Kigali - Post Report Question and Answers

What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?

There are some embassy EFM jobs available. Other spouses worked from home. Local salaries are much less than what you’d find in the US. - Jan 2022


Getting a local job is challenging, but there are plenty of volunteer opportunities, and telecommuting is always a good route for spouses/partners of direct hires. - Jul 2020


Lots of great volunteer options. Not many where you can paid Western rates, but Western expertise is welcome. - Sep 2019


Many USG expats are employed by the embassy, though there was a recent hiring freeze. Getting a job on the local market is harder as Rwanda is promoting the hiring of Rwandans. - Jun 2018


Most who want to work do so at the Embassy or USAID. There are several though who work on the local economy successfully, though local salaries aren't much. - Dec 2017


Some work at the embassy, some work locally for NGOs. I don't know much more. - Jan 2017


Lots of NGOs though surprisingly, I've heard it can be hard for some to find something locally. However, if an EFM, the Embassy has a lot of options. - Apr 2016


Jobs on the local economy are possible but it is low paying generally. - Oct 2014


You can definitely work on the local market. Most of the jobs are in development. In addition, it's relatively easy to start your own business here. The front office is incredibly supportive of spouses and it's is the best supported embassy I've ever been in in terms of proactively creating jobs both inside and outside of the embassy. - Jul 2014


No. - Sep 2013


Yes, if you are qualified for development sector or teaching jobs and can convince the Rwandan government to give you a treasured work permit. - May 2012


Depends on your qualifications. The Embassy offers employment to family members, but it is all about arrival time. Outside of the Embassy, if you don't have the qualifications to work at one of the NGOs or the schools, you won't be working. - Apr 2012


There are jobs available. - Jul 2011


Not really, unless you speak Kinyarwanda. - Jan 2010


There are depending on your skillset. - Sep 2008


NO, extremely limited with low pay and 6 day work weeks. - Aug 2008


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