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Program Lead, Market Systems

Addis Ababa

  • Organization: Mastercard Foundation
  • Location: Addis Ababa
  • Grade: Level not specified - Level not specified
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Sustainable trade and development
    • 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 Market Systems professional looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Country Director, the Lead, Market Systems is responsible for conceptualizing and leading the introduction of a Market Systems Approach towards developing the prioritized sectors and promoting investment from various actors. (S)he will provide leadership and technical expertise in the design and development of programs and interventions, driving a shared understanding of key issues and opportunities in the selected markets and promoting investment.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

  • Provide leadership on program design based on the MSD approach and provide investment facilitation expertise to support the Foundation country programs and teams with the goal of designing programs and scaling-up investments in inclusive education, agriculture and other key sectors.
  • Lead Country team members in working collaboratively to develop strategies pertinent to Young Africa Works in Ethiopia and support the implementation of such programs and their interlinkages with investment.
  • Promote the use of market systems approach as a way to unlock investment and achieve overall developmental objectives for Ethiopia Country programs, especially in the area of job creation for youth.
  • Lead the process of identification, prioritization and monitoring of high-potential markets;
    • Lead teams in the development (via co-creating) of interventions in partnership with key actors and lead the learning agenda to refine and inform further programming,
    • Design and supervise the management of market systems and investment facilitation programming, including pipeline development, grants/partner identification, management (incl. due diligence), and program co-development and delivery quality,
    • Drive the learning & knowledge management agenda. Share knowledge & learning reports to offer insights and solutions. Communicate progress and lessons from projects to foundation colleagues and strategic partners,
    • Contribute insights to the Foundation’s thought leadership on youth employment in Africa.
  • Establish professional networks with relevant stakeholders such as government and private market players in order to provide better service to the program beneficiaries.

WHO YOU ARE

  • Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in Finance, Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration or related field (e.g., social studies) required.
  • Minimum of 10 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing very complex projects, preferably in investment facilitation and/or promotion, and access to finance in Ethiopia and/or other African countries.
  • Experience with grant-making, project management, budgeting, partner/stakeholder management, M&E, core analytics (quantitative and qualitative), strategy development and/or gender approaches to development.
  • Strong understanding of the Ethiopian economy and political economy with respect to job creation, including current trends and developments. Knowledge of global latest developments and best practices in the same is a plus. Strong understanding of the role finance, investment and financial inclusion can play in economic development and job creation.
  • Strong management skills and experience of market systems development approaches.
  • Languages: A minimum of a high level of Business Amharic and English is required. Strong written communication (reports, presentations) is a key advantage. Specifically, should possess excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information and deliver messages accurately and concisely to a variety of audiences.
  • Humble and willing to constantly learn, especially from the key implementing partners, the youth.
  • Strong analytical skills, the ability to think strategically and contribute as a thought partner in the Foundation’s strategy development.
  • Willing to travel up to 20% of the time. Enjoys field travel and interacting with the target beneficiaries.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with a range of actors transparently and constructively. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Flexible, adaptable and able to execute a range of job duties and changing priorities.
  • Possess professional maturity, sensitivity with different cultures, and impeccable integrity.
  • Committed 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

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