Senior Secretariat Manager – African Coalition for Research and Communication on Abortion (ACORCA)

Job Description

Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Duration: 7 months full-time, with potential for extension into a fixed-term role for 2 years.
Salary: Competitive remuneration

Background

The African Coalition on Research and Communication on Abortion/Coalition Africaine pour la Recherche et la Communication sur l’Avortement (ACORCA-COARCA) is a newly-formed collective of institutions and individuals dedicated to advancing research, communication, and advocacy on safe abortion in Africa. Formed in late 2024, the Coalition includes 16 Founding Member institutions from across East, South, Central, and West Africa—such as universities, research/training institutions, and NGOs. The Coalition operates fully bilingually in English and French.

Mission

ACORCA’s mission is to advance policy-relevant research, evidence-based advocacy, and partnerships that drive transformative policies, practices, and societal change for equitable access to safe abortion across Africa.

Its activities are structured around four working groups:

1. Support and Empower Researchers: Foster an environment conducive to high-quality, context-specific, policy-relevant abortion research.
2. Strengthen Research Capacities: Build a strong, skilled network of researchers capable of generating and communicating evidence.
3. Communicate & Advocate with Evidence: Engage policy-makers, practitioners, media, and communities to shift public perception and influence policy and practice.
4. Build Partnerships & Mobilize Resources: Establish partnerships and diversify funding streams to sustain evidence-based policies and programming.

The Coalition is governed by an 11-member Executive Committee. Daily operations are run by a small Secretariat hosted by Health Development Initiative (HDI) in Rwanda, with support from the Guttmacher Institute (US) and Options Consultancy Services (UK) during its inception phase.

The Role

The Senior Secretariat Manager (SSM) will lead Secretariat operations and serve as the central coordinator of ACORCA’s activities. Reporting to the Executive Committee Co-Chairs (Nigeria, DRC, Malawi), with joint line management from HDI and one Co-Chair, the SSM will ensure timely implementation of the Coalition’s work plan, manage communications, coordinate fundraising, support events, and maintain operational systems.

Note: The SSM will enable member institutions to carry out technical activities; they will not directly implement ACORCA’s technical work.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Coordination and Planning

• Oversee and manage the Coalition work plan.
• Coordinate activities of working groups; ensure synergy and avoid duplication.
• Liaise with Executive Committee and Advisory Council to ensure effective governance and communication.

Coalition Systems

• Develop systems including:
  • Coalition website
  • Member registration platform
  • Payment system for small grants
  • Shared digital workspace
  • Email distribution lists
• Maintain comprehensive databases for membership, funders, and critical operations.

Fundraising

• Maintain and update funder tracking database.
• Lead fundraising efforts with Working Group 4:
  • Prepare pitch decks, concept notes, and proposals
  • Coordinate coalition-wide input for funding applications
  • Seek resources for activities beyond December 2025
• Support multi-country research fundraising and partnerships.
• Represent Coalition in donor relationships.

Financial and Grant Management

• Manage contracts and grants with HDI.
• Ensure deliverables for funded projects:
  • Small grants for junior researchers
  • Online training webinars
  • Conference launches
• Prepare timely activity and financial reports per donor requirements.

Communications and Networking

• Lead external communications (website, PR, donor engagement).
• Coordinate internal communications:
  • Bi-weekly Executive Committee meetings
  • Quarterly all-member meetings
  • Annual Coalition Meeting (ACM)
  • Newsletters and WhatsApp groups
• Support networking with researchers, donors, and partners.

Membership Management

• Guide membership expansion strategy and activities.
• Oversee membership administration:
  • Fee collection
  • Engagement strategies

Events Coordination

• Organize Annual Coalition Meeting and voting processes.
• Coordinate virtual regional partner forums with regional leads.

Human Resources Management

• Supervise HDI’s 50% administrator:
  • Delegate tasks and monitor performance
  • Provide feedback to HDI senior supervisor
• Recruit new secretariat staff as needed (e.g., Communications Manager).

Reporting and Accountability

• Report directly to the Executive Committee.
• Line management by HDI Senior Manager and an Executive Committee Chair.
• Undergo regular performance reviews focused on:
  • Timely work plan execution
  • Fundraising and financial reporting
  • Communications and administrative efficiency

Desired Profile

We are looking for a dynamic, intelligent self-starter with extensive project or program management experience. The ideal candidate is a confident communicator in English and French, capable of managing high-level stakeholders and ensuring collaborative team results.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Master’s in public health, international development, public administration, or related field.
• Experience:
  • Proven senior management in complex, multi-stakeholder environments (NGOs, international orgs, research administration).
  • Sexual and reproductive health programming or research background is highly desirable.
  • Experience in abortion programming or research is an asset.
  • Demonstrated skills in grant management, financial reporting, and fundraising.
  • Experience managing regional/multi-country initiatives.

Skills:

• Bilingual in English and French (essential)
• Project management & strategic planning
• Financial management and reporting
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Proficient with Excel, PowerPoint, cloud platforms, and AI tools
• Comfortable working in matrixed structures
• Cultural and linguistic adaptability

Key Attributes

• Pro-choice: Strong belief in the right to safe abortion
• Leadership: Team management and stakeholder coordination
• Strategic vision: Translate strategic priorities into action
• Organization: Detail-oriented with multitasking abilities
• Relationship-building: Effective with internal and external stakeholders

Application Process

Submit your CV and cover letter to acorca-coarca@hdirwanda.org by COB Friday, 2nd May 2025. Your application should highlight relevant experience and outline your vision for managing a dynamic, bi-lingual coalition and its Secretariat.

Short-listed candidates will be interviewed by HDI, Executive Committee members, and Options. Tests may include:

• Spreadsheet & data management
• Presentation delivery
• English-French bilingual working

This is a rare opportunity to help shape a transformative and pan-African coalition dedicated to advancing reproductive justice. If you are ready to play a central role in operationalizing this groundbreaking initiative, we look forward to hearing from you.