Lead Facilitator - SoCreative Creative Entrepreneurship Programme

ABOUT ALU

ALU provides higher education for a higher purpose. Our students declare missions, not majors.They develop the real-world skills to take on the world’s most pressing challenges. And they take ownership of their learning from day one through our peer and student-led approach – because ALU believes in the power and agency of young people to start shaping the future right now. Together with a world-class faculty and staff, our students are igniting a ripple of positive impact across Africa and the world.

We are dedicated to fostering an open yet secure environment, balancing the safety of students, staff, and visitors with respect for individual rights, and safeguarding responsibilities.

HOW WE WORK

The ALU Team works in starkly different ways to traditional academic bureaucracies. We approach education from first principles, empower individuals to design, test, and implement creative new ideas, and work closely together to craft transformative learning experiences. We are deeply passionate about our students and excited by the challenge of building something entirely new.

The African Leadership University is committed to ensuring the safety and Well-being of all students under our care. As part of this commitment , we have a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place , which outlines our Zero-tolerance approach to any violation of safeguarding.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

The SoCreative × ALU Creative Entrepreneurship Programme is a transformative 6-week intensive training designed to equip young Rwandan creatives (ages 18-35) with essential business skills to launch and scale sustainable creative ventures. Through this British Council partnership, ALU will train 400 creative entrepreneurs across four cohorts between February 2026 and December 2027. The programme blends the British Council's acclaimed SoCreative E-Learning platform with dynamic in-person sessions, creating a hybrid learning experience that combines global best practices with local contextualization. Each cohort consists of 100 students split into four groups of 25 students per facilitator.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking passionate, experienced facilitators to lead cohorts of 25 creative entrepreneurs through an intensive 6-week creative business skills programme. As a Lead Facilitator, you will be responsible for delivering engaging, interactive training sessions that inspire students to transform their creative talents into viable businesses. You will guide students through business ideation, market research, financial planning, marketing, and pitch development while fostering a supportive, collaborative learning environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced trainers, entrepreneurs, or creative professionals who are passionate about youth empowerment and Rwanda's creative economy to make a tangible impact on the next generation of creative entrepreneurs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Delivery (60%)

• Deliver 12 high-quality, interactive 3-hour training sessions over 6 weeks, covering creative entrepreneurship fundamentals from ideation to pitch presentation
• Facilitate engaging learning experiences using diverse teaching methods including lectures, case studies, group work, hands-on exercises, and peer feedback sessions
• Contextualize global content with Rwandan and African examples, success stories, and case studies to ensure relevance and resonance
• Create an inclusive, supportive learning environment that encourages participation, creativity, and peer collaboration
• Adapt teaching approach to accommodate diverse learning styles and skill levels within the cohort
• Guide students in developing their own business concepts from idea to pitch-ready proposals

Student Support & Mentorship (20%)

• Conduct bi-weekly check-ins with each student (minimum 2 per student over 6 weeks) to monitor progress, address challenges, and provide guidance
• Guide students through the SoCreative online platform, ensuring they understand how to access and complete required modules
• Provide constructive feedback on assignments, business concepts, and pitch presentations
• Identify and support struggling students, referring them to additional resources or escalating to Project Coordinator when needed
• Respond to student questions and concerns within 24 hours during the cohort period

Assessment & Tracking (10%)

• Record attendance and participation scores for all 12 sessions using the Student Scorecard system
• Evaluate student performance through assignments, class participation, and engagement with online modules
• Conduct comprehensive final skills assessment in Week 6, evaluating students on 8 core competencies
• Document student progress, challenges, and notable achievements in weekly progress tracker
• Submit completed assessment data and cohort report within specified timelines

Planning & Preparation (10%)

• Complete the SoCreative E-Learning Programme before cohort launch to master all content and platform features
• Develop detailed session plans for all 12 sessions, including learning objectives, activities, timing, and materials needed
• Prepare or adapt teaching materials, handouts, case studies, and exercises for each session
• Coordinate with co-facilitator (if applicable) to ensure seamless curriculum flow and consistent quality
• Arrive 30 minutes before each session to set up materials and ensure room readiness

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, Creative Arts, Design, Education, or related field
• OR equivalent professional experience in creative entrepreneurship, business development, or training
• Master's degree or professional certifications in training, facilitation, or entrepreneurship is an advantage

