Senior Legal Counsel, Corporate, Charity and Tax

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.

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 corporate, charity and tax lawyer looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Director, Legal & Compliance, the Senior Legal Counsel will be responsible for reviewing and advising on program proposals, contracts and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, with a particular emphasis on CRA considerations.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Advise Programs and Finance teams regarding funding proposals involving medium – high risk CRA and charity law related issues and new program areas.
• Provide strategic advice on the negotiation and review of funding proposals and funding contracts and communicate feedback appropriately.
• Support General Counsel, Director Legal and Compliance, Canada and the Senior Legal Counsel, Corporate Charity and Tax in advising Presidents’ Office and Board regarding corporate governance related matters, as required.
• Monitor contract and regulatory compliance on CRA and charity law issues.
• Work closely with members of the Legal and Compliance team to maintain and upgrade funding documentation.
• Ensure CRA and charity law regulatory compliance as required.
• Ensure funding contracts are in line with the Foundation policies, procedures and business objectives.
• Participate in various projects as legal support for the Foundation.
• Identify, analyze and respond to legislative developments affecting the Foundation – particularly regarding Corporate, CRA tax and other charity law matters.
• Provide support in the continuous improvement of legal processes and procedures.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

WHO YOU ARE

• Degree in law or equivalent (LLB or JD) is required.
• License to practice law in Ontario or in another Canadian province or territory with ability to transfer to Ontario.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience working in a reputable firm or in-house position with a demonstrated record of success.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in charitable and non-profit law as well as corporate, contract and tax law.
• Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, drafting and negotiation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and listening skills and is open and receptive to feedback.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (PowerPoint, Word, and Excel).
• Results driven; motivated by a high sense of performance excellence and a sense of urgency.
• Innovative, resourceful, and entrepreneurial.
• 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 January 15, 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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