Young Economist Program

Not specified

MINECOFIN/BNR Young Economist Program with GIZ support

9th Cohort – 2026/2027

Background

The Young Economist Program (YEP) provides an excellent opportunity for aspiring young Rwandan economists and helps create a strong “recruitment pool” of highly qualified Economists who can take up professional and leadership positions in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN), the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), and other government ministries and agencies. The program seeks to bridge the gap between academia, the workplace, and policy analysis, while equipping young economists with a strong understanding of the role of public policy in sustainably improving the well-being of the population.

The program is implemented by MINECOFIN and BNR with the support of GIZ Rwanda. Since 2016, eight cohorts have graduated, contributing to a growing pool of young economists serving across key public institutions, including MINECOFIN, BNR, the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), and the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR). Notably, approximately 90% of staff in MINECOFIN’s Office of the Chief Economist are graduates of the previous eight cohorts. The program is now preparing for its ninth cohort.

The YEP combines practical experience with structured learning and mentorship. Participants gain hands-on experience at MINECOFIN and BNR, benefit from mentorship and seminars delivered by national and international experts, complete relevant online and in-person courses, and prepare and present analytical briefs. Their professional conduct and performance are assessed throughout the program.

The program targets highly qualified Rwandan economists aged 30 years or below who hold at least a bachelor’s degree in Economics, Development Economics, Macro-Fiscal Economics, International Trade/Economics, Monetary Economics, Econometrics, Statistics, or a related field. A master’s degree in one of these fields is considered an asset.

About the YEP 9 

The 2026/27 YEP equips Young Professionals with the skills and experience required to work across different economic departments of MINECOFIN and other ministries and government agencies. The program combines three main components: (a) a continuous internship with on-the-job training and mentoring; (b) intermittent formal group training in applied economics, quantitative methods, and relevant software/s; and (c) continuous self-study, including a research project at a later stage of the program. Progress and performance are assessed throughout the program through performance evaluations and written tests.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the program, participants are expected to have strengthened their competencies in three core areas:

1. Applied economic analysis and problem-solving: Critically assess economic and policy issues and apply economic concepts and analytical approaches to policy questions arising in the day-to-day work of MINECOFIN and other public Economic institutions.
2. Quantitative and data analysis: Apply quantitative methods and relevant software/s for macroeconomic projections, policy analysis, and assessing the impacts of policies and external developments on the economy and citizens’ well-being.
3. Communication and collaboration: Clearly communicate analytical findings and policy recommendations to different audiences, engage effectively with peers and supervisors, and contribute constructively to teamwork and institutional building.

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Fixed Term: 6 months renewable once

Positions: 20

Level: Trainees 

A. Responsibilities

As part of the YEP training, participants will be assigned to MINECOFIN, BNR, and, where applicable, other government ministries and agencies for supervised on-the-job learning. During these assignments, participants will undertake the following training-related responsibilities:

Young Economist – Key Responsibilities

1. Conduct applied economic and policy analysis to support evidence-based decision-making, and policy formulation.
2. Collect, manage, and analyze economic data using appropriate statistical, econometric, and quantitative methods and tools, including Excel, E-views, and STATA.
3. Support macroeconomic monitoring, projection, and forecasting by analyzing key economic indicators, emerging trends, and development across the national economy.
4. Analyze real, fiscal, monetary, external, and financial sectors developments and their implications for the economy.
5. Apply macroeconomic and econometric models to assess policy options, economic scenarios, and effects of shocks on economic performance.
6. Prepare analytical briefs, reports, and presentations to communicate economic findings to technical teams and policymakers.
7. Support feasibility studies, project appraisal, economic and financial analysis, Cost-Benefit Analysis, and the implementation and follow-up of government programs and projects.
8. Collaborate with government and development partners on economic research, policy analysis, and capacity-building activities.
9. Participate in on-the-job learning, mentoring, teamwork, and continuous professional development, while undertaking assignments and receiving guidance and feedback from supervisors and mentors. 

B. Required qualifications, competences and experience.

Qualifications

1. Have an “A0” (3–4-year undergraduate) or master’s degree in one or a combination of the following: Economics, Development Economics, Macro-fiscal Economics, International Trade/Economics, Monetary Economics, Econometrics, Statistics.
2. Comprehend public policy, and the relevance of economic analysis for public policy making affecting levels of living (poverty), environmental quality, and the distribution of access to health/education and economic opportunity.
3. Be fluent in Kinyarwanda and English; knowledge of French is an advantage.
4. Rwandan Nationals aged 30 years or below

Practical Skills

1. Proven research and (quantitative and qualitative) data analytical skills;
2. Thorough understanding of Economic Models, Descriptive Statistics, Econometrics & Regression Analysis;
3. Knowledge of Excel, Econometrics, Modelling, data management software/s;
4. Proven solid English report writing skills;
5. Ability to communicate well, work in teams, and prioritize tasks under deadlines.

How to Apply

Interested candidate should submit their application no later than October 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM.  Please click on the “Apply” button to complete your application.

Note:

• All attachments should be put together in one PDF file, not larger than 2 MB.

• Incomplete or late submissions (missing certain files) will result in automatic disqualification.

An individual may participate in the Young Economist Program (YEP) only once. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for test and interviews.