaries for students in Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) and to mobilize financial resources from various organs, foreign countries,
and international organizations. This mandate is critical to achieving the goals of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST) and Vision 2050, which aim to develop a knowledge-based economy and ensure equitable access to quality education for all citizens.
A significant barrier to accessing higher education in Rwanda is the cost, which often places a heavy burden on families and students. While the Government, through the National Development Bank (BRD) and other entities, provides some student loans and scholarships, a comprehensive, sustainable, and equitable national student financing framework remains underdeveloped. Current financing mechanisms face challenges related to coverage, sustainability, loan recovery, and alignment with labor market outcomes. The growing demand of enrolment further expose the vulnerabilities of students and the need for more robust and accessible financing solutions.
To address this, HEC and Chancen have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration on student welfare and financing. A key deliverable under this partnership is to conduct a National Student Financing Situation Analysis and Benchmarking. This analysis will provide the evidence base for developing a new, comprehensive National Student Financing Model Framework and Loan Scheme Operational Guidelines.
The primary purpose of this assignment is to conduct a comprehensive National Student Financing Situation Analysis and Benchmarking exercise. This will involve a deep dive into the current state of student financing in Rwanda, a comparative analysis of global best practices, and the suggestion of possible evidence-based financing models and actionable recommendations. The findings will directly inform the design of a new National Student Financing Model Framework and the development of operational guidelines for student loan schemes.
The Economist – Student Financing Expert will be responsible for the following:
Design the Analysis Framework:
Develop a comprehensive methodological framework and data collection tools (e.g., surveys, key informant interview guides, focus group protocols) for the national situation analysis.
Map all existing student financing mechanisms in Rwanda, including government loans (e.g., BRD scholarships), bursaries, private sector funding, and informal arrangements.
Identify the key stakeholders involved in student financing: students, families, HLIs, government agencies (MINEDUC, BRD, HEC, Ministry of Finance), financial institutions, and development partners.
Lead a mixed-methods research process to collect quantitative and qualitative data on the current state of student financing.
Assess the demand side:
Understand students' financial needs, including tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with higher education.
Investigate the socio-economic profile of students, their access to information about financing, and the barriers they face.
Assess other socio-economic factors and structural policy issues affecting student financing, including but not limited to philanthropies and investors.
Assess the supply side:
Evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and coverage of existing loan and bursary schemes.
Analyze the loan recovery mechanisms and default rates.
Assess the sustainability and fiscal impact of current student financing mechanisms on the national budget.
Investigate students' financial literacy regarding loan management and repayment obligations.
Conduct Global Comparative Analysis
Research and document student financing models from a range of countries, including both developing and developed economies, with a focus on those with successful income-contingent loan (ICL) schemes and sustainable financing frameworks.
Identify and analyze the key features of successful models, including:
Loan eligibility criteria and coverage (tuition vs. living costs).
Interest rates and repayment structures (e.g., income-contingent vs. time-based).
Loan recovery mechanisms (e.g., payroll deduction, tax systems).
Risk-sharing mechanisms between the government, financial institutions, and students.
The role of data and technology (e.g., Graduate Tracking Database) in loan management and recovery.
Benchmark the Rwandan context against these international best practices, identifying what is adaptable and relevant for the country's context.
Analyze the collected data to produce a clear, evidence-based National Student Financing Situation Analysis Report.
The report should detail the current state, identify key gaps and challenges, and provide a prioritization of needs.
Present initial findings and recommendations to the HEC, Chancen, and key stakeholders for validation.
Submit a final, comprehensive report that includes the benchmarking findings.
Contribute to preparing a policy paper on student financing.
Draft the National Framework:
Based on the findings from the Situation Analysis and International Benchmarking, lead the development of a National Student Financing Model Framework and Loan Scheme Operational Guidelines for Rwanda.
The framework should be comprehensive and include:
A clear vision and objectives for national student financing.
Proposed eligibility criteria and coverage for a national loan scheme.
Sustainable funding sources and fiscal arrangements.
A student loan recovery system with a clear operational workflow and roles for HEC, HLIs, and financial institutions.
Data management and monitoring mechanisms, linked to the HEC's Graduate Tracking Database and Academic Monitoring Dashboard.
Provisions for student welfare and financial literacy support.
Draft detailed operational guidelines for the implementation of the student loan scheme, including procedures for application, disbursement, deferment, and loan recovery.
Propose a governance structure for overseeing the implementation of the national financing model.
Facilitate Engagement:
Organize and facilitate stakeholder workshops to validate the findings of the Situation Analysis and co-create the National Student Financing Model Framework.
Ensure meaningful engagement of all relevant actors: HEC, MINEDUC, BRD, Ministry of Finance, HLIs, financial institutions, student representatives, and development partners.
Prepare a Policy Paper on Student Financing landscape in Rwanda to inform policymakers and key stakeholders on the situation analysis findings, benchmarking insights, and the recommended way forward.
Provide inputs to the Annual Financing and Recovery Performance Report as per the MoU Action Plan.
Advise on developing a student barometer to monitor student welfare and the impact of financing initiatives.
Master's Degree in Economics, and Public Policy. A PhD in Economics is an added advantage.
Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in economic analysis, financial & investment analysis, or student financing policy, preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Proven experience in conducting complex situation analyses, benchmarking studies, and mixed-methods research
