Vital Strategies is hiring a Program Manager (RWF 33,600,000 – RWF 43,000,000): Exciting opportunity – Apply Before 30 March 2026

Are you an experienced public health professional ready to take on a leadership role that drives measurable impact? A compelling opportunity is now open for a Program Manager, Rwanda within the Environmental Health team at Vital Strategies. Based in Kigali, Rwanda, this full-time role offers the chance to strengthen national health systems while addressing one of the most urgent yet preventable environmental health threats: lead poisoning.

With a competitive salary range of RWF 33,600,000 to RWF 43,000,000, this role is ideal for a seasoned epidemiologist or environmental health expert passionate about data-driven policy and community well-being.

About Vital Strategies

Vital Strategies is a global public health organization working across 73 countries to tackle the leading causes of illness, injury, and death. Through data-driven decision-making, policy advocacy, and strategic communication, the organization supports governments in implementing evidence-based health solutions.

Their core priorities include:

• Non-communicable disease prevention
• Tobacco control
• Road safety
• Obesity prevention
• Overdose prevention
• Environmental health
• Vital statistics systems strengthening

With a strong presence in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, Vital Strategies is committed to building resilient public health systems that save lives.

The organization also places high value on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), ensuring that diverse perspectives shape stronger, more inclusive programs.

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About the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

Lead exposure remains a major but often overlooked environmental health crisis, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Children are especially vulnerable, facing lifelong consequences from exposure.

Vital Strategies is expanding its Lead Poisoning Prevention Program by collaborating with governments to:

• Strengthen childhood blood lead surveillance systems
• Build local technical expertise
• Develop cost-effective public health policies
• Support regulatory reforms to reduce exposure

In Rwanda, the Program Manager will play a critical role in advancing this mission.

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Your Role as Program Manager

This position blends technical leadership, stakeholder engagement, data management, and operational oversight. You will serve as a central figure coordinating field research, government collaboration, and surveillance system strengthening.

Technical & Programmatic Leadership

You will:

• Support the design and implementation of Rwanda’s lead poisoning prevention program
• Develop and standardize surveillance frameworks
• Guide ethical approval processes
• Train and monitor field surveillance teams
• Facilitate capacity-building for government officials, frontline workers, and journalists
• Contribute to policy analysis and technical discussions

This role requires both scientific rigor and strategic thinking.

Stakeholder Management

Strong partnerships are essential for national-level impact. You will:

• Build and maintain relationships across health, environmental, academic, and research sectors
• Engage with government health departments and regulatory agencies
• Serve as a key focal point representing Vital Strategies in Rwanda

Your ability to navigate bureaucratic processes and advocate for evidence-based interventions will be vital.

Data Management & Analysis

Data sits at the heart of this role. Responsibilities include:

• Monitoring data collection and ensuring data quality
• Conducting site visits to surveillance locations
• Cleaning and analyzing surveillance data
• Working with senior epidemiologists to generate reports
• Translating findings into actionable policy recommendations

Experience with tools such as R, Stata, SAS, Excel, Tableau, or Shiny will be essential.

Communication & Reporting

You’ll transform complex public health data into insights that drive change by:

• Preparing technical reports and presentations
• Creating non-technical summaries for policymakers and the public
• Presenting findings to diverse audiences
• Promoting data-informed decision-making

Strong written and oral communication skills in English and the native language are required.

Operations & Team Leadership

Beyond technical duties, you’ll oversee operational and administrative aspects of the Rwanda program:

• Supervising a small team of 2–3 staff
• Supporting logistics, contracting, procurement, and budgeting
• Monitoring expenses and submitting financial updates
• Coordinating with partner organizations
• Overseeing vendor and team payments

This role requires excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for professionals with:

Education

• A Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, environmental science, biostatistics, demography, or public administration.

Required Experience

• 6–7 years in epidemiology, environmental health, global health, or program implementation
• Experience designing and monitoring national surveillance programs
• Experience managing large health surveys
• Experience working with government health institutions
• Experience supervising small teams
• Proficiency in data analytics software

Preferred Experience

• Managing complex data flows
• Communicating scientific information to varied audiences
• Familiarity with project management platforms such as Monday or Airtable

If you’re passionate about environmental justice, health equity, and systems strengthening, this role offers an exceptional platform for impact.

Working Conditions

• Full-time position based in Kigali (remote/hybrid flexibility within Rwanda)
• Open to Rwandan nationals or candidates with valid Rwanda work permits
• Occasional travel within Rwanda and limited international travel
• Hired under Vital Strategies’ Employer of Record

This is a leadership opportunity suited to professionals ready to operate at both field and policy levels.

Why This Role Matters

Lead poisoning is preventable. Yet without surveillance, policy enforcement, and cross-sector collaboration, communities remain at risk. This role directly contributes to protecting children’s health, strengthening Rwanda’s health systems, and shaping national environmental health policy.

As Program Manager, you won’t just manage a project — you’ll help build a sustainable framework for long-term public health protection.

Final Thoughts

If you are an experienced public health leader with strong analytical skills, policy insight, and a passion for environmental health, this is your chance to create lasting impact in Rwanda. With competitive compensation, meaningful field engagement, and the opportunity to influence national policy, the Program Manager role at Vital Strategies stands out as a career-defining opportunity.

Step forward and be part of a mission that saves lives through data, science, and strong public health systems.