Professional Experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience in training delivery, teaching, facilitation, or coaching (5+ years preferred)
• Demonstrated experience working with youth, entrepreneurs, or creative professionals
• Proven track record of designing and delivering engaging, interactive training programmes
• Experience in entrepreneurship, business development, or running a creative business is highly desirable
• Experience with hybrid learning models (blending online and in-person delivery) is an advantage

Technical Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of entrepreneurship principles, business models, and the creative economy ecosystem
• Knowledge of creative industries (music, fashion, arts, film, design, photography, etc.) and their unique business challenges
• Familiarity with business planning, financial basics, marketing strategies, and pitch development
• Proficiency with digital tools including Microsoft Office, Zoom, learning management systems, and online collaboration platforms
• Understanding of Rwanda's creative ecosystem and entrepreneurship landscape is highly beneficial

Core Competencies

• Facilitation Excellence: Exceptional ability to engage diverse groups, manage classroom dynamics, and create interactive learning experiences
• Communication: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills in English; Kinyarwanda proficiency is highly desirable for deeper student connection
• Inspiration & Motivation: Natural ability to inspire, energize, and build confidence in aspiring entrepreneurs
• Adaptability: Flexible and responsive to changing student needs, able to think on your feet and adjust content or approach as needed
• Cultural Sensitivity: Deep appreciation for diverse backgrounds and ability to create inclusive environments where all students feel valued
• Organization: Strong time management and organizational skills to balance preparation, delivery, and student support
• Passion for Impact: Genuine commitment to youth empowerment and Rwanda's creative economy development

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Quantitative Indicators:

• 90%+ average attendance rate across all 12 sessions
• Average participation score of 4.0 out of 5.0 or higher
• 50%+ of students complete all four core SoCreative online modules
• 90%+ cohort completion rate (students attending at least 10 of 12 sessions)
• Average final skills score of 4.0 out of 5.0 across 8 competencies
• 85%+ positive student feedback on facilitator effectiveness

Qualitative Indicators:

• Students demonstrate clear growth in entrepreneurial confidence and capability
• High-quality business concepts developed that are viable and market-ready
• Strong peer collaboration and supportive cohort community established
• Students report actionable learning that they can immediately apply to their ventures
• Compelling final pitches that demonstrate integration of programme learning

WORKING CONDITIONS & COMMITMENT

Time Commitment:

• 12 in-person sessions (2 sessions per week for 6 weeks), each 3 hours long
• Session preparation time: approximately 2-3 hours per session
• Student check-ins and support: 4-6 hours per week during cohort period
• Pre-cohort preparation: 1 week (SoCreative completion + session planning)
• Total estimated time: 60-70 hours over 7 weeks (pre-cohort + 6-week delivery)

Schedule:

• Sessions scheduled based on mutual availability (typically weekday evenings or weekends to accommodate working students)
• Flexibility required for occasional scheduling adjustments
• Must be available for mandatory facilitator training session before cohort launch
• Expected to attend cohort graduation/celebration event at programme conclusion

Location:

• All sessions delivered in-person at ALU campus or designated venue in Kigali
• Student check-ins can be conducted remotely (phone, WhatsApp, Zoom)
• Preparation work can be done remotely at facilitator's convenience

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive per-cohort compensation package based on experience and qualifications
• Milestone-based payment structure (30% upon start, 40% at mid-point, 30% upon completion)
• Access to SoCreative E-Learning platform and all programme materials at no cost
• Professional development opportunity with British Council certification
• Opportunity to facilitate multiple cohorts (up to 4 cohorts over programme duration)
• Networking opportunities with Rwanda's creative entrepreneurship ecosystem
• Recognition as part of a prestigious British Council-ALU partnership

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit:

• Current CV/Resume highlighting relevant training and facilitation experience
• Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing:
• Your facilitation philosophy and approach to engaging adult learners
• Your connection to or understanding of Rwanda's creative economy
• A specific example of a successful training programme you've delivered
• Why you're passionate about empowering creative entrepreneurs
• Your availability for upcoming cohorts (February 2026 onwards)
• Sample Session Plan (optional but highly encouraged): One detailed session plan demonstrating your approach to teaching a specific creative entrepreneurship topic
• Two Professional References with contact information