Investment Lead

About Inzira Creative Partners

Inzira Creative Partners is the sector infrastructure for Rwanda’s creative economy, coordinating the Creative Rwanda consortium and connecting creatives and creative enterprises to markets, catalytic finance and policy.

The Creative Rwanda Program is delivered through a partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and is led and coordinated by Inzira Creative Partners, in collaboration with Gahaya Links and MASS Design Group. Within the program, Inzira leads ecosystem coordination and financial inclusion.

Nibigira, from the Kinyarwanda for “it guides us”, is our catalytic fund for young creative entrepreneurs. It offers finance designed around how creative work actually earns. There is no land collateral, repayment follows income rather than the calendar, and every investment comes with business support built in.

About the Role

Most Rwandan creatives have never been offered finance that fits how they earn. We are building a fund that does, and we’re looking for an Investment Lead to build and run it day to day.

This is a builder’s role. The fund is in its first cohorts. You will shape how it works in practice, from finding creatives who have never been considered bankable to seeing capital come back so it can go out again.

What you’ll drive

Pipeline and origination

Build a pipeline of creative entrepreneurs across Rwanda, including outside Kigali. Make sure the application process is open to everyone the fund is for. That means bilingual Kinyarwanda and English, accessible formats, and support for applicants who can’t produce a written plan.

Assessment and investment decisions

Assess creatives on their practice, the demand for their work and their potential, not only on credit history or collateral. Prepare investment papers and bring sector insight on creative business models, seasonality and risk. Make sure every investment is documented, with a clear rationale, repayment plan and follow-up.

Portfolio and repayment

Monitor the portfolio so repayment follows what creatives actually earn. Spot repayment barriers early and act on them, so capital returns and can be invested again.

Inclusion and support

Make sure the fund reaches young women, rural creatives, refugees and persons with disabilities, and track it in disaggregated data at every stage. Make sure every investment comes with support, from financial literacy, pricing and business planning to mentorship and market connections.

Partnerships and growth

Lead conversations with banks, microfinance institutions and fintechs to build a pathway from Nibigira into mainstream credit. Pilot finance for emerging creative sub-sectors and turn what the fund learns into the case for its growth.

Who you are

At least five years in investment, credit or portfolio management, ideally in inclusive finance, impact investing or SME lending in Rwanda or a comparable market. Working knowledge of blended finance, including grants, returnable grants and revenue-based or shared-risk structures, and comfort working within shared governance. Experience reading irregular cash flows and assessing businesses that traditional lenders turn away. Able to turn portfolio data into pipeline and product decisions. A degree in finance, economics, business or a related field. A master’s or investment qualification is an advantage. Fluent in Kinyarwanda and English. Familiarity with Rwanda’s creative industries is welcome but not required. The ability to learn a new sector’s business models quickly, and to respect them, is.

How you work

You see a creative’s portfolio, contracts and audience as evidence, and you know the difference between a risky business and an excluded one. You’re as comfortable at a cooperative meeting in the provinces as in an investment committee, and credible in both. You’re disciplined about documentation, because a fund’s credibility depends on it. You hold inclusion as both commitment and design principle. Women, rural and refugee young creatives, and persons with disabilities within the creative sector, are part of Rwanda’s future.

What we offer

Opportunity to help lead a vibrant, purpose-driven organisation that fosters creativity and community engagement. A collaborative, dynamic environment committed to creative and cultural impact. The chance to shape the future of creative finance and the creative economy in Rwanda, Africa and beyond.

Details

Full-time, two-year fixed term with a six-month probation, renewable. Based in Kigali, with regular travel across Rwanda. Reports to the Executive Director. Target start date: 1 November 2026.

How to Apply

Interested candidate should submit their application no later than 31st October 2026. Please click on the “Apply Now” button to complete your application.

Women, persons with disabilities and candidates from refugee backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Appointment is subject to background checks and Inzira’s safeguarding policies