Lead, Scholars Partner Network

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.

UNDERSTANDING CANADA PROGRAMS AT THE FOUNDATION

The Foundation has begun working within Canada in partnership with Indigenous communities and post-secondary institutions to listen, learn, and best understand how we can act in meaningful ways. The EleV strategy was co-created with Indigenous communities, young people, and partners to enable 100,000 Indigenous youth to complete their education and transition to dignified work aligned with their values and aspirations.

As reflected in Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, education is a key driver of improved socio-economic well-being. Through building partnerships with Indigenous communities, we look to expand our initiative ultimately helping to support a generation of transformative Indigenous young leaders who will be change agents within their communities. We believe that by setting a bold target, we will encourage engagement across sectors and create momentum that will elevate the strengths and opportunities of Indigenous youth. In keeping with our approach, Indigenous communities and young people will be the drivers of this transformation. The program will promote innovations to address longer-term systemic change to achieve economic prosperity and social well-being within Indigenous communities.

The EleV team oversees current and emerging partnerships related to Indigenous education. Consistent with our overall vision and Youth Africa Works strategy, we will share learnings and opportunities to connect across the work of the Foundation. While operating in distinct contexts, the centrality of youth voice and vision, affirmation of culture and identity, and priority to enhance community capacity for self-determination are common threads upon which our work is strengthened and reinforced.

UNDERSTANDING AFRICA PROGRAMS 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.

UNDERSTANDING THE MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARS PROGRAM 

The Scholars Program is the Mastercard Foundation’s flagship education initiative. Since launching in 2012, the Program has grown to a $2 billion initiative working with 45+ partners globally and enabling 50,000 young people in Africa to pursue secondary or tertiary education. 

The Scholars Program Roadmap to 2030 sets an ambitious goal of strengthening higher education ecosystems and driving innovation in Africa so that young people, especially those most marginalized, can access relevant and inclusive education, transition smoothly to dignified, in-demand work, and lead transformative lives.

If you are an experienced partner networks professional looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Head, Partner Network, the Lead, Partner Network will be responsible for building and implementing partnerships with higher education institutions, globally, for successful design and delivery of Scholars program.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Lead the development of portfolio-level strategy, including outcomes, approach, and workplan, ensuring alignment with program goals and partner collaboration frameworks.
• Identify and pursue new global partnership opportunities, focusing on youth and institutional strengthening in Africa, while driving co-creation processes with partners and relevant teams.
• Establish success metrics for partnerships and track progress, ensuring high-quality program delivery through active support, problem-solving, and collaboration with partners.
• Collaborate with the Scholars Program Transitions team and the Transformative Leadership team to support Scholars' transitions into work or further education, and ensure implementation of transformative leadership programs on campus.
• Ensure inclusivity in all partnerships, addressing the specific needs of marginalized youth, including women, refugees, displaced youth, and young people with disabilities.
• Utilize Foundation tools and systems to effectively manage data, projects, and initiatives, integrating learnings into program adaptations and ensuring safeguarding of all program participants.
• Manage and track consultant performance, foster stakeholder relationships to scale impact, and collaborate across teams to enhance cross-organizational efforts and partner networks.
• Facilitate learning exchanges, lead advisory groups and working groups, and ensure effective coordination and alignment within the Scholars Program regional portfolio.
• Coach and mentor colleagues to maintain high-quality work, align with Foundation values, and promote a supportive, collaborative environment.
• Some Leads may be requested to manage others on the team, while continuously championing safeguarding across the program.

WHO YOU ARE

• Masters degree and/or Professional qualification in international development, education, public policy, social sciences or another related field is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a similar role.
• Knowledge of the higher education ecosystem and deep understanding of emerging trends and barriers in education and youth employment in Africa.
• Experience working in Africa and managing multiple projects in a fast-paced, fluid environment, while building partnerships across cultures and geographies.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and contribute as a thought partner in the Foundation’s strategy development.
• Strong interpersonal and listening skills with the ability to build effective partnerships at all levels of the Foundation.
• Proven experience delivering programs for women, people with disabilities, refugees, displaced youth, and other marginalized groups.
• Passionate about youth education and employment in Africa, with a commitment to engaging and empowering young people, particularly women and marginalized groups.
• Ability to plan strategically over long timeframes while balancing immediate execution needs with long-term vision.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with a drive to build new functions in dynamic environments and a strong service mindset to act as a trusted business partner.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to execute a range of job duties and changing priorities.
• Possess professional maturity, sensitivity with different cultures, and impeccable integrity that exemplify the Foundation’s values.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.

Deadline for Applications is March 21, 2025,

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/
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