Investment Manager at Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) (2024-10 – Present)
- Contribute to AFR's strategic and operational plans to support MSME ecosystem development.
- Analyze barriers and investment opportunities for MSMEs, ensuring alignment with AFR's objectives.
- Provide thought leadership by tracking local, regional, and international investment trends, offering insights to refine programs.
- Collaborate with the G2S team to design, refine, and implement effective interventions within the Catalytic Funds framework.
- Lead implementation strategies for the G2S Catalytic Fund (USD 2.4 million), ensuring fund deployment for maximum impact.
- Manage fund utilization through detailed planning, cash flow forecasts, and robust procurement.
- Lead and supervise assigned projects.
- Oversee stakeholder mapping, co-creation of interventions, and coordination of activities.
- Build and maintain relationships with key players within the MSME and financial ecosystem.
- Engage stakeholders through consultative processes, ensuring sustainable partnerships post-AFR intervention.
- Support the development of communication and influencing strategies to promote mindset and behavioral change.
- Collaborate with the MRM team to ensure effective data collection, learning, and adaptive management.
- Lead the development and implementation of MEL frameworks for the Catalytic Funds.
- Prepare and present knowledge-sharing materials to stakeholders and external forums.
- Develop accurate project budgets and ensure compliance with AFR's financial and procurement policies.
- Monitor fund utilization targets and develop strategies to enhance returnable grant repayments.
- Maintain a risk register and implement risk mitigation measures for assigned projects.
Consultant – Venture Capital Fund Operations Manager at Government of Rwanda (GoR) (2022-01 – 2024-09)
- Coordinated the operations of a USD 30 million Venture Capital Fund, aligning senior stakeholders including the Steering Committee, AfDB, Fund Managers, and Government of Rwanda.
- Ensured Government compliance with fund agreements by delivering timely reports, expense justifications, and replenishment requests, achieving consistent audit clearance by the Office of the Auditor General.
- Monitored fund performance and enforced compliance by Fund Managers with investment agreements, strengthening accountability and governance standards.
- Designed and developed innovative fund models and playbooks, establishing best practices for government participation as a Limited Partner.
- Successfully identified and engaged new fund managers, expanding Rwanda's pool of credible fund management partners.
- Supported ecosystem-building initiatives such as angel network development, pipeline development, and portfolio management support, directly contributing to Rwanda's growing innovation and entrepreneurship landscape.
- Managed capital calls from fund managers and disbursements from AfDB, ensuring accurate and efficient cash flow management.
- Coordinated high-level Steering Committee meetings, preparing strategic presentations and reports that guided fund direction.
- Prepared and implemented annual budgets and work plans, aligning resources with fund objectives.
Manager, Financial Settlements at National Bank of Rwanda (2018-07 – 2022-09)
Served as a member of the Reserves Management Committee, advising on the management of a USD 2 billion fixed income reserves portfolio, including portfolio allocation, liquidity management, and risk oversight. Directed the settlement of domestic and international financial market transactions and acted as the Bank's focal expert on the World Bank's Portfolio Analytics Tool, later initiating the transition to a fully automated Bloomberg portfolio management system.
- Negotiated and structured derivative products (currency and interest rate swaps) with IFC and the World Bank, contributing to the successful issuance of the first Rwandan franc-denominated bond on the London Stock Exchange.
- Accurately forecasted the post-COVID global inflation surge, influencing reserve allocation strategy and sparing the Bank significant losses from long-duration bonds.
- Protected the institution by rejecting high-risk derivative products proposed by global banks, which would have led to substantial margin calls during market volatility.
- Managed the Bank's relationship with its Global Custodian, ensuring efficient cross-border operations and compliance.
- Oversaw trade finance operations, including issuance and accounting for Letters of Credit (LCs) and Guarantees.
- Led the core-banking system upgrade project, one of the Bank's largest, coordinating multiple internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless transition.
- Supervised liquidity management of foreign currencies by monitoring FX positions, ensuring operational adequacy, and supporting smooth international settlement.
- Prepared and managed budgets for the Operations Directorate, maintaining accountability and cost efficiency.
Officer, Financial Accounts Analysis and Reporting at National Bank of Rwanda (2017-03 – 2018-07)
Coordinated the accurate recording and analysis of the Bank's financial transactions, ensuring compliance with IFRS and internal policies. Managed the chart of accounts and designed accounting entry schemes that streamlined reporting processes. Prepared periodic financial statements, and working with external auditors, supporting timely submission to management. Performed reconciliation and analysis of all accounts in the Bank ensuring proper valuation and accountability.
- Served as the technical lead on the IFRS 9 project, successfully implementing the standard in just six months—one of the fastest implementations globally—earning regional recognition for the Bank.
Accounts Officer at Airline Services & Logistics Rwanda Ltd (2014-09 – 2017-02)
- Prepared translated monthly financial statements and management reports for the multinational parent company, ensuring compliance with international standards.
- Managed accounts payable and receivable, streamlining supplier payments and collections to improve cash flow efficiency.
- Oversaw stock-taking and fixed asset register monitoring, maintaining accurate asset valuation and reporting.
- Posted and managed daily transactions on QuickBooks, ensuring proper recording and reconciliation.
- Prepared and monitored monthly budgets for material transactions, enabling better cost control.
- Conducted monthly cash and bank reconciliations, ensuring accuracy of financial records.
- Administered petty cash management and maintained strict accountability of cash transactions.
- Coordinated communication with both local and international suppliers, strengthening supplier relationships and ensuring timely settlements.
