Apply for Program Lead job

Location: Kigali, RwandaType: full-time

About Company

MASS Design Group is a nonprofit architecture and design studio headquartered in Boston, MA, and Kigali, Rwanda, known for purpose-driven architecture that advances justice, equity, and human dignity. In Rwanda, MASS has pioneered projects like Butaro Hospital, educational institutions, and conservation centers—prioritizing sustainable design, local labor, and community empowerment. Their construction division (MASS.Build) and furniture studio (MASS.Made) operate out of Rwanda to further embed local fabrication, training, and climate‑positive approaches into every project include: RICA, Butaro Hospital, Ruhehe Primary School and many more. Founded in 2008 by Michael Murphy and Alan Ricks, initially through their involvement in the Butaro Hospital project in Rwanda

Job Description

Job Summary
MASS Design Group, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is launching a 3-year entrepreneurship and design training program for youth solopreneurs and SMEs in Rwanda’s furniture and creative industries. The Program Lead will oversee program management, curriculum development, training delivery, and mentorship. This position requires leadership, design expertise, and entrepreneurship guidance to help early-stage creative businesses scale successfully.

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Position Title
Program Lead – Entrepreneurship & Design Training Program

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as full-time program lead and manager.
• Oversee multi-phase training, stakeholder relationships, and participant progress.
• Collaborate with MASS.Made, partners, and market networks.
• Develop curriculum and workshops in design thinking, sustainability, product development, and entrepreneurship.
• Deliver and facilitate training sessions and in-studio workshops.
• Mentor youth-led micro-enterprises through coaching, design reviews, and business planning.
• Provide strategic guidance on market access, value chains, and sales channels for micro and small-to-medium enterprises.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Design Strategy, Business Administration, or Development Studies.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience in at least two of the following:
  • Industrial or product design.
  • Design instruction or curriculum development in industrial/product design.
  • Program or project management (preferably in entrepreneurship, creative industries, or development sectors).
  • Business development services (BDS) for creative enterprises.

Technical Skills

• Expertise in design thinking, leadership, product development, prototyping, and sustainability.
• Proficiency in Rhino, AutoCAD, and Adobe Suite.
• Full professional proficiency in English.

Soft Skills

• Strong coaching, communication, problem-solving, and systems thinking skills.
• Solid understanding of material knowledge.

Good to Have

• Familiarity with Rwandan/African design and furniture sector.
• Proficiency in French or Kinyarwanda.

Additional Notes

• MASS Design Group values diversity and inclusivity and encourages applicants from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Deadline

• Not specified in the job posting.