The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of Project management soft skills on project effectiveness. To assess the validity of study objectives and provide an answer to the questions stated in the study both primary and secondary data were used. Secondary data were collected using documentary search and primary data were collected from 340 beneficiaries of VUP in Rulindo District, 66 Socio-Economic Development Officers at cell level, and 18 VUP managers at sector and District level. Collection of data was made using documentation, interview guide and using a questionnaire. Data analysis was made in form of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics with support of SPSS version 20. The findings are the following: Reference to the 1st objective of the study, study finds that VUP managers are considering beneficiaries’ needs from planning stage (4.26 mean). They are not communicating well or on time the program activities to stakeholders (2.67 mean), and they collaborate with the stakeholders to set priorities of the program (3.90 mean). On the 2nd objective, findings confirm that VUP management effectively receive and respondent to beneficiaries’ concerns (4.07 mean), they also organize meetings for solving people’s problems (4.38 mean) and they ensure regular risk assessment (3.74 mean). 3rd objective assessment led to the results confirming that, VUP management shares the program vision to the stakeholders (3.59 mean), they ensure good decisions on the program activities (4.37), and they ensure transfer of unsolved problems to other authorities (4.23). This is the outcome of leadership skills of VUP management authorities. In the 4th of last objective assessment, the findings confirm that, VUP managers ensure data analysis before taking decision (4.52 mean), they ensure stakeholder engagement in decision making (3.96) and they are effectively managing program risks (3.75%). All the VUP management or staff are effectively using soft category of skills of communication of the information, problem resolution, leadership and skills for proper decision-making to make VUP more effective vis a vis poverty reduction of the Rwandans or beneficiaries in Rulindo District. Based on the study findings, VUP managers and beneficiaries are recommended the followings: Managers are recommended to way of communication, by ensuring timely reports to beneficiaries and all other VUP stakeholders (this the area found with less effort), beneficiaries also could ensure improved use of VUP benefits for poverty reduction mainly by use of VUP income to increase investments and savings. In other case, VUP managers could organize training to keep their performance in soft skills use toward VUP effectiveness in changing people’s wellbeing.

Key Words: Effect; Project management soft skills; effectiveness of the program; VUP