Director of Infrastructure

Position Title: Director of Infrastructure 

Reports to: Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administrative & Financial Affairs (DVC-AF)

Location: Kigali, Rwanda (with regular travel to Butaro and Masaka campuses) Department: Infrastructure

Position Overview

The Director of Infrastructure will lead UGHEs multi-campus infrastructure strategy and execution, driving sustainable development, operational excellence, and long-term asset management across the Kigali, Butaro, and Masaka campuses. He will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all UGHE infrastructure initiatives, ensuring cost-effective management and transforming its physical campuses into world-class, sustainable learning environments that embody innovation, inclusion, and equity.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

· Develop and implement UGHEs infrastructure strategy in alignment with institutional priorities and growth plans.

· Lead the planning, design, and delivery of capital projects—including the Masaka Campus—ensuring adherence to budgets, timelines, and quality standards.

· Provide technical and managerial leadership to ensure sustainability, resilience, and energy efficiency in all infrastructure initiatives.

· Serve as the key advisor to the DVC-AF and senior management on infrastructure strategy, policy, and risk.

· Oversee master planning, capital budgeting, and integration of sustainable and energy-efficient design principles.

Project Development & Delivery

· Supervise all ongoing and future capital projects at Kigali, Butaro, and Masaka, ensuring compliance with design standards and timely delivery.

· Oversee the work of the Capital Projects Manager and Clerk of Works, ensuring alignment with design specifications, safety standards, and procurement procedures.

· Lead coordination between architects, engineers, contractors, and external consultants.

· Monitor and report on project progress, financial performance, and risk mitigation strategies.

· Ensure post-construction handover processes are efficient, with appropriate maintenance and asset management plans in place.

Facilities and Maintenance Management

· Oversee the operations and maintenance of all UGHE campuses, ensuring functionality, safety, and efficiency.

· Ensure optimal performance of maintenance teams, including civil, electrical, plumbing, and gardening staff, through efficient systems and supervision.

· Develop preventive and corrective maintenance schedules for all facilities, utilities, and infrastructure assets.

· Implement energy management systems, sustainability practices, and environmental compliance measures.

· Implement innovative campus systems and sustainability initiatives to reduce environmental footprint and improve service delivery.

· Innovative monitoring and control measures for UGHE utility consumption and cost tracking i.e water, electricity, etc..

Budgeting and Resource Management

· Develop and manage the infrastructure departments annual budget, including capital expenditure and operational costs.

· Ensure cost control through robust procurement, contract management, and value-engineering practices.

· Contribute to resource mobilization through preparation of fundraising materials and/or proposal writing.

· Coordinate with finance for project-related financial planning and audits

Compliance, Risk, and Safety

· Ensure all projects and facilities comply with Rwandan construction laws, environmental regulations, and occupational health and safety standards as well as Rwanda Higher Education (HEC) accreditation requirements.

· Oversee risk assessments, safety audits, and emergency preparedness plans for all campuses.

· Champion sustainability initiatives aligned with UGHEs commitment to environmental stewardship and global health equity.

Team Leadership and Development

· Provide leadership, mentorship, and performance management for the infrastructure team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

· Support professional growth and technical capacity building within the team (e.g., engineers, maintenance staff, and administrative support).

· Strengthen coordination between the infrastructure department and other UGHE functions to ensure seamless service delivery.

Qualifications and Experience

· Masters degree in civil engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Facilities Management, or related field.

· Project Management Professional (PMP)Global Certification

· At least 10 years of progressive experience in infrastructure planning, construction management, or facilities operations, preferably within higher education, health, or institutional sectors.

· Proven experience managing large-scale, multi-site projects and capital budgets.

· Strong understanding of Rwandan building codes, environmental regulations, and procurement standards.

· Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and external contractors.

· Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

· Experience with green building and sustainability standards (LEED or equivalent) is an added advantage.

Personal Attributes

Strategic and pragmatic leadership with strong analytical and communication skills. Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and results orientation. Commitment to UGHEs mission of health equity, sustainability, and excellence. Collaborative and adaptable, with the ability to navigate complex institutional environments.

Organizational Profile

The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) is an initiative of Partners In Health (PIH), established in 2015 to train the next generation of global health leaders. Rooted in the principles of equity and excellence, UGHE integrates education, research, and community engagement to drive health systems transformation. With campuses in Butaro, Kigali, and the upcoming Masaka site, UGHE is redefining what it means to build health education infrastructure that serves humanity sustainably and equitably.

Members of the UGHE community are tenacious and resolute in our drive to attain social justice, make common causes with those in need, listen to and learn from others and operate with honesty and humility as we uphold academic integrity and

intellectual curiosity. The University of Global Health Equity seeks individuals committed to these values to join the team.

Partners in Health is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Commitment to Safeguarding and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment:

At UGHE, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work- including community members – as well as our students, contractors, staff, and visitors to our campus are treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, and any form of systemic abuse, whilst reducing risk and vulnerabilities. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with UGHEs policy.

UGHE will request information from applicants previous employers about any findings of fraud, harassment, sexual harassment, and any form of systemic abuse or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.