Field & Business Development Officer (Rwanda)

SUMMARY HAWASIM Sustainable Solutions is seeking a Rwanda-based Field & Business Development Officer to support the development of PaperLoop Rwanda, an early-stage venture focused on paper and cardboard recovery. The successful candidate will provide the project’s on-the-ground presence in Rwanda. This is an execution-focused role involving business visits, local outreach, opportunity development, verification and practical follow-up. The officer will work directly with the founder and alongside a remotely based Project Development Coordinator, who supports research, planning and wider business development and will participate in engagement with key prospects and strategic partners. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • Identify and approach prospective businesses, organizations and project partners. • Conduct in-person visits and engage professionally with managers and decision-makers. • Introduce the project and explore potential areas of cooperation. • Gather and verify relevant commercial and operational information. • Develop promising prospects from initial contact toward documented interest and practical next steps. • Maintain regular follow-up with prospective partners. • Identify significant opportunities requiring involvement from the Project Development Coordinator or founder. • Verify local companies, suppliers, service providers and other relevant opportunities. • Obtain quotations and confirm local prices and availability when required. • Maintain accurate contact records, visit reports and follow-up trackers. • Document findings clearly, including locations, contact persons, photographs and relevant observations where appropriate. • Support other field and business-development assignments as the project progresses. The officer will be expected to develop opportunities actively while operating within agreed authority. Pricing, contractual terms and formal commitments on behalf of HAWASIM will require prior approval. REQUIREMENTS • Currently based in Kigali. • Available for regular field assignments in Kigali and elsewhere in Rwanda when required. • Confident approaching businesses and engaging with managers and decision-makers. • Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills. • Good spoken and written English. • Commercial awareness and the ability to recognize credible opportunities. • Ability to gather, verify and report information accurately. • Reliable follow-up, initiative and sound judgement. • Able to work independently while coordinating effectively with a remote team. • Relevant experience in business development, field sales, stakeholder engagement, market development, verification or similar work is preferred. • Knowledge of Rwanda’s business environment is important. Experience in recycling, waste management or related sectors is advantageous but not essential. WORKING ARRANGEMENTS The engagement will initially be part-time and structured around defined assignments and milestones, with the potential to develop into a longer-term and broader role based on performance and business needs. This is an on-the-ground position rather than a virtual-assistant role. Performance will be assessed primarily through execution, professionalism, quality of information, reliability of follow-up and progress in developing credible business relationships. WHEN APPLYING Please briefly describe your relevant experience in Rwanda, particularly work involving: • Visiting businesses or organizations. • Approaching managers or decision-makers. • Developing business opportunities or stakeholder relationships. • Conducting field verification and documenting findings. • Working independently while reporting to a remote client or team. Where possible, provide an example of an assignment where you personally approached businesses or decision-makers, developed an opportunity or relationship, and reported or followed the matter through to a practical outcome. Please also confirm that you are currently based in Rwanda and available for regular field assignments.