ABOUT MASTERCARD FOUNDATION

Mastercard Foundation seeks a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper. Through its Young Africa Works strategy and Canadian EleV program, the Foundation works with partners to ensure that millions of young people, especially young women, access quality education, financial services, and dignified work. Mastercard Foundation was established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company. The Foundation is independent with its own Board of Directors and CEO.

THE WORK AT THE FOUNDATION

We are currently in an exciting period at the Mastercard Foundation as we intensify the implementation of the Young Africa Works strategy, aiming to empower 30 million young people throughout Africa to access dignified and fulfilling employment.

To ensure the Foundation's accessibility to our partners and program participants, we have established offices in Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Uganda. These offices provide strong in-country support for the implementation of Young Africa Works. We collaborate with governments, the private sector, educators, and other funders to enhance the quality of education and vocational training, equip young individuals with the necessary skills for the workforce, expand access to financial services for entrepreneurs and small businesses, and facilitate connections between job seekers and meaningful employment opportunities.

Our values serve as our guiding principles, transcending and surpassing all other considerations. We wholeheartedly encourage you to bring your bold ideas, curiosity, and expertise to your work.

If you are an experienced professional in Workforce Development looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY 

Reporting to the Country Director, the Head, Workforce Development will lead Rwanda’s country program, leveraging workforce development and the digital economy to increase young people's access to dignified and fulfilling work. S/he will support the Young Africa Works Country Roadmap, which includes program development, implementation, reporting, and stakeholder management. This role requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of digital trends, a passion for workforce development, and the ability to drive initiatives that foster innovation, skill-building, and economic growth.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE 

  • Design and implement initiatives to enhance the digital skills and capabilities of the workforce, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
  • Collaborate with internal teams, educational institutions, and industry partners to develop training programs that align with evolving digital demands.
  • Utilize data analytics to assess the impact of the digital economy and workforce development initiatives.
  • Identify and cultivate opportunities for economic growth within the digital economy, including support for startups, digital enterprises, and technology-driven sectors.
  • Collaborate with government agencies, industry partners, and other stakeholders to create an environment conducive to digital business expansion.
  • Engage with policymakers to advocate for policies that promote a thriving digital economy and workforce development.
  • Provide expertise on digital economy-related legislation and regulations.
  • Establish partnerships with technology hubs, incubators, and accelerators to create a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
  • Facilitate collaboration between startups, established businesses, and research institutions to drive technological innovation.
  • Lead implementation of assigned country program portfolio, including periodic budget development, implementation work planning, execution of activities, and reporting requirements.
  • Monitor and review assigned country program portfolios through coordination, analysis, field visits, and structured engagements with implementing partners.
  • Prepare and present regular reports to senior leadership on key performance indicators, program effectiveness, and areas for improvement.
  • Lead a practical knowledge management approach, documenting the evolution of the roadmap and incorporating lessons learned for future strategic choices.
  • Draft sections of essential documents, reports, and presentations summarizing developments and lessons learned from country programs.
  • Lead high-quality interactions and clear communications with stakeholders and partners, including strategic thought partnerships, joint planning, and coordination.
  • Represent the Foundation at key program-related external stakeholder forums related to the Foundation’s areas of work.
  • Provide leadership to the country team as a member of the Country leadership team.
  • Ensure Program colleagues deliver high-quality work that is aligned with Foundation values and have access to development opportunities in a supportive work environment.
  • Liaise effectively with other members of the integrated country team.

WHO YOU ARE

  • A minimum of 10+ years of relevant experience in program management in varied portfolios: Digital Economy, Workforce Development (WFD), and related programs.
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience at a senior level in a global organization with strong leadership experience.
  • Master's degree in a relevant field such as digital economy, technology management, or business administration.
  • Proven experience in developing and implementing digital economy and workforce development strategies.
  • In-depth knowledge of digital technologies, data analytics, and their applications in various industries.
  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse teams.
  • Experience in policy advocacy and engagement with government agencies.
  • Experience and exposure to relevant country program portfolios with a clear understanding of the country’s development, political, and social issues.
  • Experience applying design thinking approaches to programming and innovation.
  • Demonstrated financial management experience, including preparation and management of budgets and contracts.
  • Ability to think and work in an integrated and holistic way, keeping the Young Africa Works strategy at the centre.
  • Ability to effectively engage and manage relationships with senior external stakeholders, particularly implementing partners.
  • Strong networking and collaborative service orientation towards the country, its young people, and colleagues across the foundation.
  • Ability to facilitate nuanced conversations and guide disparate views towards shared outcomes in ambiguous situations.
  • Mastery of Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
  • Substantive knowledge of critical issues, emerging trends, and barriers in youth and work across Africa.
  • Flexible, adaptable, and able to execute a range of job duties and changing priorities.
  • Professional maturity, sensitivity to different cultures, and impeccable integrity that exemplify the Foundation’s values.
  • Possess excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to various constituents across cultures.
  • You have a committed to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.

Deadline for Applications is June 20, 2024.

Mastercard Foundation (the “Foundation”) values and respects your privacy. By submitting an application for this opportunity, you hereby agree to the Foundation’s collection, use and disclosure of your personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy (available at https://mastercardfdn.org/privacy/). Please note that the Foundation may share your personal information with third-party agencies that support the Foundation’s recruitment activities, and such third-party agencies may contact you directly regarding this opportunity. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Foundation’s Privacy Officer at the address indicated in its Privacy Policy.

The Mastercard Foundation values the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the organization and we are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.

Completion of satisfactory business references and background checks are essential conditions of employment.

For more information and to sign up for the Foundation’s newsletter, please visit http://www.mastercardfdn.org/
Follow the Foundation on Twitter at @MastercardFdn

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