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Lead, Country Program Finance

Nairobi

  • Organization: Mastercard Foundation
  • Location: Nairobi
  • Grade: Level not specified - Level not specified
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Banking and Finance
    • Project and Programme Management
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: Closed

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 have entered a very exciting time at the Foundation as we scale up our operations across Africa to realize our Young Africa Works strategy. Our role at the Mastercard Foundation is to be a catalyst. Our Young Africa Works strategy focuses on working with others to spur systemic change so young people have the opportunity to find work that is dignified and fulfilling.

The Foundation has opened offices in Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Uganda, building a broader leadership presence in Africa to develop specific strategies that support youth employment.  Within a country, we work with governments, the private sector, educators, young people, and other funders to improve the quality of education and vocational training, prepare young people for the work force, expand access to financial services for entrepreneurs and small businesses, and connect job seekers to dignified and fulfilling work.

We are ambitious and driven. Our values transcend and rise above everything else as our guide. We encourage you to bring your bold ideas, curiosity, and expertise to your work. We laugh at ourselves and with each other. We are a team. Our journey together makes our impact even more meaningful.

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 30,000 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.

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

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Head, Finance & Accounting, the Lead will partner with the Country Program Leads in the management of the end-to-end financial programmatic processes (from Roadmap development to Deliver). The Lead will ensure that the programs are adequately funded to achieve intended outcomes (Budgeting) and that the funding is being utilized to deliver the intended outcome by employing appropriate risk management systems through program monitoring & Reporting to aid decision making. He/she will safeguard the Foundation’s Financial resources by maintaining a sound control environment, ensuring the programs are compliant with CRA regulations and providing stewardship on risk Management to their partners.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

  • Manage the full cycle of Finance program partner contracts, i.e., Expression of Interest (EOI), proposal, contract approval, conduct due diligence, budget reviews, program execution & completion and monitoring.
  • Analyzes financial performance against forecast and budget, investigates variances, communicates findings and makes recommendations to programs and partners.
  • Identify and provide financial advice including but not limited to funding terms, taxation, Accounting Standards and other regulations/legislation that may arise.
  • Ensure timely disbursements of funds for programs to ensure programs have sufficient funding in place to deliver the program's objectives and outcomes.
  • Guide and train external program partners on all financial aspects of contract execution, including budgeting and reporting, due diligence, financial controls and Canadian regulatory requirements.
  • Provide financial expertise and advice internally to the Foundation's Programs team on the development and implementation of comprehensive programming strategies.
  • Provide ad-hoc data and support for learning and evaluation activities, including analysis of program outputs and value-for-money.
  • Maintain accurate and timely financial documentation and report on contract commitments, disbursements and cash flow projections.
  • Continuous program monitoring & reporting on financial performance to ensure that the Foundation’s resources are utilized as envisaged.
  • Ensures adequate funding and financial controls are in place to support the delivery of expected program outcomes, as well as compliance with CRA requirements for books and records.
  • Ensures that the management grants systems are kept up to date with the correct financial information for each program in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Ensures that adequate business controls are in place for programs in order to protect the Foundation’s assets.
  • Accountable for compliance with local and international financial regulations and requirements, e.g., Canada Revenue Agency, anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws, etc. 
  • Provide periodic reporting on partner finance matters as determined by the partner contracts and ensure follow up action items are closed as required.  
  • Troubleshoot and manage financial issues that may arise during program implementation.
  • Lead comprehensive program assessment processes ensuring quality control of the plans with potential partners (Accountable for the quality of the Due diligence assessment). 
  • Drive annual due diligence review process and updating yearly workplans with Program’s team and partners. 
  • Perform due diligence procedures on partners (i.e., evaluating financial statements, tax returns, financial capacity, watchlist screening).
  • Assess alignment with charity law (i.e., private benefit and charitable purpose rules) in collaboration with the Legal & Compliance team.
  • Provide Financial Information & insights pertaining to program finance to support decision making.
  • Provide input into the Foundation’s financial planning & budgeting routines within the required timelines and guidance as provided by the financial planning & analysis team.
  • Provide Monthly financial forecasts on commitments and disbursements for assigned portfolio.
  • Provide monthly financial reports on the status of program portfolio including analysis and insights to support decision making on resource allocation.
  • Manage analysts and interns who assist the delivery of program finance tasks on a regular basis; assign work and review resource outputs.
  • Engage and cultivate relationships with regional partners to ensure good governance to enable the achievement of the intended strategic objectives/outcomes of the program and any other tasks as required.

WHO YOU ARE

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting; MBA is an added advantage.
  • Professional accounting qualification and a member of a professional body (i.e., ACCA).
  • A Minimum of 10 years progressive experience in financial roles within large and/or global organizations. Previous work in the development sector is an asset.
  • At least 1-3 years' experience in a management capacity, leading finance and teams of multiple technical competencies.
  • Proficient in MS Office applications, particularly Excel.
  • Working knowledge of:
    • Financial Internal Controls Management,
    • Financials Reporting & Analysis experience including Budgeting, Financial Forecasting,
    • Advanced analytical, quantitative, and statistical skills,
    • financial modeling skills, along with understanding of financial reporting and cash flow information,
    • Identify & mitigate operational, financial and business risks.
  • Generate routine accounting records and financial reports.
  • Determine and apply correct accounting treatments and a proficient knowledge of international accounting standards.
  • Fluent in English; French is an added advantage.
  • Strong organizational skills with detail-orientation and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Able to influence people, build relationships and communicate effectively.
  • Able to exercise a high level of judgment in making decisions or recommendations based on analysis of data & deriving insights from the data.
  • Good problem-solving skills and other competencies (Leadership, Behavioral) is required.
  • Flexible, adaptable and able to execute a range of job duties and changing priorities.
  • Possess excellent verbal, written and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to a variety of constituents across cultures.
  • 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 December 19, 2022.

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

This vacancy is now closed.
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