Masaka Creamery’s mission is to delight our customers by producing beloved products, with uncompromising devotion to our values. We manufacture high quality dairy products under the Masaka Farms label from our headquarters located in the Kigali Special Economic Zone. Masaka Creamery actively recruits from the Deaf community in Rwanda, and currently boasts a production team that is 100% Deaf. We are a values-driven organization working diligently toward our vision of being admired in Rwanda and beyond for exemplary culture, quality and inclusion as we scale to 10,000 liters per day.
Position Overview
Masaka Creamery is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Corporate Affairs & Strategic Projects to lead corporate communication, stakeholder engagement, and project management efforts. This senior leadership role is crucial in shaping and maintaining Masaka Creamery’s brand, reputation, and strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including government bodies, industry partners, and the community. The successful candidate will also be responsible for driving high-impact strategic projects, ensuring effective execution of company initiatives, and acting as a key partner to the CEO in managing business operations and external relationships.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in corporate affairs, project management, and stakeholder engagement, with the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and build strategic partnerships. This person will play a pivotal role in driving key strategic initiatives and ensuring smooth execution of company projects while positioning Masaka Creamery as a trusted and valued partner with government and industry leaders. The goal is for Masaka to not only meet regulatory expectations but to delight the government — to be respected, appreciated, and seen as a company that meaningfully contributes to advancing the government’s agenda and broader national development goals. Integrity and trust are critical — the person in this role will negotiate on behalf of Masaka Creamery, represent the company at the highest levels, and will be entrusted with handling sensitive matters with professionalism and sound judgment.
Key Responsibilities 
Strategic Project Management 
  • Lead the planning, execution, and completion of high-impact strategic projects, including new facility builds, product launches, and infrastructure upgrades.
  • Ensure all projects comply with relevant local and international regulations and are executed on time and within budget.
  • Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO, identifying risks and opportunities and recommending course corrections as needed.
  • Ensure projects are aligned with the company’s values and business objectives.
Government and Stakeholder Relations 
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, industry partners, and key stakeholders to strengthen Masaka Creamery’s strategic position.
  • Act as the primary liaison with government officials and regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with all relevant policies and advocating for favorable business conditions.
  • Represent Masaka Creamery in policy discussions and industry forums, positioning the company as a thought leader in the dairy industry.
  • Ensure all interactions with government officials and business partners reflect the highest level of integrity and professionalism.
Corporate Affairs and Public Relations 
  • Develop and execute corporate communication strategies to enhance Masaka Creamery’s reputation and visibility.
  • Oversee all public relations initiatives, including press releases, media engagement, and corporate events.
  • Monitor public perception of Masaka Creamery and implement strategies to enhance brand image and stakeholder confidence.
  • Lead corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to strengthen the company’s impact on the community.
Leadership and Strategic Planning 
  • Collaborate with internal departments to align corporate affairs and strategic project goals with business objectives.
  • Provide strategic advice to the CEO and senior leadership team on corporate affairs and stakeholder engagement.
  • Identify and drive improvements to business processes, ensuring greater efficiency and alignment with strategic goals.
  • Manage crisis communication strategies to protect and enhance the company’s reputation.
  • Act as a trusted partner to the CEO, taking ownership of major projects and driving execution without direct oversight.

Required Qualifications:

  •  Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Business Administration, Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree (MBA preferred) is highly desirable.
  • Proven experience (7+ years) in corporate affairs, strategic project management, or a similar leadership role.
  • Strong understanding of government relations, stakeholder management, and regulatory compliance.
  • Exceptional project management skills, with a track record of delivering complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
  • High level of integrity, professionalism, and strategic thinking — this person must be someone the CEO and the company can trust to handle negotiations and sensitive matters. 
  • Strong political and business acumen, with the ability to navigate complex relationships and regulatory environments.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with fluency in English and French (preferred).
  • Ability to engage with senior leaders and government officials, demonstrating both tact and authority.
  • Experience working with culturally diverse teams and navigating different business environments.
  • Proven ability to manage ambiguity and complex problem-solving with confidence and decisiveness.
  • Strong personal and professional network within government and industry circles.

Preferred Attributes 
  • Background in supply chain, regulatory affairs, or operations management.
  • Experience overseeing construction, factory builds, or large infrastructure projects.
  • Ability to lead with both authority and humility, adjusting communication styles based on the audience.
  • High emotional intelligence and adaptability in high-pressure situations.

Compensation & Working Conditions:

  • Compensation: Competitive salary based on experience.
  • Paid Leave: 18 days per year
  • Travel: The role requires occasional travel for stakeholder engagements and industry events.
  • Duration: Seeking a minimum initial commitment of 2 years
  • Reporting: Reports directly to the CEO and collaborates closely with department heads.
  • Expenses: Reimbursement for authorized business-related expenses such as travel, airtime, and industry event participation.
In order for your application to be considered, ALL Application questions MUST be answered and a cover letter must be included.

Please Apply by April 1st, 2025 11:59 PM

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

APPLY HERE