Head of Strategy & Planning

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 Strategic Program professional looking to increase your impact, read on!

THE OPPORTUNITY 

Reporting to the Executive Director, Country Programs, the Head of Strategy is highly influential and visible, combining strategic planning, performance management, and driving operational rigor (Quality of programming). The Head of Strategy will be the Executive Director’s partner in management and administration and will provide thought leadership across various management and operational issues. S/he will primarily oversee the entire function’s administrative operations, provide oversight and guidance to projects of high importance, and lead key strategic cross-functional and transformational projects. The role will support the Executive Director in making more efficient use of time and delivering their responsibilities more effectively.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE 

• Work with the Director daily or weekly to prioritize projects and initiatives, manage all internal and external requests for the Director, and ensure their involvement in decision-making processes.
• Ensure regular meetings with direct reports to the Director to discuss issues and content before presenting them to the Director.
• Monitor information flow, act as a gatekeeper to the Director, and manage miscellaneous administrative issues such as preparation for external engagements or internal functions.
• Act as the sounding board for the Director, providing counsel, analyses, and support to facilitate decision-making.
• Manage the agenda for key cross-functional meetings, including core team meetings and off-sites, to ensure efficient team communication and coordination.
• Partner with other functions to prepare and maintain a short-term and long-term strategic roadmap for the Country Programs team.
• Provide research and administrative support for special projects, including problem identification and recommendations.
• Attend key meetings with the Director, identify and document management issues, and help drive their closure to ensure overall productivity.

WHO YOU ARE

• A minimum of 10 years of work experience, with at least 5 years in senior strategy, management consulting, or general manager roles.
• A bachelor’s degree or MBA is strongly preferred.
• Creative in solving problems and generating innovative solutions.
• Strong Project Management skills and experience: ability to manage multiple high-profile projects and effectively leverage all resources to achieve results.
• Broad Knowledge of financial analysis and reporting techniques; human resources and risk management planning; and/or accounting and payroll.
• Broad knowledge of processes, protocols, and procedures with a focus on budget, account and fund management and/or personnel management under labour contract(s) and personnel policy
• Experience in coordinating diverse programs and functions for a very diverse department.
• Well-honed written, verbal, and creative communication skills, including the ability to translate insight into content, create slide or written presentations, and create overall communication plans.
• Professional maturity, sensitivity to different cultures, and impeccable integrity that exemplify the Foundation’s values.
• You have a commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.

Deadline for Applications is May 30, 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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